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
7 (of 125)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter II Major goddesses 64 49 everything hence the name 'Aditi' and verily, he who knows the
nature of Aditi becomes an eater of everything, and all food becomes
his"11
Synonyms.
Aditi in the YV is equated with the cow and as such has
several names鹿虏 such as I岣嵞�, Ranti, Havy膩, K膩my膩, Chandra, Jyoti,
Aditi, Sarasvati, Mahi and Vi艣ruti.
Occurrences.
13 The Great Mother principle is invoked as 'Mahim膩t膩' in the
RV. This reflects the basic nature of Adit墨 as 'M膩t膩' for motherhood
and Mahi for Magnitude. Quite often Aditi is designated as
'Mahim膩t膩'. Aditi is said to have brought forth mitra-varuna and is
spoken of as the guardian of Rta鹿鲁. There is frequent mention of Aditi
and her sons with Rta. Aditi symbolizes an abstract deity, the
principle of boundlessness or infinitude. The word Aditi is often
explained in later literature as the negation of Dit墨 and is derived from
the root d茫 meaning 'to bind' or 'to enclose'.
10 SatBr10.6.5.5.
11 Br. Up 7.4.2.7
12 VS.VIII.43; SBr 4.5.8.10
13 RV VIII 25.3
14 RV I 152.3, 1-153.3, VIII.25-1,3,7-8V.65-2V.67.4, VII-66.13
