Essays Lectures on Religion of Hindu Vol 02

Author(s): H H Wilson
Publisher: Trubner and Company London

Page 31

BAUDDHA TRACTS FROM NEPAL.
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19. May the goddesses VIDYADHARI, ÁKÁSAYOGINÍ, VAJRAYOGINI, and HÁRÍTÍ'; may HANUMAN, GANESA, MAHÁKÁLA, and Chúóá Bhikshini3; may BRAHMANÍ
These four goddesses belong to the Swabhávika system. According to one comment, Vidyadhari and Ákásayogini are produced from the Lotos in the Solar sphere-above Sumeru, which is above the earth; below the earth is the region of waterbelow that, of fire, and below that, of air. Vajrayogini is a goddess of a superior, Háriti of an inferior rank. [St. Julien, Mém. sur les Contr. occident., I, 120, Note.] These goddesses resemble the Yoginis and Yakshinis of the Tantrika system in their terrific forms, malignant disposition, and magical powers, and in having each her Vija Mantra, a mystical syllable, appropriated to prayers addressed to her. Hariti has a temple in the precincts of Sambhunath, and is worshipped as Sitala by the Brahmanical Hindus. [Burnouf, "Introduction", 550 f.]
2 These three divinities, adopted from the orthodox Pantheon, are great favorites with the Bauddhas of Nepal, the legends justifying their adoption being ingenious and popular. The prevailing notion of these and similar importations from the Brahmanical theocracy is, that they are the servants of the Buddhas, and are only to be reverenced in that capacity. It is related of HANUMÁN, in the Lankávatár, that when RÁVAŃ found himself overmatched by the monkey, he took refuge in a temple of ŚÁKYA. HANUMAN, unable to violate the sanctuary, applied to RAMA, who recommended him to go and serve the Buddha. In SÁKYA's temple are found images of RAVAN, HANUMAN, MAIÁKÁLA and HÁRÍTI. MAHÁKÁLA is considered by the Swabhávikas as selfborn, and is invoked by them as Vajravira. The Aiswarikas regard him as the son of PARVATI and SIVA. [See also St. Julien, 1. 1. I, 43, Note.]
3 CHÚDÁ BIKSIINI is a female mendicant. Bauddha Ascetics are classed in four orders, the Arhan, or perfect saint, Śrávaka, studious sage, Chailaka, naked ascetic, and Bhikshu, mendicant. [See Hodgson's "Illustrations", 75, and Burnouf, "Lotus", 392.]