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
5 (of 119)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Chapter 3. Minor goddesses R膩tri 187 13 R膩tr墨 or the personified night is hailed as early as in the RV
in one complete hymn鹿虏. She is called the daughter of heaven鹿鲁,
as the goddess and the sister of dawn. She in the RV is
conceived of as a bright starlit night decked with splendor. She
drives away darkness with her light.
is
In the AV4 she praised in four hymns. Here it is observed
that, now her nature is altogether changed and instead of the
description of a bright starlit night, she is now the dark black
night's with no moon or stars. Because of the pitch dark nature
of her, she is therefore addressed as Tamasvati鹿6 or the darkest
one, as Ramy膩 17 or the dark one. It is further said that, when
she spreads forth, in the sky dreadful darkness comes near鹿8.
The AV mentions her as the auspicious one and as the bestower
of longevity and$ prosperity to her devotees".
A special religious austere practice known as 'R膩tri Vrata'
is mentioned in the Samavidh膩na Br膩hma峁嘺20. This Vrata is
performed by those who wish no rebirth. She is celebrated by
the following epithets Punarbh奴 (who has recurring
12 RV. X.127.1-8.
14 AV. XIX.47,48,49,50
13 RV.IV.30.9.
15 Nirukta-2.2.20
16 AV.XIX.47.2
17 AV.XIX.49.7
18 AV.XIX.47.1
19 AV III.10.2-4.
20 Sam. V.Br.3.8.2.ff.
