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
80 (of 119)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Chapter 3. Minor goddesses 242 Hrim Sah Sphem Ksham24
In the Angany膩sa, 艢ivaduti is asked to protect the
worshipper against dangers from lions or tigers and stay in his
weapons with the repetition of the above mantra 243.
Conclusion:
K膩l墨 or the dark complexioned deity, says Sircar 244 may
have been the goddess of the pre-dravidian tribes. Thus one
finds the reference of a South Indian woman swaying in
frenzy and rage referred to as K膩l墨's dance in contrast to a
man whose anger is referred to as Rudra t膩峁囜笉av. The
worship of K膩l墨 as Ang膩la-amman (An-K盲la-amman) or as
Mariamman by every community and almost in every house
of Tamilnadu indicates her strong Dravidian roots. The
association of goddess K膩l墨 with Agni as its part highlights
her importance in status. The flaming tongue of Agni is later
on carried to the pur膩峁嘺s, tantras and the classics where K膩l墨
is depicted as being dark- Kar膩l膩 and her tongue lolling out to
drink blood is mentioned. Her favorite oblation is the
victim's blood offered to her. She, as the goddess of
knowledge, facilitates knowledge process by letting out the
pure form which is essentially white to issue and come out as
Kaushiki a virgin who is fair complexioned.
242 KP LXIII. 101-103
243 KP. LVIII.40,41
244 Sircar D.C. Sakta Pitas - p. 35-37.
262
