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 5 - Conclusion
1 (of 7)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Conclusion. Ch. I Conclusion. RSITY OF UNIVE * MUMBAI LIBRARY 397 The goddess as the female counter-part of the Devat膩 has undergone a 啷�
[1
] lot of transformation through the ages. The churning of various ideas,
association of concepts, and the surrounding belief system all led into the
formation, transformation and reformation of the universal spirit that was
essentially feminine for her devotees. The primitive idea of a mighty female
was that of the mother spirit. The 'mighty female' was associated with
motherly attributes such as the giver of birth, the one who nourishes,
defender and ultimately as a protector all packed into one.
The oldest reference of idol available is from the excavations at
Mohen-jo-daro. The excavations unearthed nude feminine figures with
prominent breasts and torso region. Among the various attributes the
common and special attribute of the female as 'birth-giver' was upheld. The
concept that femininity was fructified with child birth is universal. This led
to the development of the concept of a female with many 'yonis" or the
external representation of multiple breasts and female figurines with
prominent teats. As time passed the nudity of female figurine gave way to
well sculpted idols which were essentially clothed in the torso region. The
idea of female figurines with well developed breasts and prominent teats
seems to be upheld world wide. The reason of the popularity of the concept
1 See cf. ch.II - Major Goddess.
2 See picture of statue at Manhattan -USA
