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
83 (of 119)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Chapter 3. Minor goddesses either as mothers, sisters or virgins. Among themselves, they have no independent function or names. These goddesses group are associated with Agni as his sisters or mothers, who are mostly seven in number. Agni is spoken of as having three mothers247. This group also indirectly refers to the triad of goddesses 248 viz- Il膩, Sarasvat墨 and Bh膩rat墨 where Agni is the son of Il膩. The seven red sisters associated with Agni are mentioned in the RV249, Sayana interprets them as the seven tongues or flames of Agni, which are given separate names in the later vedic texts 250 they sometimes signify the rivers or sacred streams虏 These seven maiden sisters are invoked in a 251 charm against the poison or a snake bite 252.
The next valuable reference is the Indus valley the
Harappan seals. There is a seal of a tree Goddess or a spirit,
in a Pepal-tree appearing to a kneeling worshipper behind
whom stands a goat with a human face. Below are seven
votaries or ministrants each dressed in a short kilt and
wearing a long pigtail and a spray of leaves or feathers in
hair. The Tree spirit is apparently nude but has a pair of horns
between which is a projection which was probably intended
247 RV. III.56.5.
248 RV.III.29.3
249 RV.X.5.5
250 Mundaka Upanishad 1.2.4
251 RV.I.72.8, VIII.85.1, IX.102.4
252 RV.I.191.14, 1.164.3, VII.66.15, VIII.41.2, X.5.5, IX.102.4
265
