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
13 (of 119)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Chapter 3. Minor goddesses moon, she is identified with the full moon night too 42 and Kuhu is the new moon night43. In the Purāṇas Kuhū, Sinīvālī, Rākā, along with Bhānumati are said to be the daughters of Smrti the wife of Angiras.The importance of these goddess' is seen from their identification with the vedic metres and the special offering of caru or the pap45.Below is a table of the vedic datal divinity and the vedic meter associated with them. Datal divinity Anumati Rākā. Vedic meter Gayatri Rākā, Triṣtubh Sinīvālī Kuhū Jagati Anuṣtubh Rākā presides over the actual day of the full moon. Rākā is addressed with the epithet Brhaddhiva which denotes a very brilliant form of the goddess who presides over Tai.Sam.3.4.9.6. 43 Go.Br.2.1.10;Ait.Br.7.11; Mai.Sam.4.3.5; Kat.SAM. 12.8. 44 The Markendaya Purana v.21, P.269. Translated- Pargiter F.G; Indological Book House, Delhi-1969 45 Sat. Br.9.5.1.38; Ai.Br.3.47; Mai.Sam.4.3.5; Kat.Sam. 12.8; Tai.Sam.3.4.9.6. 46 Sayana on RV 5.42.12.
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