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
62 (of 125)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter II Major goddesses Rules to be followed. 119 The following rules are to be followed by a devotee of the
goddess Lalita. The sādhaka should not chew sugarcanes, should not
think of the goddess Vartālī ie... Vārāhī, should not criticize the
Pañcamakāras, should not be rude towards women, should not drink
wine for the gratification of the senses, should not walk away without
talking to a woman who speaks to him 184.
Grace of the goddess Lalitā.
185 In the Brāhmaṇanda Purāṇa' there is mention of Viṣnu
propitiating the goddess Lalita when a terrible fight has started
between the gods and the demons for taking possession of the nectar.
Viṣṇu propitiates Lalita and in consequence of concentrated
meditation, becomes identical in form and appearance with her. Lalitā
with exquisite beauty dupes the demons who gladly surrender to her
the vessel of the nectar.
After making the Gods and the demons seated in different
rows for distributing the nectar, she distributes the entire quality of
nectar among the gods and, having placed the empty vessel before the
demons, disappears. On getting the information that Viṣṇu assumed the
form of Lalita, Śiva accompanied by his consort Pārvatī comes to
Viṣṇu and requests him to show his beautiful form. After being
184 Parasurama Kalpasutra Tantra 6.39
185 Br.P-4.10-13
