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
59 (of 125)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter II Major goddesses 116 A study of the term Gauri as found in the Vedic literature,
shows that the word occurs both as masculine and also is used in the
feminine. In the RV, Gaura is explained as a kind of animal and is
spoken of in connection to Indra鹿70, with the Asvins with Varuna鹿71.
The word Gaura occurs in the feminine gender i.e. Gaura occurs in
relation with the Asvins172, the Soma juice鹿73 with Vayu 174. In the
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[9
] Asyavamiya-s奴kta175 Gauri is explained as the speech of the mid-
region - Madhyamika V膩c'
By way of summarizing it can be pointed out that Gauri is
an animal which is white in colour. Its milk and hide is spoken of in
the RV176
In the Puranic literature, it is well established fact that
Gauri is P膩rvati. This P膩rvat墨 became dark when she was enveloped
by R膩tr墨 and she was taunted as K膩l墨 by her spouse Siva. P膩rvat墨
feeling insulted by the taunt propitiates Brahm膩 with severe penance.
By the grace of Brahm膩, she casts off her black sheath and becomes
Gauri or the fair-complexioned.
In the Maitrayani Samhita鹿77 a clear cut identity of Gauri as
a divinity connected with Mahadeva is found and was thus associated
170 RV.8.4.3ab
171 RV.10.51.6.cd.
172 RV.8.87.1cd; RV.7.69.6.ab
173 RV I.84.10ab
174 RV 9.12.3.cd
175 RV.I.164.41
176 RV.4.12.6, RV.4.58.2
177 Mai.sam.2.9.1
