Comparative and Critical Study of Mantrashastra

Author(s): Mohanlal Bhagwandas Jhaveri, K V Abhayankar
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab

Page 334

APPENDICES: SRI AMBIKA
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consonance with the object desired by the Sadhaka. In Sättvika Dhyana the colour of the deity is white, in Rajasa red-sometimes yellow, and in Tamasa dark blue or black. Peace, knowledge, selfless devotion or propitiation of the deity are Sättvika objects; prosperity happiness and other worldly objects imbued with passion or desire are Rajasa objects; and adversely affecting an enemy etc. are Tamasa or malignant objects. Further, some deities are by their nature Sättvika some Rajasa, some Tamasa and some have all the three qualities. + A Sadhaka makes his selection accordingly. This is the reason why special deities are recommended for worship for special objects (See Srimad Bhagavat Sk. II, Adh. III, vv. 2-9 specially 6 & 7). This accounts for variations in the 'Svarüpa' or form of a deity. We think the deciding factor in ascertaining the nature of a particular deity or its image is the actual impression created on the mind of the Sadhaka. Amongst postures symbols and colours of a deity the most important factor is the colour as it most affects the Dhyana.
As some deities have all the three qualities and some only one of them any inference as to worship of a particular form of a deity being ancient or otherwise which does not take into account the original conception as to the nature of the deity is likely to be erroneous. Sri Ambika is not only a Sasanadevi but as already stated is also the Jain Amnaya deity and as such has been invoked for achieving various objects from time to time. She is therefore conceived
+ See 'Saptasati Prädhānika Rahasya' and 'Saptasat! Vaikṛtika Rahasya'.
See p. 259 ante for the various purposes for which Śrī Ambika was invoked from time to time. Śri Haribhadrasuri invoked her for obtaining success in the debate against Buddhists who were aided by their patron-deity Tara. In 'Anubhavasiddhamantra-dvātrimsika' ch. IV vv. 7 to 15 is described the worship of Sri Ambika for divination. See also Sri Ambika's Mantra for divination at p. 93 Appendix 19, where she is invoked as Vaglévarl. Her various Mantras in the said Appendix 19 show the various purposes for which she is invoked. Instead of the last Mantra on p. 93 Appendix 19 Pancaparamesti Mahamantra Yantra Bṛhatkalpa gives this Mantra: 'हाँ रक्ते २ महारक्ते २ साँ हम्ब्ल्यू २ शासनदेवि एहि २ अवतर २ स्वाहा ।।'