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
79 (of 95)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Worship & worshipper 380 -151
the tantras 150. The names of female gurus end in amba鹿51 ie. female gurus
have 'amba' suffixed to their names. These names are the names given at the
time of initiation. Further the gurus are classified as Divya gurus, Siddha
gurus and M膩nava gurus. Below is a list of the female gurus in each
category styled on the basis of the names of the male gurus.
a)
Divya Gurus (f) - Urdvakesmba, Vyomakesamba, Nilakantamba,
Vrasadhavajamba.
b)
Siddha Gurus (f) - Vasistamaba, Kurmanthamba, Mananthamba,
Mahesvaramba, Harinathamba.
c)
Manava Gurus (f) - Bhavaatiamba, Bhanumatiamba, Jayamba,
Vidyamba, Mahodariamba, Sakhananadamba, Purananandamba,
Parijaamba, Kulesvaramba, Virupaksamba, Dvahutiamba.
The goddess Parvati is said to be ParaparaGuru while Siva is Parame峁i
Guru for all the s膩dhaka s.
Whom to approach for initiation ?
A mantra should not be taken from any one rashly without thinking. The
tantras condemn self initiation practised by reading books on the subject. A
human Guru is necessary. The tantras list the persons worthy to be accepted
as a Guru by the sadhaka. The STT152 lists six types of persons from whom
initiation may be taken they are as follows - one's acharya, maternal uncle,
r墨tvij, paternal uncle, father-in-law and the king. The SVT 153 states that a
150 GST ch. I
151 NTch V
152 STT II.
153 SVT ch. II
