Dear One, Tripura is the ultimate,
primordial Shakti, the light of manifestation. She, the pile of letters of
the alphabet, gave birth to the three worlds. At dissolution, She is the
abode of all tattvas, still remaining Herself - Vamakeshvaratantra
What is Shri Vidya and what relationship does it have to the goddess
Lalita and to her yantra, the Shri Yantra? Vidya means knowledge,
specifically female knowledge, or the goddess, and in this context relates
to her aspect called Shri, Lalita or Tripurasundari whose magical diagram is
called the Shri Yantra. She is a red flower, so her diagram is a flower too.
The tantrik tradition views its symbols as having a gross aspect, a
subtle aspect, and a supreme aspect. In terms of Lalita, the gross form is
the image of the goddess with her four arms and so forth, the subtle form is
as yantra, and the supreme form is her mantra, all three being the goddess
in different aspects. Behind the sometimes colourful symbolism is deep
wisdom coupled with practical methods for realising oneself.
Lalita loves puja. This term is usually translated as worship. However,
this is misleading, as it introduces a duality into a process intended to
bring the practitioner (sadhaka or sadhvika) to a non-dual position. There
can be various pujas including daily rites, those performed at the four
twilights, rites done for specific objects, optional rites done on festival
days, or on otherwise auspicious days such as lunar eclipses or the entrance
of the sun into a sidereal constellation, rites in assemblies or groups, and
rites accomplished with a partner. Subhagodaya, on this site, is a
translation which gives the full puja of Tripurasundari or Lalita.
Lalita means She Who Plays. All creation, manifestation and
dissolution is considered to be a play of Devi or the goddess.
Mahatripurasundari is her name as transcendent beauty of the three cities, a
description of the goddess as conqueror of the three cities of the demons,
or as the triple city (Tripura), but really a metaphor for a human being.
What then is a yantra? The word is usually translated as a machine, but
in the special sense of the tantrik tradition refers to the Devi in her
linear or geometrical form. Yantras, by the way, are always used flat. They
may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Every aspect of Devi has her
own mantra and yantra. The yantra of Devi Lalita is Shri Yantra. The
divinity of the yantra always occupies the centre or apex.
The different parts or petals and lines of the yantra are usually
arranged in concentric circles (mandalas) and contain rays or sub-limbs of
devi. The Shri Yantra has nine of these mandals, each filled with various
aspects of the Devi. In Shri Yantra there are 111 aspects. The Shri Yantra
is said to be a geometric form of the human body, which implies that goddess
as Macrocosm is one with human being as Microcosm.
Formation of the Shri Yantra
The creation of the Shri Yantra is described in the Yogini Hridaya
(Heart of the Yogini Tantra), which still does not exist in an
English translation, as far as we are aware. This is said to be the second
part of the Vamakeshvara Tantra.
"From the fivefold Shakti comes creation and from the fourfold Fire
dissolution. The sexual union of five Shaktis and four Fires causes the
chakra to evolve. O Sinless One! I speak to you of the origin of the chakra.
"When she, the ultimate Shakti, of her own will (svecchaya) assumed the
form of the universe, then the creation of the chakra revealed itself as a
pulsating essence. From the void-like vowels with the visarga (:) emerged
the bindu, quivering and fully conscious. From this pulsating stream of
supreme light emanated the ocean of the cosmos, the very self of the three
mothers.
"The baindava of the chakra has a triple form, dharma, adharma and atma,
and matri, meya and prama. The chakra of nine yonis is the great mass of
consciousness bliss and is the ninefold chakra and the nine divisions of the
mantra.
"The baindava is placed on a dense flowery mass and is the Chitkala.
Similarly, the ambika form of eight lines is the circle of the vowels. The
nine triangles quiver forth the effulgent form of 10 lines. The Shakti,
together with her surrounding nine blossomed forth the 10 trikonas. The
second quivering form of 10 lines has Krodhisha as first of the 10. These
four chakras, of the nature of light, create the 14-fold form, the essence
of perception." -- Yogini Hridaya, I 6-16.
At the very heart of the bindu or centre of the Shri Yantra is that which
caused it to emanate. This is Kamakala, consisting of the three bindus or
potentials. One is red, one is white, and one is mixed. The red bindu is
ova, the white bindu semen, and the mixed bindu the union of Shiva-Shakti,
the individual as potential Shri Cakra.
Father and Mother are represented in Shri Vidya by two limbs or aspects
of Lalita known as Varahi and Kurukulla. The semen of Varahi, the
father-form, gives four alchemical dhatus to the child. The ova of Kurukulla,
the mother-form, gives five dhatns to the child. Consciousness enters via
orgasm. The three bindus, collectively known as Kamakala (digit of sexual
desire), are the root potential of sun, moon and fire. It is like sun and
moon coming together in an eclipse, or the seed from which the plant human
being grows.
Varahi's four alchemical dhatus are known as the four fires. Kurukulla's
alchemical dhatus are known as the five saktis. The combination of these
five saktis (downward pointing triangles) and four fires (upward pointing
triangles), forms the complex figure in the centre of Shri Cakra.
Varahi's four fires are the 12 (3 x 4) sun Kalas, 12 sidereal
constellations. Kurukulla's five triangles are the 15 (5 x 3) Kalas of the
moon, 15 lunar days. The complete individual grows within nine months to be
born as a Shri Yantra or plant. The flowering of this plant is shown by the
24 petals of the yantra. The above all gives rise to the familiar shape of
the Shri Yantra. The yantra is usually arranged in one of two forms. In the
Bhuprastara, it is two dimensional and laid flat, usually facing the east,
but sometimes the north, depending on the practice. The Meruprastara has the
yantra in a pyramidal form. Unless the yantra be decorated with the
appropriate bija and other mantras, it is worthless. It is also dead unless
it is installed with life and the individual doing the puja is initiated
into one of the lines (parampara).
The Nine Mandalas of the Shri Yantra
The Earth Square or Bhupura
This mandala represents the enclosing walls or fence of the zonule of a
practitioner. The three lines
 of
the bhupura of Shri Yantra each has a set of subsidiary aspects or sub-limbs
of the goddess. On the outer line are the eight world protectors (lokapalas),
the guardian spirits of the directions and intermediate directions.
On the middle line are eight Siddhi Saktis identified with the
senses. On the inner line are eight Shaktis ruling Desire, Anger,
Envy, Delusion, Greed, Jealousy, Virtue and Vice. They are the eight
Matrikas. These saktis are collectively known as the Obvious Ones (Prakata
Yoginis). A form of the triple Devi known as Tripura rules all these shaktis
in this individual mandala of the yantra known as 'The Chakra Ruling the
Three Worlds'. She has four arms, is the colour of crystal, is adorned with
pearls and holds a book, a pot, and a beautiful lotus. her Vidya is Am Am
Sauh.
Outer line: Indra (E) wears yellow, rides an elephant; Agni (SE)
wears red, rides a ram; Yam (S) wears black, carries a staff; Nirriti (SW)
wears dark green; Varuna (W) wears blue, and his vehicle is a makar; Vayu
(NE) wears pale clothes; Soma (N) wears pure white; Ishana (NE) is a form of
Mahadeva Shiva.
Middle Line: The Siddhi Shaktis are smeared with vermilion, wear
red garlands, carry noose and goad, and are as bright and beautiful as red
lotuses.
Inner Line: Brahmi wears yellow, has four arms, is beautiful. One
hand dispels fear, one grants boons, the others hold a jewelled jar and
makes the gesture of purification. Mahesvari wears white, has three eyes,
holds trident, skull, axe, and vessel containing sour curds. Kaumari wears
yellow, holds shakti-dart, Javelin, and makes the gestures of dispelling
fear and granting boons. Varahi is dark in colour, holds conch, discus,
dispels fear, grants boons. She wears many ornaments and gems. She has the
head of a pig, holding plough, mace, sword and shield. Indrani is black,
carrying a bright blue lotus. Camunda is black, holds trident and damaru
(hourglass drum), holds axe, and milk in a bowl. Mahalaksmi wears yellow,
holds serpent, shield, bell and milk in a skull shaped cup.
The nature of this outermost mandala is fire of fire. The gem is topaz.
The time is 24 minutes (360 breaths). The Mudra is the All Agitating.
Sixteen Petals
The saktis in this circle are known as the Hidden Ones.
The whole mandala of 16 petals is called 'Fulfiller of Desire'. The
presiding form of the Lalita is Tripureshi. Her vidya is Aim Klim Sauh. She
is described as ornamented with all gems, carrying a
book and a rosary. The 16 yoginis in this mandala are associated with the
attainment of desires by the cultivation or strengthening of power over
mind, ego, sound, touch, sight, taste, smell, intellect, steadiness, memory,
name, growth, etheric body, revivification, and physical body. They are
described as the Nitya Kalas. Each holds a noose, a goad, pot full of
nectar, and makes the sign of giving. They are very red.
The gem of the mandala is sapphire. The dhatu of physical alchemy is
chyle, the first product of the disintegration of food by the biological
fires. The time is three hours (2700 breaths). The Mudra is the Wettening
Mudra. The nature of the mandala is sun of fire.
Eight Petals
The saktis in this mandala are called the Very Secret Yoginis. The whole
circle of eight petals is called the
'All Exciting Cakra'. Presiding here is Tripura Sundari. Her vidya is Hrim
Klim Sauh. She is described as swaying because of her love intoxicated
state, with her eyes full of bliss.
She smiles with passion. She shows the mudras dispelling fears and
granting boons.
The eight saktis in each of the eight petals of the mandala are described
as saktis of Speech, Holding, Walking, Excreting, Pleasure, Abandoning,
Concentration and Detachment. They are described as sapphire blue, holding
noose, goad, dispelling fear, and holding blue lotus. Their names (Ananga
Madana etc) all convey terms of loving sexuality.
The gem is cat's eye. The dhatu is Flesh. The time is day and night
(21600 breaths). The mandala's nature is moon of fire.
Fourteen Triangles
This mandala is called 'The Cakra Bestowing All Good Fortune'. The
Yoginis are
called 'Concealed by Tradition'. The presiding form of the devi is Tripura
Vasini. Her vidya is Haim Hklim Hsauh.
She is very red and very beautiful. Fourteen shaktis of the triangles are
associated with the chief nadis or currents of bioenergy. They are described
as being proud, wanton, young, colour of cochineal, ornamented with gems,
holding noose, goad, mirror, winecup full of nectar. They are the Akarshanis
or Attractors.
The gem is coral. The dhatu is blood. The time is weekday. The Mudra is
called All Subjugating. The nature of the mandala is fire of sun.
Outer 10 Triangles
This mandala is called 'The Cakra Bestowing All Objects to the Sadhaka'.
The saktis are called the Kula Kaulas.
The presiding aspect of Red Devi is Tripura Shri.
Here, the goddess is as effulgent as 1000 rising Suns, adorned with
celestial ornaments, with large rising breasts, holding book and rosary,
dispelling fears and granting boons.
The 10 shaktis in the triangles are described as having thrilled faces,
holding noose and goad and adorned with various crystal and heavenly gems.
These are the Yoginis of the 10 vital breaths. The gem is pearl. The
dhatu is Ova/Semen. The time is Lunar Day (tithi).
The Mudra is called the All Intoxicating with Love. The nature is sun of
sun.
Inner 10 Triangles
The mandala is called 'The Cakra Protecting All'. The Yoginis are called
Without Origin. The presiding aspect of Lalita is Tripura Malini. Her vidya
is Hrim Klim Blem.
She holds noose and goad, dispels fear, and holds a skull. She is of
vermilion brightness.
Her shaktis are the colour of 1000 rising suns, adorned with pearls and
gems, holding noose, chisel, and showing the gestures of knowledge, and
giving boons. They are the saktis of the 10 Vital Fires. The gem is emerald.
The dhatu is Marrow. The time is Lunar Fortnight. The Mudra is the Great
Goad. The nature is moon of sun.
Eight Triangles
This mandala is called 'The Cakra Destroying all Disease'. The yoginis
are known as the
Secret or Rahasya yoginis. The presiding aspect of the Red Goddess is
Tripura Siddha.
Her vidya mantra is Hrim Shrim Sauh. She is described as the Destroyer of
Poison.
Her yoginis are the colour of pomegranate flowers, wearing red clothes,
smeared with red scent, each carrying five arrows and a bow. These saktis
are the rulers of Cold, Heat, Happiness, Sorrow, Desire, and the three gunas
Sattvas, Rajas, Tamas. They are also called the eight Vasinis and rule the
eight Sanskrit letter groups. The gem in this mandala is diamond (Vajra).
The time is month. The Mudra is Khecari Mudra. The nature of the mandala is
said to be fire of moon.
The Four Weapons
In between the mandalas of eight triangles and the central triangles are
the four weapons of the Red Goddess -- flowery bow, flowery arrows, noose
and goad.
Central Triangle
This mandala is called 'The Cakra Giving All Success'. The Yoginis are
called Very Secret. Lalita dwells here as
Tripura Amba, her Vidya being Hsraim Hsrklim Hsrsauh.
She is also known as Sampatprada Bhairavi, coppery effulgent, like 1000
suns, with three eyes, a face like the moon, adorned with white gems, with a
beautiful figure, rising swelling breasts, intoxicated, wanton, young,
proud, holding book, dispelling fear, holding a rosary and granting boons.
Her three saktis are called Lady of Lust (Kameshvari), Adamantine Lady (Vajreshi),
and Flowery Vagina (Bhagamalini). Kameshvari is called the Rudra Shakti. She
is white in colour, besmeared with camphor, adorned with pearls and crystal,
and various other gems, holding book, rosary, bestowing boons and dispelling
fear.
Vajreshi is the Vishnu Shakti. She is bright as red powder (kumkuma),
adorned with flowers and gems, like the dawn sun. Her eyelids are smeared
with sapphire dust, she holds sugarcane how, flowery arrows, bestows boons,
dispels fear.
Bhagamalini is the Brahma Shakti. She is effulgent as molten gold,
adorned with priceless gems, holds noose, goad, and shows the gestures of
knowledge and bestowing boons.
The gem of the mandala is Gomaya. The dhatu is Fat. The time is season
(two months). The Mudra is the Bija Mudra. The nature of the mandala is sun
of moon.
Bindu
This mandala is called 'Purely Blissful'. The Yogini in this mandala is
the
Queen of Queens, Rajarajeshvari, the Very Red One, her Transcendent Majesty
Lalita Maheshvari Mahatripurasundari.
Her vidya (Kamaraja vidya) is ka e i la hrim ha sa ka ha la hrim sa ka la
hrim, plus a secret 16th syllable. Her description is that given in
Vamakeshvara Tantra.
Surrounding her are the
Fifteen Nityas. The gem is ruby. The dhatu is hair. The time is year.
The mudra is Yoni Mudra. The nature of this central mandala is moon of moon.
Yantra Mantra Tantra of Lalita
Lalita, as primordial devi, rays out her attendants and shaktis as
modifications of moon, sun and fire. In this Shiva has no place, no
qualities, is without the ability to act. Only when united with devi may
'he' act.
This is based on the subtle and practical idea of Shiva as pure
consciousness, witness of the triple manifestation of his Shakti. This
Shakti, the very essence of the three gunas of Sattvas, Rajas, and Tamas, is
the cause of all manifestation in the universe and as a human being. The
three shaktis, by blending and reblending, create all things.
Shakti is triple as sun, moon and fire -- that is to say of all the
sidereal constellations and planets, and therefore of Time itself. She is
triple as Will (Iccha), Knowledge (Jnana) and Action (Kriya). She is
threefold as intellect, feelings, physical sensation.
Shakti is triple as wake-dream-deep sleep. What is called the Fourth is
the witness, Shiva, who is said to pervade the whole cosmos just as heat
pervades a red hot iron.
The physical body, according to the precepts of Ayurveda, is triple as
the 'humours' Vata, Pitta and Sleshma. The varying combinations of these
three shaktis make up the physical body.
Shakti is also fivefold as aether, air, fire, water and earth. The
combination of the five elements and three gunas produce Lalita's Eternities
(Nityas) -- 15 in number, each identified with a lunar day of the bright
fortnight. The moon, symbolising Shakti, is the mirror or reflection holding
together all creation.
A close examination of the details relating to the nine mandalas of Shri
Yantra reveals that the shaktis of the whole circle represent the human
being, who, in potential, is Shakti-Shiva united. The aim is for a person to
realise that all powers, energies and manifestation are shaktis of
consciousness, pure awareness.
The yantra may be examined in two ways, either as manifestation or
dissolution. Maintenance is an intermediate state between the two
polarities. When she is worshipped as creatrix the order is from centre to
perimeter. As dissolver, the puja is from perimeter to centre.
In Sivananda Yogi's Subhagodaya is given the daily ritual or puja
of Lalita's Shri Yantra -- based on the Vamakeshvara Tantra. This
rite is based on non-dualism, in a spiritual sense the realisation of the
intrinsic oneness of macrocosm and microcosm.
As the puja is intended to banish all thoughts of difference, the devi is
first felt or visualised in the heart, and then drawn out via the breath and
installed in the yantra. She is then worshipped as actually residing there.
But a clear link has been made between subject and object. The true home of
devi is as cosmo-creatrix in the heart of the body which is the devi in
human form.
The Various Mandalas of Shri Yantra
The Triple Goddess, from her own will to manifest, extends herself in a
ninefold way, as modifications of moon, sun and fire. The attributions of
the various mandalas shows the type of energy represented. The meditation in
Bhavana Upanshad is a figurative way of describing this celestial city or
mountain which is a human being.
The island of jewels is the gross human body with its 9 alchemical bases
or dhatus. Each is figuratively described as a gem -- diamond, emerald,
sapphire, ruby &c. The sea of nectar (semen/ova) is the base for the arising
of the human body. The diagram suns up the meditation. We can see that this
island of gems is a very pleasant place to he, full of gardens, with a
beautiful, begemmed palace, wafted with a gentle breeze upon which is
carried great fragrance, cool, alluring.
This indicates the Kaula view that one gains liberation by a very
pleasant way, enjoying as one goes. This paradise island is very, very
close. Each of the elements in the island meditation has a subtle meaning
associated with the esoteric physiology of Shri Vidya.
She, Lalita, united with Shiva, is subtlety of subtlety, hidden behind
the curtain hanging from the canopy. Her forms may appear to become
progressively less subtle, but she still remains herself.
Bala-Sundari-Bhairavi
Although Tripurasundari, as mother of the universe (jagadamba) is the
aspect most often met with in works of Shri Vidya, she is also worshipped as
Bala (a young girl), and as Bhairavi (a crone).
As Bala, she is 16 years old, a virgin, very playful and dear. Bala has
her own yantra and mantra. her vidya is Aim Klim Sauh.
Bhairavi is also an aspect of Lalita, but represents Shakti in whom
menstruation has ceased, and has some affiliations with Kali.
Applications of Shri Vidya
There are many prayogas (ritual uses) related to Shri Yantra. Some rites
depend on auspicious times, such as Full moon days or nights in specific
solar months
Devi also manifests as the five elements of aether, fire, air, water and
earth. The saktis are purple (air), white (water), red (fire), yellow
(earth), blue (aether).
Chapter II of Vamakeshvara gives a large number of rites, which
one is not entitled to perform unless the daily rite is also accomplished.
These rites are called the shatkarma, six acts: protection, peace, victory,
wealth, punishment, destruction. The categories vary occasionally. When
punishing an enemy it is necessary to both protect yourself and to know the
right time for performance, according to the rules, and also the vulnerable
points, which vary with the phase of the moon and with astrological aspects.
It is important to remember that Shri Vidya was primarily oral, and vital
information was often left out of the written versions, so it is necessary
to know a host of things before a rite can be started.
Initiation
Devi Lalita may be installed in a disciple, a yantra, or an image. All
the methods essentially follow a similar form, but the right time must be
selected. A disciple must have the necessary qualifications and potential.
After initiation, she or he is to perform an operation to endue the vidya
with energy or life. This involves the recitation of the root vidya a
specified large number of times, although other valid methods exist for
preparation.
The Vidya (Mantra)
There are said to be 15 lines of mantra, each perceived by a different
Rishi (Seer). The most widespread seems to be that called Kadi (beginning
with 'Ka'), which itself has three sections. The other main division is Hadi,
although it is said that the Kularnava Tantra incorporates both in a
division called Kahadi. Devotees of the Kadi line worship the Shri Yantra
from the perimeter to the centre, while Hadi devotees worship it from the
centre to the perimeter. Some of the lines of the vidya are said to be
broken, and do not run in a continuous stream.
The 64 Kaula Tantras
These tantras are enumerated in Vamakeshvara and Kulachudamani
Tantras, and in other places. At some time in history a school of Shri
Vidya was formed on an orthodox Vedik basis. A proponent of this school,
Lakshmidhara, wrote a commentary on the famous Shri Vidya hymn called
Saudaryalahari.
Unfortunately, most of the 64 tantras are lost. But their contents may be
gauged from Lakshmidhara's commentary. We have to remember that the
descriptions are based on an orthodox Vedic interpretation.
1) Mahamaya Sambhara. Deluding of intellect and senses. 2) Yogini Jala
Sambhara. Involving the agency of Yoginis. 3) Tattva Sambhara. Causing
elements to appear and transform. 4-11) Eight Bhairava Tantras. The
commentator says that these are objectionable as they belong to the
Kapalikas or skull wearers such as Naths, Aghoris, and so forth. 12-19) The
Bahurupa Astaka. Importance attached to the eight shaktis or Matrikas.
20-27) The Eight Yamalas. Of these, only Rudra Yamala seems to have
survived, although it is doubtful that the text which exists is the same as
the original. Other of the yamalas do exist in part as quotations in later
tantras. The commentator says these relate to Siddhi. 28) Candra Jnana.
Expounds the 16 Nityas, but condemned as 'it smacks of Kapalika tenets'. 29)
Malini Vidya. Enabling one to cross great oceans. This could be the Malini
Vijaya Tantra, a work of the Kashmir Saivites which includes magical
operations based on the 36 tattvas.
30) Maha Sammohana. Hypnosis. 31-33) Vamajusta, Mahadeva and Vatula.
These are condemned as they deal with Vamachara. 34-35) Vatula Uttara and
Kamika. The latter is still extant, and belongs to the Kashmir group of
Agamas. The chief guru of this school is the famous Abhinavagupta. 36)
Hridbheda Tantra. Condemned through Vamachara. 37-38) Tantrabheda and
Guhyatantra. Condemned because of retaliatory magic. 39) Kalavada. Digits of
the moon, induction of chandrakalas, which are the 108 parts of the moon
found in a horoscope.
40) Kalasara. The rules of colour. There is no reason given for its
exclusion. 41) Kundika Mata. Attainment of siddhi through elixirs and drugs.
42) Mata Uttara. Deals with 'quicksilver'. See the Matrikabheda Tantra. 43)
Vinakhya. Power over Yakshinis. 44) Trotala. Magical practices of medicine
and clairvoyance. 45) Trotala Uttara. Bringing the 64 crores of yoginis face
to face. 46) Pancamrita. Nectar from the body. The five nectars are
mentioned in the Kaula Jnana Nirnaya. 47) Rupabheda. 48) Bhuta Uddamara. 49)
Kulasara. 50) Kullaoddisha. 51) Kulacudamani. 48,50 and 51 are still
available. The commentator says these tantras are not sanctioned by Veda.
52-56) Sarvajna Tantra, Mahakali Mata, Arunesi, Modinisa, Vikunthesvara.
They are all declared reprehensible as they belong to the digambaras (naked
sadhus). 57-64) East, West, South, North, Uttara Kaulas, Vimala, Vimalotta,
Devi Mata. One of these lines still exists.
The Nine Nathas
Each of the nine Nathas or lords is identified with an aperture of the
human body, and with one of the nine mandalas of the whole Shri Yantra.
One's own guide is Shiva as pervading these nine chakras, and is identified
with the current of bioenergy called Susunna. They are all meditated on as
white, with two eyes and two arms, showing the gestures banishing fear and
giving boons. They may be visualised as being in sexual intercourse with the
presiding aspects of the Devi in the nine mandalas.
The Four Oceans
The four duties of a human being are described as oceans because of their
limitless extent. The sadhaka in the zone is at the junction point or field
of action of these four oceans, on the island of gems.
The Nine Bodily Dhatus
Each of the nine matters (dhatu) in the body is presided over by an
aspect of Lalita. The Universe, in Shri Vidya, is said to be time, space,
and a combination of the two. The first is Shakti, the second Shiva, and the
third Shiva and Shakti in union. These are also the three eyes on Lalita's
face, and sun, moon, fire.
The Island of Nine Gems
On this island, which is all and everything, seed and sprout, the six
seasons all manifest simultaneously. The Aeon Trees (Kalpadruma) are
identified with resolution as any act undertaken with resolution is
fruitful. The six seasons are identified with the six tastes of a human
being.
Horses are the five senses as they lead one forward into action,
figuratively taken as war. It is Lalita who slayed the demon Bhanda with all
his fearful hordes. All her saktis assisted her in this. Then the celestial
city, the Nagar was built. Elephants are the objects of senses, or the
impressions.
Shri Vidya implies unity between knower, means of knowledge and knowledge
itself. These are the three cities. This means that the knower, by means of
the five instruments of knowledge, offers to knowledge itself, Devi in the
yantra. (See Bhavanopanishad).
The Fifteen Nitya Shaktis
These are modifications of Lalita as red goddess with her three gunas and
her five elements of aether, air, fire, water and earth. They are identified
with the 15 days of the lunar fortnight. As the moon remains itself, though
appearing differently according to phase, so too Lalita. Each Nitya has her
own vidya, yantra and group of energies (saktis). Lalita or Tripurasundari
is the 16th day or Full moon, with her 15 digits. Each of the 15 Nityas has
a certain number of arms, the totality of arms (= rays) of the whole circle
being 108. Because any unit of time is taken as a microcosm or parallel of
any other valid unit, each of the 15 Nityas has 1440 breaths.
One lunar fortnight is 21600 breaths -- which is the number of a whole
cycle or process. The breaths of a human being during one day and night are
21600 -10800 of which are solar, the other 10800 being lunar. By this
device, the unity of the 15 Nityas, time, space and a human being is shown.
As time is breath in Shri Vidya, we find that the periods of the four famous
yugas are also based on breath. Each breath is influenced during the day by
the planets in their waxing and waning of power.
These cause poisons to accumulate in the physical body. Nectar is
released when the sun mandal 'melts' the moon mandal, and one attains to
Hamsa. This is the nectar of compassion.
Lalita as the Whole Universe
Tantrik rites often include 'nyasas', the placing of some principles in a
certain sequence on one's own body. The idea is that this process purifies
and divinises.
Lalita's Sodha (sixfold) Nyasa is a highly complex rite in which a
practitioner places on the body the 51 letters of the alphabet, the planets,
the 27 naksatras or lunar mansions, the 12 sidereal constellations, and the
51 sacred sites (pithas) of all India.
Placing these different things on the body the practitioner comes to
realise oneness with the whole cosmos. This ritual also illustrates some
important concepts. The Tantraraja states that there is no difference
between the circle of the letters of the alphabet and the sidereal Zodiac.
Lalita as devi is Shakti as all language, mantra, sound, music and
vibration. She is also Shakti of Time as all planets and constellations. She
is the very essence of sun and moon. Each of these realms requires inner
comment.
51 Ganesas and 51 Letters
The image of Ganesa illustrates the three realms. elephant, his body
human, and his vehicle a mouse. These are three realms in one being. He is
lord of obstacles in three ways. As elephant, his great strength can break
harriers. As human, he can use his intelligence. As mouse, he can penetrate
the smallest places. Every aspect of Shri Vidya may be understood in three
ways -- gross, subtle, and supreme -- and so the meaning of things often
remains uncertain unless you already know someone who has the key, or belong
to the in group.
As letters of the alphabet, Lalita is Matrika Shakti, who deludes by her
Maya through words, speech, mantra.
Planets
The tantriks knew the seven traditional planets of western astrology, and
also had a greater number of shadowy planets, of which Rahu and Ketu -- the
nodes of the moon -- are the best known. The planets are important to an
understanding of Shri Vidya, but the details are so extensive that they must
be reserved for a later time.
27 Nakshatras
These constellations were thought of as beyond the 12 sidereal
constellations, so remote they were almost beyond time itself. These 27 are
employed in Shri Vidya to determine suitability of partners, constructing
Vajra Yantras, and so forth. Each of the 27 has its own animal. A yoni or
lingam is classified as being harmonious or the reverse according to the
position of the natal moon in these constellations. They are also associated
with sacred herbs and trees, and much used in specific or optional rites.
Yoginis
The Yoginis of the bodily centres (dhatus) reveal very much of interest
as they are associated with the well known but much misunderstood cakras.
These Yoginis are really images of the ayurvedic or alchemic bases in the
body.
They can only be understood in relation to such an alchemy. Kundalini is
the body shakti, the great deluder, the trickster, the cause of sleep. To
raise her means to become conscious of her manifestation. Shakti in the body
has her various forms as Prana (Breath) Shakti, fire Shakti and so forth.
When Prana Shakti becomes agitated, she zigzags up the body. At this time
one starts to experience dissolution. Various things my be seen and felt.
Dakini, Rakini &c. preside over the alchemical physical bases of skin,
blood, flesh, fat, bone, marrow. The last of these yoginis presides over the
highest dhatu, highest as it forms the physical basis for new life --
ova/semen. In this form she is truly limitless, as she manifests as the Aeon
Tree (Kalpadruma). The Dakinis and Rakinis &c. are pictured as terrifying as
they consuners of the food one ingests.
Twelve Rashis (Constellations)
These are viewed as 12 great suns or sun Kalas, mighty Adityas presiding
over great affairs, feeding on human beings and their essence.
51 Pithas
These are places in India particularly sacred to devi, as they mark the
spots where the parts of her body fell after it was sliced into pieces by
the discus of Visnu. The yoni fell at Kamarupa, hence the special spiritual
regard in which this place is held by Kaulas.
The Nadis
Nadi means river, and is extended to include other currents and courses,
such as those of the bioenergy and the pulse. Ayurvaidyas have written works
distinguishing various types of pulse indicating dysfunction of the three
powers. Nadi is also 150th part of the ascendant in a birth chart based on
the sidereal zodiac. Such a birth chart is called Rashi Kundali. It is
impossible to cast accurate charts without knowing which nadi rules a person
or time. Each nadi has an aspect of the devi ruling it, and a solar and
lunar part -- hence there are 3600 in the zodiac.
There are said to be 72000 nadis in the human organism. This number
indicates a large but not infinite number of channels of bioenergy. They are
the pathways of Prana Shakti.
The chief pathways are Susumna, extending from a point between the anus
and genitals to the top of the head; ida and pingala, which are the solar
and lunar pathways coiled around the central channel. This Susumna is Shiva
and Shakti in sexual union. The human body is conceived of as a tree -- the
root is at the top of the head, and it ramifies downwards. These channels
are the pathways or body vehicles for Vata, one of the three dosas or
humours in Ayurveda of the human body, and constitute the central nervous
system with three main concentrations.
Marmas
Marmas are 108 in number, well documented points of the human organisn
which, if pierced, usually cause death. Many are recognised by western
medicine. On the Shri Yantra, marmas are represented by the confluence of
three or more lines.
Sandhis
These are joints in the human frame, knee joint, elbow joint &c. The body
is the temple of the devi. On the Shri Yantra sandhis are represented by the
junction of two lines.
Meaning of Kula
A 'kula' is a Shakti. The foregoing shows that each Shakti in the yantra
is some energy of the human organism in its gross, subtle, or causal
aspects. 'Akula' (lit. 'not Kula') is Shiva.
"Having abandoned her family of young Kula women, she becomes Shiva, with
no qualities, no characteristics, devoid of the form of time." --
Vamakesvara Tantra
"All things the body. The body is the sacrificial ladle. Knowledge is the
food." -- Shiva Sutras II, 9-10.
The Weapons of Lalita
Lalita holds five flowery arrows, noose, goad and bow. The noose is
attachment (moon). The goad is repulsion (sun). The sugarcane bow is the
mind. The flowery arrows are the five sense impressions. When oonsciousness
perceives these, the outward directed arrows stop being dry sticks.
These five flowery arrows together with the bow are personified as six
Krishnas or Kamadevas. V84 of ch xxiv of Tantrarajatantra states that
Lalita assumed a male form as Krishna, and 'by enveloping all women
enchanted the whole world'. Each of the six forms is like dawn, with six
arms, holding flute, noose, goad, sugarcane bow, flowers, sour milk.
Eroticism in Shri Vidya
The physiology of Shri Vidya postulates macrocosm and microcom as one.
From this follows the realisation that the sexual union of man and wanan
mirrors the cosmic creation. It is natural that loving sexuality should be
seen to have a cosmic status.
Kaulas have been criticised as their works emphasise love and death, but
they were always realists. Many tantras establish that the terrifying Kali
and the benign Lalita are two sides of the same coin. This coin or currency
is called life. Lalita, with her waxing moon, represents creation, and
Kalika with her waning moon dissolution. Each is a complete symbol, of high
sublimity and loaded with spiritual significance.
The 15 Syllable Mantra
A chart, in Sanskrit, in the Adyar Library edition of Varivasya
Rahasya, which deals with the 15 lettered Vidya of Lalita is so useful
to an understanding of Shri Vidya and the yantra that we have summarised its
contents below.
The Kadi Vidya runs ka e i la hrim: ha sa ka ha la hrim: sa ka la hrim.
There is also a secret 16th syllable said to be the quintessence of Lalita.
There vidya, yantra, guru, disciple, goddess are all conceived of as
being one. The Shri Yantra is within the wheel of time (Kalacakra), and
represents the human body (microcosm), and the universe (macrocosm). These
15 letters are conceived to exist within the meru or spine of a human being,
from the base to the top of the head.
The seven (or nine) 'cakras' are strung along this thread of light, as
are the different mandals or circles of Shri Yantra. Note that the Lalita
Vidya is itself divided into three parts, each represents fire, sun and
moon.
Different letters of the alphabet all exist in a subtle form within the
spinal cord. Each chakra is presided over by a Yogini whose function is
connected with the transmutation of food, which is alchemy of the food
factory.
There are 50 petals associated with these six cakras as there are 50
letters of the Sanskrit alphabet. 21600/50 = 432. The cakra of the absolute
or semen/ova itself has 1000 letters or petals. Semen is conceived of as
residing here because of its alchemical nature as an elixir produced by the
synthesis of the forms of food.
These three which are oneness are knower, means of knowledge, object of
knowledge. Their union is called samarasa.
The three corners of the central triangle of the Shri Chakra are presided
over by three symbolic Nathas. The Fourth Natha, Shiva Himself, is united
with Shakti in the centre of the Bindu.
This Bindu, united Shiva Shakti, creates the cosmos. If we observe nature
we see that the Shri Cakra (child) comes from the sexual union or samarasa
(perfect assimilation) of man (Shiva) and woman (Shakti).
Their samarasa is known as the Fourth, because it appears when all three
are present, and also produces or has the three as its powers or saktis.
This Fourth is awareness, the witness, the enjoyer, the measurer, the
measuring stick, and the measured, Adinatha, the merulingam, beyond time and
space, and therefore outside the Shri Yantra or the cosmos as modification
or play of sun, moon and fire. These last three form the body of Lalita.
The three saktis of the Fourth are known as Kamesvari, Vajresi and
Bhagamalini, in the symbolism of Shri Vidya.
They are also the saktis Iccha, Jnana and Kriya (Knowledge, Will,
Action), and in their aspects as Creator, Maintainer and Destroyer are known
as Vama, who vomits forth the universe, Jyesta who maintains, and Raudri who
dissolves.
The body of a human being is made up of these three in combination and
blending. They are active, passive and reconciling.
The three are also symbolised as three holy mountains known as Kamagiri,
Purnagiri, and Jalandhari. The apex of these foothills is the very secret
Oddiyana, at the centre of Shri Yantra. The three also represent three
symbolic lingas within the human frame.
Conceived of as the human body, and as the Meru or subtle spine, these
three places are points of convergence or pilgrimage of the channels of
bioenergy connected with the sun and moon. There is a correspondence between
these channels in the body, and the luminaries in the heaven.
As the Shri Yantra is Time and Space, all constellations, planets, lunar
mansions, are conceived of as being the body of Lalita, Maha Tripura Sundari.
It was these three cities that were destroyed by Lord Shiva, and described
in the Shiva Mahimna Stotra.
At the confluence of the three rivers of bioenergy are three lingams of
Supreme Shiva, resorted to by the wise. One united with the Fourth is
liberated. Others are deluded by the Maya or play of the goddess, who, with
her three aspects in all is known as Mahamaya Adya, the womb of all.
She deludes by her every process, and has the form of Matrika devi, or
goddess of speech and words. The 15 syllables of the vidya are usually
disguised in symbolic design or code. The three Hrims are called the three
maya granthis or knots of delusion. This Hrim breaks down into Ha for Shiva,
Ha for Shakti, and Im for samarasa.
The Fourth (Turiya) also pervades consciousness in its states of waking,
dreaming and deep sleep. This is also expressed in the Shiva Sutra.
Meaning of Shri Vidya
The Yogini Hridaya, the second part of the Vamakeshvara Tantra, states
that the mantra has several meanings. Some are literal, others traditional,
inner, Kaulika, occult and real.
Literal Meaning
The syllables represent Shiva and Shakti. The first part, Ka E I La Hrim,
is called Vagbhava, and is Vama Shakti, Brahma, Jnana Shakti, and Eastern
Face. The second part, Ha Sa Ka Ha La hrim, is Kamaraja, Jyesta Shakti,
Visnu, Iceha Shakti, and Southern Face. The third part, Sa Ka La hrim, is
called Shakti, is Raudri Shakti, Rudra, Kriya Shakti and Western Face. The
fourth part, the hidden or secret syllable, is mother goddess, Shambhu Natha,
the totality of the three shaktis of Knowledge, Will and Action, and the
Northern Face or amnaya.
Traditional Meaning
Ka = air, Ha = fire, Sa = water, La = earth, Ha = aether. The vowels are
above aether. The 15 syllables are 1 of aether, 2 of air, three of fire,
four of water, and five of earth. The three forms of La represent the three
Worlds. The five forms of the letter Ha represent sound.
Inner Meaning
The vidya shows oneness of Shiva, Guru, devi and disciple; as it is Shiva
in sound form (Shakti) which preserves the line.
Kaula Meaning
The Mother goddess is known as Ganeshi (Lady of Hosts), because of her
great nunber of rays. These are the Ganesas of the sixfold Nyasa. Devi has
three eyes which are sun, moon, fire. She has three saktis which are Will,
Knowledge, Action. She has three gunas which are active, passive,
reconciling. These are the nine planets. The 27 naksatras are 10 Knowledge
and Action modes, 10 objects of senses, Devi, Deva, three gunas as one, and
the four inner causes. The six yoginis have their names beginning Da, Ra,
La, Ka, Sa, Ha -- and end in 'akini'. They preside over the physical bases (dhatus)
of the body. The 12 sidereal constellations are the 10 vital breaths, the
embodied being (jiva), and the Supreme Creator. The 51 pithas correspond to
the letters of the alphabet, and are points of confluence one should visit
within the body. Each of the three sections of the vidyas represents speech
-- in potential, in formation, in manifestation. The Devi is Matrika Shakti.
Breath is Time
This is a fundamental postulate of Shri Vidya and much of the symbolism
is based on it. The letters of Sanskrit said to represent the embodiment of
Laiita as mantra are 52 in number: 16 vowels and 36 consonants. These,
multiplied together, total 576. This number, divided by nine yields 64. The
Shri Yantra is said to have 64,000,000 yoginis in the nine sub-mandalas.
Each mandala has a unit of Time associated with it. The basic unit is a
breath. One nadika is equal to 24 minutes or 1440 seconds, and each breath
is one 360th of this, or four seconds. A human being breathes 21600 times
each 24 hours.
A Kali Yuga is 432,000 years of 360 days. A Dvapara Yuga is 864,000
years. A Treta Yuga is 1,296,000 years. A Satya Yuga is 1,728,000 years. The
circle of the sidereal zodiac has 12 constellations, each of which has nine
parts (navamshas). These 108 (12 x 9) are called Candrakalas.
Each Candrakaia is, itself, a micro-constellation. The number of degrees
in the sidereal cakra is 360. The number of minutes is 21600. A conjunction
is 21600', a square 5400', an opposition 10800'. Each eternity (Nitya) of
the root mantra has 1440 breaths. (See the prayoga of Bhavana Upanishad).
This implies that Lalita is 21600, as she is the collectivity of the 15
Nityas.
Lalita's cakra is the grand synthesis of Time, Space, and humankind. Her
36 tattvas are the whole cosmos.
Ritual Accessories (Upachara)
These can be multiplied indefinitely. The chief are scent (earth),
incense (air), flame (fire), water, and flowers (aether). They should all be
red, or tinged with red. They represent, in their basic form, the five
impressions. See Gandharva Tantra.
Devatas of the Leftovers
At the end of the rite Vatuka Natha is in the NE, and takes flame
leftovers; Yoginis in the SE take mantra leftovers; Kshetrapala in the SW
takes scent and incense leftovers; Ganesa, in the NW, takes mudra leftovers.
The aspect of Lalita called Sosika consumes everything that is left. She is
worshipped in the NE in a circular pit.
Gayatri
This is the name of a specific kind of mantra used at the four twilights
of dawn, midday, dusk and midnight. There are Vedik and Tantrik gayatris.
Lalita has her own which is tripurasundaryai vidmahe kameshvaryai dhimahi
tanno klinne prachodayat.
Esoteric Meaning of the Vidya
This leads the sadhaka to identify the vidya with moon, sun and fire, as
sections of the central or Susunna Nadi, relating to Intellect, Emotions,
and Physical Sensations. These have to he brought together for the Fourth to
appear. There are 10 fire kalas, 12 sun kalas, and 15 moon kalas. The 16th
includes them all.
Sound
The letters of the vidya are Nada, or sound, and the absolute, and end as
uttered sound. When charged with the consciousness of the Fourth these mere
letters become mantra. Otherwise, words continually delude.
The 16th syllable of the vidya also represents the Fourth. This Fourth is
Kamakala. Beyond it is the Ultimate Absolute (Atiturya - beyond the Fourth),
and beyond any sort of description. | 
