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
4 (of 55)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
chapter 1. Introduction Meaning. Devi or the Goddesses. 4 Devi is simply translated as the female counterpart of the Deva,
Devata which means a Male God鲁; and thus Devi is the goddess, the
female counterpart.
Scope.
The theme of the study is wide and comprehensive and thus, the
different and various two, four, eight, ten, sixteen, eighteen -armed
stone figurines which are enshrined and worshipped as well as the
natural, un-idolized, non-sculptable, un-paintable etc. concepts and
ideas, or simply stones either dabbed in mineral colours or simply
mineral-like stones, to the two-armed and super powered guardian
spirits, wives of minor gods, to the simple and docile home-makers.
The term also includes virgins, chaste wives, small baby girls,
widows, as well as the deceased suv盲sin who may be an ancestor.
Devi also includes the holy basil or the Tulasi plant, the cows, the
rivers, the power of thinking and talking, the dawn and night, the
dazzling stars and asterisms etc...
Monier Williams A Sanskrit English Dictionary; Delhi 1998, P.492.
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