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 3 - Minor Goddesses
49 (of 119)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Chapter 3. Minor goddesses wearing a ruby crown which is further beautified by a cresent moon at the top. She has two hands in which holds a ruby-cup with honey filled to the brim and a red lotus in another 159 (ii) If the mantra is three lettered, then, she is grey in
complexion, adorned with the moon on the top. She has four
hands on which the following are seen- the gesture of grace, a
red lotus, a ruby studded cup and the boon bestowing
gesture 160. When the letters are changed, there is a change in
her physical description. She still posseses four hands but
now the red lotus is replaced with a goad and the ruby
studded cup is replaced by a noose 161. The goddess
Bhuvane艣var墨 is waited upon and served by the gods
etc... The MLRK 162 further states that she is served by the
parrot and the myna who holding flowers surround her.
The Subtle Yantra form.
The Yantra of the goddesses Bhuvane艣var墨 descpibed in
the texts of Tantra is very simple and without any
complexities. It consists of the following. A central Bindu
which is enclosed by a six pointed triangle,
鈥� A circle enclosing the triangle and an eight petalled
lotus petal surrounding the circle,
159 BTS Ch.2. P.188
160 BTS C.2, P.189
161 ibid. C.2, P.191
162 MLRK 39.11a
231
