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
102 (of 119)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Chapter 3. Minor goddesses goddess universally presiding over birth, immortality, destruction or death, popular even in present day folk regions of India, we may presume that they were all regarded as sisters among themselves and always roaming in a group clasping hands with each other. Another point of observation is that there exists some sort of identity of the m膩t峁沰膩s with the Yoginis. Quite often the yogini goddesses are mistaken for m膩t峁沰膩s in rustic India. To have a clear view the yoginis have, therefore, been taken next for study. Origin. Yoginis. The yoginis 296 have been born out of the practicles of the rays of Mah膩k膩l墨. They are sated to be crores in number, fierce and eager for battle. According to the popular belief the yoginis are said to be sixty four 297 in number, and are said to be arrayed in group of eight-eight yoginis in each group. Thus we have eight yogini group with eight yogini in each group. The Silpaprakasa 298 quoting the Saudik膩gama299 throws more light on the concept of yoginis. According to it, the period of a day and night is divided into thirty muhurtams ie. 296 Yogini Tantra Ch:8.
297 For a detailed list see Apperdix-ii
298 Ramacandra Mahapatra Kaula Bhattaraka - Silpa Prakasa I. 106 P.385
299 Saudikagama 1.94-137.
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