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 1 - Introduction
22 (of 55)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter 1. Introduction 22 22 K膩艣m墨ra, is a mixture of the above mentioned two extremes.
Here instead of the literal application or merely the contemplation on
the pa帽camak膩ras, substitutes are used, and as above the deity is
immersed into the self of the s膩dhaka.
It is observed from the Brhad-gautamiya-tantra, the
tantr膩caras from different regions had different degrees of reputation.
Accordingly, those from the west were the best, those from the south
of the middle variety and those from the Gauda and K膩mar奴pa
inferior while those from Kalinga the worst.
Classification according to the initial letters:
Classifying Tantras according to the initial letter used is
another way. In this method tantras are classified as 'K膩di','H膩di'
etc. 'K膩di' means, that which begin with 'Ka' and, 'H膩di' means that q
which begin with 'Ha' 45. In these tantras the mantras begin with the
above mentioned two Devanagari letters. Tantras are also classified
as Madumati or K膩dimata which is known as 艢r墨kula and as M膩lin墨 or
K膩limata known popularly as K膩likula.
45 Sadhu Santideva, Opcit. P.4,5.
