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
37 (of 119)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Chapter 3. Minor goddesses According to the Sk.P, Ṣaṣti is identified with Devasenā the wife of Skanda. She is a special mātṛkā and is both the protectress of the children as well as the giver of sons and grandsons. She is offered worship on the sixth day after the birth of the child. According to folk belief the goddess Ṣaṣṭi should be offered worship on any day other than Monday and Friday on the earth. Procedure. The goddess Ṣaṣṭi is invoked on a Saligrama-stone, or in a jar, or on the root of a banyan tree, or by drawing a figure on the floor of the lying-in-room or by making an image of Ṣaṣṭi Devī. Mantra. An eight syllabled is mentioned in the Purāṇas as well as in the books of Tantra, and is as follows "OM Hrim Ṣaṣti Devyai Swāhā"130 The stotra of the goddess Ṣaṣṭi is very beautiful and is as per the SV and the rendetion of it with faith and devotion is son-bestowing. By this the issueless couples as well as the 130 DBP IX.39.43-57; BTS App.P.1223 1 219
