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 4 - Worship and The Worshipper
32 (of 95)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Worship & worshipper Sno. Age - Range. Designation. 1. Six to Nine Na _ 2. Eight to thirteen Kulaj膩. 3. Ten to sixteen Identical with Goddesses. 4. Five to twelve Kum膩r墨. 333 A general opinion of Tantra works as well as the practitioners of
Tantra is a girl should be worshipped as long as she does not have the
menstrual flow. And in the flower-offering ceremony, a deflowered girl i.e.
one whose menstrual flow has stopped is considered as a virgin, and she
alone should be worshipped 54. This is specifically mentioned because it
throws light on the social conditions prevailing at that time - child marriage.
Accordingly, we have two types of virgin girls- (i) the girls who are still not
married off and (ii) the girls who are married but the marriage is not
consumated as they have not yet attained puberty.
Further the virgins of different castes are to be worshiped for different
reasons. The following table will throw light on the result of the worship
offered to the virgins belonging to different castes 56. Also for the first time
the social order prevailing at the then society of which consisted of 'five-
castes' is mentioned.
Sno.
Caste of virgin.
Result of worship.
1.
Brahmin girl.
In all undertakings.
2.
Ksatriya girl.
For attaining victory
54 Kubj. ch XVI
55 SVT ch XVIII
56 opcit.
