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

Page 61

52
INTRODUCTION
Where there is Mantra, Yantra, Nyása, Diksha, Guru, and the like there is Tantra Shāstra. In fact one of the names of the latter is Mantra Shastra. With these similarities there are certain variations of doctrine and practice between the different schools."
There is only one important matter in which there is difference worth noting i. e. division of the practices of the worshippers into Dakshināchara and Vāmāchara. The secret Sadhanā of some of the latter has acquired such notoriety that to some 'Tantra' connotes this particular worship and its abuses and nothing else. One cannot, however, identify Tantra with the particular practices of a section of worshippers only.
SIX AMNĂYAS AND FOUR SAMPRADĀYAS Tantras mention six Amnāyas which are in order of their origin revealed by the six faces of Shiva looking East (Pūrvāmnāya), South (Dakshināmnāya), West (Paschimāmnāya), North (Uttarāmnāya) the Upper (Ordhvāmnāya) and the Lower and concealed (Adhāmnaya) According to the Devyāgama (1) The Eastern face revealed Shri Bhuvaneshvarī, Tripurā, Lalitā, Padma, Shūlini, Sarasvati, Tvaritā, Nityā, Vajraprastárini, Annapūrnā, Mahālakshmi, Lakshmi, Vāgvādini with all their rites and Mantras. (2) The Southern face revealed Prasādasadashiva, Dakshināmūrti, Batuka, Manjughosha, Bhairava, Mritasanjīvanīvidya and Mrityunjaya with all their rites and Mantras. (3) The Western face revealed Vasudeva, Vishnu, Rāmchandra, Ganesha, Agni, Sūrya, Vidhu (Chandra), Dikpālas, Hanumān and others their rites and Mantras. (4) The Northern face revealed Devis Dakshinakālikā, Mahākālī, Guhyakālī, Smashānakālikā, Bhadrakālī, Ekajatā ugratārā, Tārini, Kātyāyani, Chhinnamastā, Nīlasarasvati, Durgā, Jayadurga, Navadurgā, Vashuli, Dhūmavati, Vishalākshī, Gauri, Bagalāmukhi, Pratyangirā, Mātangi Mahishamardini, their rites and Mantras. (5) The upper face revealed Tripurasundarī, Tripureshi, Bhairavī, Tripurabhairavi, Smashānabhairavi, Bhuvaneshībhairavī, Shatkutabhairavi, Annapūrnābhairavī, Panchami, Shodashī, Mālini, Balabalā with