Essay name: Devi Tantra, Mantra, Yantra (study)
Author:
Srider Basudevan Iyer
Affiliation: University of Mumbai / Sanskrit, University Department
This essay studies the history of Devi (the Goddess) in relation with worship using Tantra, Yantra and Mantra. The study explores the concept of the 'Female Principle' or Goddess, examining her role and significance in ancient Indian society.
Chapter 2 - The Maior Goddesses
18 (of 125)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter II Major goddesses 75 The earth is seen embracing Var膩ha-Vi峁ａ箛u at an independent
temple at the Tium膩l膩 hills in Tirupati, the lord is called as Bh奴-
Var膩ha Sw膩mi. In temples, the sculpture of Bhu-Var膩ha is seen in
pillars (picture) adorning the temple precincts. At Kumbakonam in
Tamil Nadu, there is an important temple of lord Vi峁ａ箛u known as
OppIl膩appa swamy. In Tamil language the word oppilla means one
without a second. Lord Visnu is seen standing with his spouse the
earth and his father-in-law the sage M盲rkandeya both in submissive
position on either side. The goddess earth is positioned to the left of
the lord and she is shown as a small girl and having two hands which
are now joined in salutation.
According to the temple tradition, she is a small girl of five
years and so is inexperienced in cooking which her father
M盲rkandeya discloses in the beginning. Lord Vis峁噓 promised to adjust
to her cooking and accordingly he eats bland food which is cooked by
his young wife. The devotees to this temple offer salt and pepper as
their offerings and receive bland food as sanctified blessings from the
lord.
The Earth in different animal forms.
In the Bh膩gavata Purana it is mentioned that the earth
assumed different forms. In course of study, two important
manifestations of the earth were noted. The two manifestations are
that of a cow and that of a boar.
83 BhP. Sk.IV. XVII.3a.
