Varahi Tantra (English Study)
by Roberta Pamio | 2014 | 29,726 words
This English essay studies the Varahi Tantra and introduces the reader to the literature and philosophy of the Shakta Tradition to which this text belongs. These Shakta Tantras are doctrines where the Mother Goddess is conceived as the Supreme deity who is immanent and transcendental at the same time. The Varahitantra (lit. the "Doctrine of th...
Chapter 32 - Homa (fire sacrifice) and Saṃskāra (consecration rituals)
The first part of this chapter deals with homa: after discussing the prayaścittā (lit. "expiatory rights") to eliminate the defects done while performing the fire sacrifice, it gives the dhyāna and the names of the Fire (vv.1-44’).
The second part of this chapter deals with saṃskāras (consecration rituals performed during the different stages of life of a person) and it opens with the dhyāna of Ṣaṣṭhī and a prayer to the Goddess Ṣaṣṭhī, and to other Gods and sages, for the protection of the son (vv.44"-154).