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
33 (of 119)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Chapter 3. Minor goddesses Aṣtaka and Ekāṣtaka. 215 There is the reference to a goddess by the name as
Aṣṭakā or as Ekāṣṭakā by name¹16. According to the
comentators, it was the eighth day after the full moon day of
Magha and marked either the beginning or the end of the new
year¹17. An Aṣtaka was the eigth day full moon as is evident
from the AV118. She was considered to be the wife of the
Year 19 and that Ekāṣṭaka is the wife of the year and on this
night the year dwells with her¹ 20. From the Tandya
Brāhmaṇa we are informed of a tradition which mentions
�
121 of twelve Aṣṭakas believed to be sacred and the Aṣṭaka par
excellence was the Ekāṣṭaka which was specially revered.
V.M.Apte has termed it as the 'Middle- Aṣtaka' to which the
sacrifice of a cow or an animal was the distinct feature.
And in the rites following the Aṣṭaka, the 'mothers' were
offered their sacrificial share along with the 'fathers', Agni
and Soma. The special offering they received was wine (surā)
and the scum of boiled rice.
116 AV 3.10.1-13
117 Vedic Index Vol.2, P.157
118 AV XV.16.2
119 AV III.10.1,2,8. Man.Br.II.2.6, 2.2.18.
120 Tai.Sam. VII.4.8.1: Tan.Br. V.9.2
121 Tan.Br.X.3.11
