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
95 (of 125)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter II Major goddesses Padmini Vidya. 152 The MarP, mentions a special aspect of Sri - Laksmi cult
known as Padmin墨 Vidy膩. Laksmi is the presiding deity of the Vidy膩.
Under her auspices were included eight treasures or Nidh墨s known as
Padma, Mah膩padma, Makara, Kachchhapa, Mukunda,
Nandaka, N墨l膩 and Sa峁卥ha.
Iconic details.
Lak峁i standing on a large lotus with two hands in the
Abhaya-varada pose with gold coins gushing out of her Varada hasta
is seen in common.
At Tirumala in Tirupati a large icon of this goddess is seen in
the passage enclosing the main shrine. This idol of Laksmi is
popularly known as Kamal膩 but she is infact Padma-艢r墨 the
presiding deity of all treasures.
鈥� Another interesting carving is the goddess Laksmi holding the
two treasures ie the Sa峁卥hanidhi and Padmanidhi with her two
hands apart from the Abhaya-Varada mudras on the Ratha
panel at Melattur. The picture below will throw light on the
concept.
