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
26 (of 125)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter II Major goddesses 7. M膩dhavi鈦�4 83 Since the earth is supported,
created and maintained by lord
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Worship and mantra.
In the popular belief the ant hill or the Valmika is
considered as the form of the earth. To this ant hill worship is offered
by the masses. This valmika has many holes in it which is considered
as the Yoni of the earth. The valmika is the living form of the goddess.
It has the power of growth, life issues out of it in the form of termites
and reptiles like snakes. Snakes are well associated with fertility
beliefs and charms. In the sacrifice the sacrificial pit is filled with the
earth from taken from the Valmika. This earth is known in the
sacrificial religion as the Valmikavap膩 or the omentum of the earth.
One can induce that the earth from the valmika which was the most
fertile part was the first offering to the sacrificial pit which was
responsible for resulting in the attainment of the cherished results for
the performer in the end.
In temple festivals, there is the ritual of Mrdsamgraha".
This is the first ritual of the ten-day+ car-festival performed by
temples. This ritual is done one day before the actual commencement
of the main festival which commences with the flag hoisting
ceremony. On the chosen site, usually a river bank or near a watetr
tank, the picture of the earth is drawn and worship is offered. Then the
94 VP I.IV.20
95 see picture PTO.
