Comparative Study of Mantrashastra

SR No.: 006575
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mohanlal Bhagwandas Jhaveri
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab
Publication Year: 1944
Total Pages: 376
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, L000, & L020
File Size: 21 MB

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Stambhinī noted above as a common Vidya is found here as Jalastambhini (one which freezes or stops water) and Agnistambhini (one which cools down or extinguishes fire). Jaya and Vijaya may also be noted, as these Vidyas and the deities of identical names presiding over them are mentioned in Surimantra as well as Vardhamāna Vidyā. The Prākṛta Vaubbhava might mean Vägudbhava i.e. Sarasvati or Vayudbhava meaning one that generates stormy wind or cyclone. Isānī, Shakti and Kauberi are Vidyas apparently connected with Sankara, Shakti and Kubera. Cāndālī is the same as Svapākī or Mātangi and Nindrānī is the same as Avaswāpinī noted above. The flying lore is here thrice referred to. It is also mentioned in Vasudevahindi and as Utpatani in Sūtrakṛtānga. Bandhani (one which binds) and Mocani (one which releases) are also found in Vasudevahindi.
INTRODUCTION
We should note here the fact that Padmacarita alias Padmapurāṇa, which appears to be a very close Sanskrit rendering by Sri Raviṣena a Digambara Jain Acharya (634 Vikrama era) of Paumacariyam, has the said passage from Paumacariyam rendered verbatim in Sanskrit. There are two or three differences which can be accounted for by variant readings. We might however, note one which cannot perhaps be so accounted for: Adarsani for Visanna. Adarsani can be identified with Tiraskariņi alias Antardhānī already mentioned. Instead of Avaswāpini we have Nindrāṇī.
Sri Hemacandrācārya in Triṣaṣṭhisalākāpuruṣacaritra Parva 7, canto 2 appears to have taken the said passage describing Vidyas from the said Padmacaritra but has additionally mentioned Rohiņi, Gauri and Gandhārī, which are mentioned in Vasudevahindi as well as in Avasyakacurni (pp. 161-162) as Mahavidyās. All the three works describe Rāvana as accomplished in 1000 Vidyās. (See Pauma. VIII, 6; Padma. IX, 134-all Vidyās; and Trişaşṭhi loc. cit.).
The importance of the above references is that they occur in works which were composed long before the influence of Tantrikas made itself felt on contemporary literature and at least as regards