22. Description of Yaksini

Patala 32 of Mantrapada describes the rites and rituals associated with the worship of the still popular deity in Kerala, Yaksini. The Mulamantra, in eight syllables, of Yaksini is given as follows in Sloka 122 of Mantrapada Besides, some Prakrtamantras of Yaksini are also given. The Patala also provides details on many Mantric rites for 372

propitiating Yaksing for the purpose of fulfilling the wishes of devotees and Upasakas. There is mention of a specific Mantra, the chanting of which three lakh times, so pleases the Yaksini that She will appear before the devotee and will whisper into the Upasaka's ears about everything- past, present and future. Yaksini is mainly worshipped and meditated upon for inferior purposes like Vasya and Marana. Two Dhyanas, both intensely erotic in nature, are given by the author, one of which is given below: prataptakanakaprarupa navayauvanasalini || pinottungastani carudhammilla ruciralaka | saradendumukhambhoja lolendivaralocana | | subhruh sudantanasostha subhujam sundarodari | supinasronijadyana surujangaghripankaja | | sarvangasundari citravasanabharanojjvala | prasadhanakarabhyam tu dutibhyam samupasthita | 189 Other Mantric rites for propitiating Bhadrakali and Hanuman are also given, which are meant not only for Marana and Abhicara, but for the protection of agricultural crops. 190