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Cidgaganacandrika (study)

by S. Mahalakshmi | 2017 | 83,507 words

This page relates ‘Origin of Tantric system� of the English study of the Cidgaganacandrika: an important Tantric work belonging to the Krama system of Kashmir Shaivism. Written by Kalidasa (Shrivatsa) in 312 Sanskrit verses, the Cidgagana-Candrika deals with the knowledge regarding both the Macrocosmic and Microcosmic phenomena. This study includes renditions from the two available commentaries—the Divyacakorika and the Kramaprakashika

This book contains Sanskrit text which you should never take for granted as transcription mistakes are always possible. Always confer with the final source and/or manuscript.

Go directly to: Footnotes.

Part 1 - Origin of Tantric system

Kashmir is placed in the womb of the Himalayas and endowed with beautiful flora and fauna. It has emerged as an elite seat of knowledge from early times, as famous as Universities of Taksasila and Nalanda. High mountains and seclusion of the land helped her to preserve the life and conditions of early times.

Kashmir was called Śś (the land of goddess Ś岹) by Bilhana and others. This Śīṻ is believed to be abode of goddess Sarasvati and is also known as Śīīṻ, conferring ñ degrees. ī worship seems to have originated from this concept of the poets regarding the characteristic learning of the land. The Siddhas and Ṛṣ indulge in exerises of the highest order of metaphysical speculation here.

Literaray Reference

Kashmir is rich in cultural heritage and derives its inspiration and strength from her natural environment and the bountyful literature and literary traditions. Literature of a country reflects the unique and peculiar characteristic of her people and highlights numerous subjects developed in the language with varied aspects pertaining to that area. Tantra śٰ forms an important branch of the general śٰs. Vedas are the source of all these śٰs and Śabda-śٰ or ղ첹ṇa (grammar) is their expression and basic source material.

Tantras have secular outlook and are free from all personal, communal or race restrictions. They assign a very important place to women in religion and account for the growth of the śٲ cult. Sir John Woodruffe -Arthur Avalon is the one to point out first, the philosophical and practical value of the Tantras and gradual displacement of Vedic rituals by worship of Śākti Jaganmāta.

Significance of the system

Experiences gained in the Śٲ cult and Ś are a clear exposition and manifestation by Tantric Treatises, most of which are lost. The rituals anyway bear a clear imprint of these tantric influences. Present day 󲹰첹 of the Śٲ and Ś cult are the direct descendants of the Tantric group of preceptors. Subject of Tantra Śāstra are expounded in the form of a malefemale dialogue, viz. the dialogue between Ś and پ. Tantra Śāstras which advocate supremacy of ʲśپ are called Śٲ tantras[1].

Different manifestations of the world with three-fold form and the collective energy of Brahma, վṣṇ and Ѳś are called Tripura or Tripurasundari who represents the three forms of Ѳī, Ѳṣmī and Ѳī also.

Footnotes and references:

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[1]:

[侱岵ԲԻ] Verse 282.

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