The ܰṃh: The Earliest Surviving Tantra on Sun-Worship
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: The ܰṃh: The Earliest Surviving Tantra on Sun-Worship
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Diwakar Acharya
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: The ܰṃh: The Earliest Surviving Tantra on Sun-Worship
Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.9393
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
The ܰṃh is a significant ancient Sanskrit text focused on the worship of the Sun, preserving insights into the Tantric traditions surrounding solar deities and their affiliation with the god Ś. Identified as one of the earliest surviving Tantras, this manuscript dates back to 949 CE and reflects an intricate fusion of Buddhist and Ś elements. Through discussions and various teachings, the text aims to explicate the ritual practices associated with Sun worship, emphasizing the strong theological connections between the Sun god (Ā徱ٲⲹ) and Ś, amongst others.
2) The Identity of Ā徱ٲⲹ
One of the central themes in the ܰṃh is the identity and exaltation of Ā徱ٲⲹ, the Sun god. The text posits that Ā徱ٲⲹ is the first amongst all deities and is fundamentally linked to the cosmic order, serving as a primordial source of light and energy. According to chapters in the text, Ā徱ٲⲹ's creation stems from the fusion of Ś's divine energy, characterizing him not merely as a solar entity but as an extension of the divine itself. Throughout the worship rituals outlined in the text, Ā徱ٲⲹ is described as the all-seeing eye of the cosmos, upholding the duality of existence—illuminating both the visible and the metaphysical realms.
3) Ritual Practices and Ancillary Elements
The ܰṃh delves into various ritualistic practices integral to Sun worship. The text outlines a structured ritual system that includes mantras, visualizations, and specific offerings. Central to these rituals is the drawing of a ṇḍ, where specific seating deities are positioned to facilitate the worship of the Sun and other celestial bodies. The text emphasizes the importance of using the khakholka-mantra and other specific prayer offerings, underscoring the meticulous procedures that practitioners must follow in their devotion to ensure efficacy and divine connection.
4) Integration of Solar Worship in Broader Traditions
Moreover, the ܰṃh showcases how solar worship, particularly in the context of Ś, has transcended regional boundaries. The continued worship practices observed in Bali reflect an amalgamation of Indic traditions and local cults, signifying the adaptability and longevity of these beliefs. Lévi's research into Balinese rituals reveals a syncretic practice that reinforces the conceptual link between Ś and the Sun, maintaining the cult's relevance even centuries after its initial flourish in South Asia. This adaptability indicates the enduring nature of these spiritual interpretations across cultures.
5) Conclusion
In conclusion, the ܰṃh stands as a monumental work that preserves the ancient traditions of Sun worship, illustrating the deep theological connections between the Sun god and Ś. Through its structured rituals, emphatic concepts of divine identity, and resilient cultural adaptations in regions like Bali, the text elucidates how solar worship has persisted and transformed over time. The insights provided by the ܰṃh serve not only to document religious practices but also to underscore the interconnectedness of spiritual traditions across different historical contexts.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
Who are the editors of ACTA ORIENTALIA?
The editors of ACTA ORIENTALIA include prominent scholars from various countries, such as Diwakar Acharya from Oxford, Shrikant Bahulkar from Pune, George Cardona from Pennsylvania, and many others from institutions globally.
What does the ܰṃh focus on?
The ܰṃh is the earliest surviving Tantra text on Sun worship, emphasizing rituals and spiritual practices that connect the Sun god with Ś, teaching a method of worship and the significance of various mantras.
What historical significance does the ܰṃh hold?
The ܰṃh, dated around 949 CE, represents an important text in understanding the link between ancient Indian religious practices and the sun god's identity with Ś in the ritualistic context.
What themes are explored in the ܰṃh?
The text discusses themes such as the supremacy of the Sun god, rituals for worship, visualization techniques, and the relationship between the Sun, Ś, and associated deities in conjunction with various mantras.
How does the ܰṃh relate to Balinese traditions?
The ܰṃh has influenced Balinese rituals, particularly through the Vedaparikrama, where the worship of the Sun god as a combined deity of Ś continues to be practiced, highlighting transnational religious connections.
What types of studies and articles are included in this volume?
This volume features various studies and articles addressing topics such as Sanskrit philology, textual studies between Sanskrit and Chinese, and reflections on historical and contemporary religious practices across Asia.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “The ܰṃh: The Earliest Surviving Tantra on Sun-Worship�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Saurasamhita (Saura-samhita):
The *ܰṃh* is an ancient Tantra text that focuses on Sun worship, emphasizing the unity of the Sun god and Ś. It is preserved in Nepalese manuscripts and integrates Ś elements into solar worship.
2) Mantra (Mamtra):
A *mantra* is a sacred utterance, sound, or group of words believed to have spiritual power. In the *ܰṃh*, mantras play a crucial role in rituals, such as the Khaṣolka mantra used for solar worship and various *bījamantras* for different deities.
3) Shiva (Siva):
Ś is one of the principal deities in Hinduism, often associated with creation and destruction. The *ܰṃh* promotes the identification of the Sun god with Ś, thus intertwining solar worship with Ś traditions.
4) Worship:
Worship involves acts of devotion towards a deity. In the *ܰṃh*, worship practices are elaborately described, including rituals for the Sun god and integrating elements from Ś traditions.
5) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the ancient Indic language in which the *ܰṃh* and other sacred texts are written. It holds significant importance in the preservation and transmission of religious and philosophical literature.
6) Shaiva (Saiva):
Relating to Ś, the *Ś* traditions include various texts and practices that worship Ś as the supreme deity. The *ܰṃh* aligns with Ś traditions by promoting the Sun god's identification with Ś.
7) Nama (Naman, Nãman):
[see source text or glossary: Nama]
8) Kurmapurana (Kurma-purana):
[see source text or glossary: ū-ܰṇa]
9) Skanda (Skamda):
Skanda, also known as Kārttikeya, is the son of Ś and is a key figure in the dialogue within the *ܰṃh*. He represents martial prowess and divine leadership.
10) Cult:
A *cult* refers to a system of religious worship or rituals directed towards a specific deity. The *ܰṃh* documents a cult that merges solar worship with Ś elements.
11) Aditya:
In the *ܰṃh*, Ā徱ٲⲹ is the Sun god who is exalted for his power and divine qualities, identified closely with Ś, and plays a vital role in the texts' rituals.
12) Surya (Shurya):
ūⲹ is the Sun deity in Hinduism, central to the sun-worship rituals described in the *ܰṃh* and other texts, such as the *Vedas* and *ʳܰṇa*.
13) India:
[see source text or glossary: India]
14) Deity (Deities):
[see source text or glossary: Deities]
15) Sun-worship:
Sun-worship involves religious rites dedicated to the Sun god. The *ܰṃh* is the earliest known Tantra that details elaborate sun-worship rituals.
16) Rudra:
Rudra is a form of Ś associated with storms and hunting. He is mentioned in the *ܰṃh* and other texts like the *Kūrmapurāṇa* that promote the identity of the Sun god with Ś.
17) Svaha:
** is often uttered at the end of mantras during fire sacrifices, symbolizing an offering to the deities. It is used in the *ܰṃh*’s ritual practices.
18) Gupta:
[see source text or glossary: Gupta]
19) Namas:
[see source text or glossary: Namas]
20) Bali:
Bali is a location where the combined worship of Ś and Surya (Sun god) continues, reflecting practices described in the *ܰṃh*.
21) Identity:
[see source text or glossary: Identity]
22) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantrism involves esoteric rituals and philosophies. The *ܰṃh* is a text within this tradition, focusing on rituals for worshipping the Sun god mixed with Ś elements.
23) Temple:
[see source text or glossary: Temple]
24) Image:
[see source text or glossary: Image]
25) Nepal:
Nepal is significant as the location of the preserved manuscript of the *ܰṃh*, which is stored in the National Archives in Kathmandu.
26) Fire:
Fire plays a crucial role in *ܰṃh* rituals, particularly in fire sacrifices (yajnas) that include offerings and mantra recitations.
27) Transmission:
Transmission refers to how texts and traditions are passed down through generations. The *ܰṃh* was transcribed and preserved in Nepal, demonstrating the transmission of sun-worship practices.
28) Mulamantra (Mula-mantra, Mulamamtra):
The *ūԳٰ* in the *ܰṃh* is *hrā� hrī� sa�*, a fundamental mantra used for cultivating spiritual power and ritualistic purposes.
29) Mandala (Mamdala):
A *ṇḍ* is a geometric configuration of symbols used in religious rituals. The *ܰṃh* describes drawing a lotus ṇḍ for Sun worship.
30) Shaivism (Saivism):
*Ś* is the worship of Ś and integrating Ś philosophies. The *ܰṃh* is part of Ś tradition, blending the Sun god's rites with Ś worship.
31) Brahman:
[see source text or glossary: Brahman]
32) Sayana (Shayana):
[see source text or glossary: ⲹṇa]
33) Indian:
[see source text or glossary: Indian]
34) Praise:
[see source text or glossary: Praise]
35) Canda (Camda, Camdama):
䲹ṇḍ is a deity who receives the remainder of worship (nirmālya) at the end of rituals. The *ܰṃh* includes a solar version of this deity, known as Tejaścaṇḍa.
36) Heart:
*Hridaya* means heart and symbolizes the core of spiritual mantras. The *ܰṃh* mentions the Khaṣolka mantra as the 'heart' of its rituals.
37) Veda:
Vedic refers to texts or rituals derived from the Vedas, ancient Indian scriptures. The *ܰṃh* incorporates Vedic elements in its sun-worship rituals.
38) King:
[see source text or glossary: King]
39) Taittiriya (Taittariya):
*ղٳپīⲹ* refers to the *ղٳپīⲹ Āṇy첹*, a Vedic text that also contains references to sun worship. The *ܰṃh* might be influenced by these Vedic traditions.
40) Bijamantra (Bija-mantra, Bijamamtra):
*īᲹԳٰ* are seed syllables with spiritual significance. The *ܰṃh* uses various bījamantras for deities like the Sun god and other grahas.
41) Kathmandu:
Kathmandu hosts the National Archives where the palm-leaf manuscript of the *ܰṃh* is preserved, signifying its importance in the Indo-Nepal transmission of sacred texts.
42) Maheshvara (Mahesvara, Maha-ishvara):
Ѳś is another name for Ś. In the *ܰṃh*, he engages in a dialogue with his son, Skanda, detailing Sun-worship rituals.
43) Virupaksha (Virupaksa, Virupa-aksha):
[see source text or glossary: վūṣa]
44) Sacrifice:
Sacrifice, often a fire ritual, involves offerings to deities along with mantra recitations. The *ܰṃh* integrates sun-worship into its sacrificial rites.
45) Aranyaka:
[see source text or glossary: Āṇy첹]
46) Calcutta:
[see source text or glossary: Calcutta]
47) Chariot:
[see source text or glossary: Chariot]
48) Purana:
ʳܰṇa are ancient Hindu texts that narrate the history of the universe and legends of deities. The *ܰṃh* shares themes with Purāṇic literature, especially in solar worship and Ś's supremacy.
49) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
ṛdⲹ means heart, both literally and symbolically. In the *ܰṃh*, the Khaṣolka mantra is identified as the heart of its rituals.
50) Grahas:
Grahas are celestial bodies in Hindu astrology. The *ܰṃh* includes rituals that involve worshipping the Sun god along with other grahas.
51) Gold (Golden):
[see source text or glossary: Golden]
52) Indra (Imdra):
[see source text or glossary: Indra]
53) Graha:
[see source text or glossary: Graha]
54) Vishva (Visva, Vishvasa):
[see source text or glossary: վś]
55) China:
[see source text or glossary: China]
56) Lotus:
Lotus often symbolizes purity and enlightenment in Indian traditions. The *ܰṃh* describes drawing a lotus ṇḍ for certain rituals.
57) Yoga:
Yoga signifies a spiritual practice aimed at achieving union with the divine. The *ܰṃh* includes a relatively simple system of yoga integrated into its sun-worship rituals.
58) Kham (khams, Khaam):
[see source text or glossary: �]
59) Visualization:
Visualization involves creating mental images of deities and their attributes. The *ܰṃh* guides practitioners on visualizing the Sun god and other heavenly bodies.
60) Vyavasthita:
[see source text or glossary: Vyavasthita]
61) Prabhavati:
In the *ܰṃh*, ʰ屹ī is venerated as the consort of the Sun god during fire sacrifices, denoting her significance in sun worship rituals.
62) Madhyastha (Madhya-stha):
[see source text or glossary: Madhyastha]
63) Jitendriya (Jita-indriya, Jitemdriya):
[see source text or glossary: Jitendriya]
64) Candeshvara (Candesvara, Canda-ishvara):
[see source text or glossary: 䲹ṇḍś]
65) Bhurbhuva (Bhur-bhuva):
[see source text or glossary: ū-ܱ]
66) Raktavarna (Rakta-varna):
鲹ٲṇ� means red-colored, referring to the deities described in the *ܰṃh* that are visualized within rituals as having red hues.
67) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
Գٲ refers to established doctrines, particularly in the context of Ś. The *ܰṃh* aligns with Ś Գٲ by integrating sun worship into its rituals.
68) Ekavaktra (Eka-vaktra):
[see source text or glossary: Ekavaktra]
69) Palm-leaf:
Palm-leaf manuscripts are traditional storage media for ancient texts. The *ܰṃh* exists as a palm-leaf manuscript, crucial for its historical transmission.
70) Scripture:
Scripture refers to sacred writings. The *ܰṃh* is a key scripture within Ś and solar worship traditions.
71) Licchavi:
[see source text or glossary: Licchavi]
72) Bhaskara:
[see source text or glossary: 첹]
73) Pashupati (Pasupati, Pashu-pati):
[see source text or glossary: ʲśܱ貹پ]
74) Nirmalya:
ⲹ is the remainder of worship offerings. In the *ܰṃh*, the solar version of the deity 䲹ṇḍ, known as Tejaścaṇḍa, receives the nirmālya.
75) Prabhuta:
[see source text or glossary: ʰū]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 120]