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
46 (of 125)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter II Major goddesses 103 the sacrifice 129. The Tryambaka homa described in the SB130
celebrates the goddess Ambik盲 or Amba conjointly with Rudra and
puts her on par with him. It has been explained in the text-'Ambik膩,
indeed is the name of Rudra's sister, and this share belongs to him
conjointly with a Str墨 ie. a woman, therefore these oblations are called
as Tryambaka. Further it is stated in the SB 132 that maidens
worshipped Ambik膩, for the goddess Ambik膩, is indeed the dispenser
of happiness ie. Bhaga.
The name Bhaga is found in the K膩taka Samhit膩 alone 133
and it occurs nowhere else in the Vedic literature. But it appears to be
a prototype for the epithet Bhagavati of the goddess. In the RV, the
phrase Bhagavati is used as an epithet to Vac the cow134. In the R膩tr墨
s奴kta Bhagavati is an epithet of the goddess R膩tr墨 Durg膩.
Bhagavati or the
129 VS III.57, Tai Sam - 1.8.6.1,2
SB.II.6.204-217
130 131
SB.II.6.2.9
132 SB.II.6.2.13
133 Kat.Sam-36.14
134 RV.1.164.40, Ait.Br-1.22
nude
women
displaying
her
yoni.
Source - Pillar
carving Karapattur,
Tamilnadu.
