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
55 (of 55)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter 1. Introduction 55 The yantra is the visual counterpart of the mantra and the two
are as such indispensable. The yantra is the body of the Devat膩
whereas the mantra its life. Any tantra ritual however simple or basic,
is not conceivable without the accompaniment of yantra and mantra.
In the following chapters the goddesses' types are focused as
also the worship process which includes the worshippers in detail to
give a full-fledged view of the goddesses. The format of the study is
spread across five chapters. Pictures, diagrams and illustrations have
been provided to get a complete understanding of the theme of study.
The chapters and their content details are as follows - Introduction,
Major Goddesses, Minor Goddesses, Worship and Worshipper and
Conclusion.
(1) Introduction. The first chapter is of 'Introduction'. The chapter
discusses in detail about the different units which constitute the title of
thesis. It also includes the study of other related points.
(2) Major Goddesses.
Goddesses'. In this chapter, five goddesses have been selected for the
study under the heading 'Major' due to various reasons. Consistence
in worship ritual through-out the Ages is the main criteria of being
termed as 'Major Goddesses.'
The second chapter is titled 'Major
(3) Minor Goddesses. The third chapter is titled 'Minor Goddesses'.
This section will study those goddesses who do not have an unbroken
tradition of worship. They are the goddesses of only small and
