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
60 (of 119)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Chapter 3. Minor goddesses On the basis of the above listed points, it can be summarised that the goddess K膩l墨 like Sarasvati is the goddess of knowledge. K膩l墨 in Fertility related rites. In the Mundaka Upanisad there is reference of K膩l墨 as the flaming tongue in to which the ritual agnihotra oblations are poured. In the Kataka Grhya Sutra, K膩l墨 is invoked along with other deities in the marriage ritual and the offering is of perfume. In Pur膩峁嘺, we find Kali's presence in marriage rituals directly. In the Siva Pur膩峁嘺, we have the reference of K膩l墨, accompanying Virabhadra being referred to P膩rvat墨 in the company of Siva. Again in the P盲rvatikhand we have the reference of Candi, the sister of Rudra, moving ahead and leading the marriage procession of Rudra with happiness and excitement. In the Rudra samhit; there is a reference to the amorous sports of Siva and Parvati. Siva points to the dark nipples on P盲rvati's golden breast and refers to them as K膩lika and as her companions 199 In the Skanda pur膩峁嘺 we have a reference of Camu峁囜笉膩,
tying a garland of skulls to Siva's hair and blessing him to
198 Siva Purana Vol 2. Sec.3, Ch.40, V.35-37
199 Siva Purana Vol. I, Sec. 1, Ch.21 V.20-23
242
