Cidgaganacandrika (study)

by S. Mahalakshmi | 2017 | 83,507 words

Cidgaganacandrika 187 [Vimarsha’s abode], English comparative study extracted from the two available commentaries—the Divyacakorika and the Kramaprakashika. The Cidgagana-candrika is an important Tantric work belonging to the Krama system of Kashmir Shaivism. Written by Kalidasa (Shrivatsa) in 312 Sanskrit verses, it deals with the knowledge regarding both the Macrocosmic and Microcosmic phenomena

This book contains Sanskrit text which you should never take for granted as transcription mistakes are always possible. Always confer with the final source and/or manuscript.

Verse 187 [Vimarśa’s abode]

Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English commentary of verse 187:

गोचरीप्रभृति शून्यपश्चिमं भूतषट्कमवमज्य धाम्नि ते ।
स्वप्रभे प्रमदनिर्भराः परं शक्तयो दधति दर्पमीश्वरे ॥ १८७ ॥

gocarīprabhṛti śūnyapaścimaṃ bhūtaṣaṭkamavamajya dhāmni te |
svaprabhe pramadanirbharāḥ paraṃ śaktayo dadhati darpamīśvare || 187 ||

Comparative analysis of commentaries and excerpts in English:

[Vimarśa’s abode attained through Śaktipañcaka/Pañcaśakti and Bhūtaṣaṭka/Ṣaḍbhūta]

Pañcavāhaśaktis—(Vyomavāmeśvarī, Khecarī, Gocarī, Dikcarī and Bhūcarī) and the Bhūtaṣaṭka [Ṣaḍbhūta?] (Manas, Pṛthvi, Ap, Tejas, Vāyu and Ākāśa) are drowned in Vimarśa’s luminance. These Śaktis[1] in Śiva’s abode, shine as expansive forces of cidākāśa, discharging their respective functions under the control of Krama Adhiṣṭātri Kāli.

They shine in the form [of the following Cakras as the sense objects in the individual being]—

  1. Khecarī as Pramāta,
  2. Gocarī as Antaḥkaraṇa,
  3. Dikcarī as Bahyendriyas and
  4. Bhūcarī.

This act on the part of the retinue of Śaktis in getting themselves purified and ready for the ultimate oneness with Śiva, becomes the cause of pride for them. Vimarśa, who is Praṇavarūpā is Vyomavāmeśvarī, brings forth the creation. She is in the abode of Parameśvara as Citśakti in non-distinct form.

Notes and Sanskrit references:

[1] Cf. [Kramaprakāśikā] p 119 [Cidgaganacandrikā] 187.—

sarvamapi jagat śaktisvarūpamiti “śaktayo'sya jagṛtkatsnam” iti vacanānusāraṃ svīkṛtamatra |

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