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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 2 - The Maior Goddesses

Page:

30 (of 125)


External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)


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Warning! Page nr. 30 has not been proofread.

chapter II Major goddesses 87 Wilson H.H. quoting the Vayu Purāṇa states that, the female part
became twofold - one half white and the other black. Each of these
two became manifold, being the various Saktis of Mahadeva. He
further quotes the linga and the Vayu Purāṇa and states, those of the
white complexion or mild nature include Lakṣmi, Sarasvati, Gauri,
Umā etc... Those of the darker hue included the goddesses of fiercer
disposition like Durgā, Kālī, Candī, Mahārātrī etc...
Under the heading of Principal Goddesses, these three
important forms of the goddess, namely, Durga-Paramesvari, Śrī-
Laksmi and Sarasvati together with Tripurasundari or Bhuvaneswari
are taken up for study. The order of arrangement of these goddesses is
according to their popularity among the masses and their influences
they hold on the sadhaka.
1. Durgā.
Durgā is the most popular name of the goddess. She
represents the manifested female potentialities and energies generally
of the Saivate. Two aspects of this goddess are dealt with. She is
comely as the spouse of Siva and is popular as his inner energy. In
such an aspect she is famous by the form names as Pārvati, Rudrani,
Gauri, Ambika etc... In this aspect she is full of compassion; she
represents an ideal wife and with her spouse forms an ideal couple. In
her second aspect she is Durgā, Camuṇḍā, Kālī etc.., in this aspect she
is full of power and is of the under lying essence of anger and wrath,
is aggressive and potentially dangerous. She has a purpose, a mission
to serve for which she is motivated. Though she is potentially

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