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 3 - Minor Goddesses
100 (of 119)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Chapter 3. Minor goddesses M膩t峁沰膩 - worship. There is a reference to the Pusya bath to be taken by the king in the Brihat Samhita 292. The priest on the ground intended for bath shall draw a circle, cover it with gems and mark in it places for several Devat膩s. The figures of the planets, constellations, the rudras, the saptam膩t膩s, etc and also the deva's wives would be represented in the specially marked place. There is a reference to a K盲mya vrata done on Caitra- suddha-navami. This vrata is known as the m膩t峁沰膩-vrata. In this the sixty four yoginis and bhairava are offered worship. They are worshipped with white sandal paste and white flowers. This is done for getting children and ensuring their protection 293. 294 The ABC mentions about the worship of the m膩t峁沰膩s on
the different days of the month The worship of yogini's is
recommended to be performed by the kings before a
battle 295. The table below will facilitate a quick check of the
days for worship.
292 BS 48.24,26.
293 Bharatiya Sanskriti Kosa - Vol. 7.
294 ABC II.3.1140-1144
295 ABC I.2.1145 ff.
282
