Tantra raja srividya

Saundaryalahari(Adi Sankaracharya lived in the 7th-8th century AD. and wrote)

‘Having filled the pathway of the Nadis with the streaming shower of nectar flowing from the Lotus feet, having resumed thine own position from out of the resplendent Lunar regions and Thyself assuming the form of a serpent of three and a half coils, sleepest thou, in the hollow of Kula Kunda (Kula Kunda means the hollow of Mooladhara Sacrum bone)’.‘Saundarya Lahari’:------------ ‘Thou art residing in secrecy with Thy Lord (The spirit) in the thousand petalled Lotus, having pierced through the Earth situated in ‘Mooladhara’, the Water in Manipura, the Fire abiding in the Svadhisthana, the Air in the Heart (‘Anahata’), the Ether above (Visshuddhi) and ‘Manas’ between the eyebrows (‘Agnya’) and thus broken through the entire ‘Kula Path’.’

Srividya  is the king of tantra tradition. This is a perfect, systematical and safe way to awaken the kundalini power. This include mantra,tantra and yantra techniques for step by step safe activation of kundalini power. Most of the people practicing this ancient secret system in wrong way and creating so many problems and pains themselves. The secret of srividya is hidden. Most of the ( 99.9%)  ashrams and spiritual monks are teaching this system, with only the outer worships of goddess and chanting mantras hours and hours. They don’t know the practical steps to active the power through decoding of sriyantra practies. To activate this system, we should carefully use the essence of all tantric traditions like kaula, samaya, misra and vama depend up on the vasanas of disciple. This teaches through the ancient guru shishya deeksha system. Each and every step, the disciple can clearly experience the real change of his consciousness.

Srividya and the 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 Sarvasaparipurakabook 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 theSarvasamkshobhana'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. SarvarthasadhakaThe 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 calledSarvarakshakaraWithout 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 Sarvarogahara - destroying all diseaseSecret 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 Sarvasiddhiprada - bestowing all siddhiTripura 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 theSarvanandamaya ChakraQueen 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.

The Fifteen Nityas

"The chakra of the letters of the alphabet is based upon time and so is identical with the sidereal zodiac." - Tantraraja Tantra

The Nityas or Eternities of Lalita represent the fifteen lunar days or tithis of the waxing Moon. Each has her own yantra, mantra, tantra and prayogas or ritual applications. The full circle of the Nityas also represents the 21,600 breaths a human being takes in a full day and night. As such, the Nityas are the Kalachakra, or Wheel of Time.

The information in this section is drawn from a number of tantras including the Tantraraja, the Dakshinamurti Samhita and the Jnanarnava Tantra, as well as the Kalpasutra, which seems to be the primary source. Readers will also find it useful to refer to Sir John Woodroffe's digest of the Tantraraja(Ganesh & Co, 1971), although here he fails to give sufficient idea of the number of prayogas (magical rites) associated with the Nityas. Yantras and mantras, where given, are drawn from Tantraraja, although it is necessary to point out that the Dakshinamurti Samhita gives somewhat different versions.

You can find larger versions of the yantras according to the Tantrarajatantraon this page.

The 15 Nityas are modifications of Lalita as red goddess with her three gunas and her five elements of aether, air, fire, water and earth. As the moon remains itself, though appearing differently according to phase, so too does Lalita. Each Nitya has her own vidya (that is mantra), yantra and group of energies (Shaktis). Their names appear in the first chapter of Vamakeshvara Tantra. Gopinath Kaviraj, a renowned scholar of tantra in the first half of this century, describes the Kalachakra and the Nityas succinctly in the introduction to the Sanskrit edition of Yogini Hridaya. (Sarasvati Bhavana Granthamala, 1963):

"What the Bhavanopanishad says implies that the Human Body is to be conceived as the Sri Cakra, being the expression of one's own self. (Svatma). This means that while on the one hand the Body is to be regarded as non-different from the atma, the entire cosmic system associated with thehttp://www.shivashakti.com/lalita2.gifbody should also be viewed in the same light. This outer system in its manifestation rests on Time (kala), Space (deha) and a combination of the two. The exponents of the School hold that the well known fifteen Kalas of the Moon, representing the 15 lunar tithis, are to be regarded as identical with the fifteen Nityas (Kameshvari to Citra). The sixteenth Kala called Sadakhya should be viewed as one with Lalita or the Supreme Deity Herself. In other words, one has to feel that what appears in Kalacakra is nothing but an expression of what exists eternally as Nityas in the supreme Sri Cakra itself. The tithicakra or the wheel of time is constantly revolving and the Sri Cakra is within it and not without. It should also be remembered that from the standpoint of an esoteric yogin the tithis are in the last analysis to be identified with the 21600 shvasas supposed to be the average number of breaths per day of a normal human being."

Hence Lalita or Tripurasundari is the 16th day or full moon, with her 15 digits. Each of the 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 fifteen Nityas thus has 1,440 breaths (see Bhavanopanishad). This identity between space, time, Tripurasundari and the individual is elaborated at great length and with considerable sophistication by the author of the Tantraraja.

According to that text, the Nityas are the vowels of the Sanskrit alphabet and are identical with both time and space. For example, if the number of tattvas or consonants (36) are multiplied by the 16 Nityas the number of letters is 576. The multiples of this number provide the number of years in the different Yugas. So the circle of the matrikas and the Nityas is identical with the sidereal zodiac as well as mantra.

This theme is further elaborated in the 28th chapter of the same tantra, where Shiva says that in the centre of the world is the Meru, outside of this being the seven oceans and beyond this the Kalachakra or wheel of time which moves in a clockwise direction by the power of Iccha (Will) Shakti. The circle is divided by 12 spokes and the planets or grahas are within this. Lalita, says the tantra, is in the Meru, while 14 Nityas from Kameshvari to Jvalamalini reside in the seven islands and seven oceans. Chitra, who is the 16th Nitya, occupies supreme Space or Paramavyoma.

In the Dakshinamurti Samhita, the Nityas are identified with kalas or parts of the different stages of deep sleep, dreaming, waking, and full consciousness or Turiya. Here it is said that the Nityas, including Lalita, are the 16 parts of the continuum of consciousness, while the 17th Kala is beyond all of this. Each of the Nityas has the respective vowel letter associated with her mantra vidya.

VowelsMoonDeep Sleep14 spokesPrameya
ConsonantsSunWakingTwo 10sPramana
Ya etc.FireDreamEight spokesPramata
Sha etcFireFourthFour lines
16 PetalsFireWakingPramata
Eight petalsFireDreamPramana
Three linesFireDeep SleepPrameya
VisargaTrikonaBlossoming universal place, Kriya
BinduBinduNon blossoming place, Jnana
VisargabinduMahabinduPlace of Samarasa

Similar ideas are found in the Matrikachakra Viveka, as in the table above, drawn from the Sanskrit introduction to the 1934 Government Sanskrit College of Benares edition, which classifies the nine mandalas of the Shri Yantra according to Pramana - means of knowledge, Pramata - the subject, and Prameya - the object and relates the different states of consciousness to the yantra. See Tattvas on this site.lalita image

According to the Tantraraja, the 15 Nityas are limbs or rays of Lalita, who is herself pure consciousness without additions. Varahi and Kurukulla bear the relationship of father and mother respectively. The Nityas themselves can be meditated upon and worshipped in different forms and colours for the attainment of different ends. In daily worship (puja) of the Nityas, each has her own nyasa and ritual sequence and they are to receive puja on the lunar days associated with them. The vidya mantras of the different Nityas below are prefaced by Aim Hrim Shrim bija mantras and suffixed with Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah, that is Hail. I worship and libate the auspicious lotus feet [of the appropriate Nitya]. The yantras used below are those from the Tantraraja while the Sanskrit syllables are the vowel letters associated with each Nitya and day of the Moon.

The images embedded in the text above are taken from a sadhaka's manuscript of the 1,000 names of Lalita.

 Kameshvari Nitya

The first Nitya in the cycle is Kameshvari, a name which means Lady of Desire. Her vidya (mantra) according to the Tantrarajatantra, is Aim Hrim Shrim Am Aim Sa Ka La Hrim Nityaklinne Madadrave Sauh Am Kameshvari Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah.

The same tantra gives her dhyana or meditation image as red like 10 million dawn suns, having a diadem of rubies, wearing throat ornaments, necklaces, waistchains and rings. She is red, has six arms and three eyes, and bears a crescent Moon, smiling softly. She holds a bow of sugar cane, flowering arrows, noose, goad, and a nectar-filled begemmed cup, showing the mudra of bestowing boons. The five arrows of desire (Kama) in the five petals are Longing, Maddening, Kindling, Enchanting and Wasting. These five Kamas are five forms of Kamadeva, Lalita as Krishna, who are Kamaraja (Hrim), Manmatha (Klim), Kandarpa (Aim), Makara (Blum) and Manobhava (Strim) with the colours yellow, white, red, purple and blue. Each of the Kamadevas has two eyes and two arms, the hands holding sugar cane bow and flowering arrows, the very form of the five elements.

Bhagamalini Nitya

Nitya Bhagamalini, whose name refers to the flowering yoni, is the second of the cycle of the waxing Moon and has a remarkable and very long vidya (mantra) which runs: Aim Hrim Shrim Am Aim Bhagabuge Bhagini Bhagodari Bhagamale Bhagavahe Bhagaguhye Bhagayoni Bhaganipatini Sarvabhagavashankari Bhagarupe Nityaklinne Bhagasvarupe Sarvani Bhagani Me Hyanaya Varade Rete Surete Bhagaklinne Klinnadrave Kledaya Dravaya Amoghe Bhagavicce Kshubha Kshobhaya Sarvasatvan Bhagodari Aim Blum Jem Blum Bhem Blum Mom Blum Hem Blum Hem Klinne Sarvani Bhagani Me Vashamanaya Strim Hara Blem Hrim Am Bhagamalini Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah.

She has six arms, three eyes, sits on a lotus and holds in her left hands a night water lily, a noose and a sugar cane bow and in her right a lotus, a goad and flowering arrows. Around her is a host of Shaktis all of whom look like her, according to the Tantrarajatantra.

The Dakshinamurti Samhita has a different image (dhyana). Here (chapter 41), she is described as dwelling in the middle of a flowery forest, adorned with various gems, holding noose, goad, book, scales, nail (?) and writing implement, showing the mudras or hand gestures of allaying fears and bestowing boons. Her yantra is described differently, too, as triangle, hexagon, 16 petals, eight petals, then the bhupura or fence.

Nityaklinna Nitya

Her name means Wet Nitya, or Always Wet. The third Nitya's mantra is Aim Hrim Shrim Nityaklinne Madadrave Svaha im Nityaklinna Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah.

She is surrounded by 19 Shaktis, according to the Tantraraja, who are Kshobhini, Mohini, Lila, Nitya, Niranjana, Klinna, Kledini, Madanatura, Madadrava, Dravini, Vidhana, Madavila, Mangala, Manmatharta, Manashvini, Moha, Amoda, Manomayi, Maya, Manda and Manovati. The Nityaklinna herself, the same tantra says, is restless with desire, smeared with red sandal paste, wears red clothes, smiles, has a half moon on her head, and holds noose, goad, cup and makes the mudra dispelling fear.

The Dakshinamurti Samhita (chapter 42) gives her root mantra as being of 11 syllables, Hrim Nityaklinna Madadrave Svaha. The image is similar except that she holds a noose, a goad, a skull and dispels fears. Her face is bathed in sweat and her eyes move with desire. Here the yantra is described as trikona, eight petals, and earth square (bhupura). She bestows enjoyment and liberation and subdues the three worlds for one siddha (successful) in her vidya (mantra).

 Bherunda Nitya

Bherunda, the fourth Nitya, has three eyes and eight arms, with her body the colour of molten gold, wearing beautiful ornaments on her hands, feet, arms and around her waist. She smiles sweetly with her hands holding noose, goad, shield, sword, mace, thunderbolt (vajra), bow and arrow.

The vidya mantra is: Aim Hrim Shrim Im Om Krom Bhrom Kraum Jhmraum Cchraum Jraum Svaha Im Bherunda Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah, says Tantraraja. Using her mantra destroys poison.

The DS describes her yantra as being triangle, eight petals and bhupura. In the triangle are Shikhini, Nilakanthi and Raudri. Bherunda, according to this source, rules the Vetalas. The vidya mantra also differs.

http://www.shivashakti.com/vahni2.gifhttp://www.shivashakti.com/um.gif Vahnivasini Nitya

Vahnivasini is the sixth Nitya (Eternity) in the cycle, her name meaning the dweller in fire. Her mantra is Om Hrim Vahnivasiniyai Namah. The Shaktis in the eight trikonas are Jvalini, Visphulingini, Mangala, Sumanohara, Kanaka, Ankita, Vishva and Vividha. In the 12 petals are the 12 signs of the Hindu (sidereal)zodiac. Her description in the Tantraraja Tantra is as a beautiful young woman, the colour of gold, with eight arms, dressed in yellow silk garments, adorned with rubies. She holds a red lotus, a conch, a bow of red sugarcane and the full moon in her left hands; in her right a white water lily, golden horn, flowery arrows and a citron. Around her are numberless Shaktis who look like her. She is the dweller in fire who devours the universe.

Mahavajreshvari Nitya

Her vidya-mantra is Um Hrim Klinne Aim Krom Nityamadadrave Hrim Um Mahavajreshvari Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah.

She is described in the Tantraraja as having four arms, three eyes, garmented in red, red in colour, wearing red jewels and strewn with red flowers, wearing a crown of rubies. She sits on a throne on a golden boat which floats on an ocean of blood, and holds noose, goad, sugar cane bow and flowering arrows. She is surrounded by a host of Shaktis similar to her and sways while she smiles mercifully.

The description in the DS differs. Here, she is described as resembling the china rose, wearing red clothes, and holding noose, goad, skull and dispelling fear. She is swaying from having drunk pure wine. The yantra here is described as having a triangle, four petals, eight petals and a bhupura.

Duti Nitya

According to Nityotsava, an expansion of the Kalpasutras, the vidya-mantra of Shivaduti Nitya is Aim Hrim Shrim Shivadutyai Namah Shivadutinitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah. She is called Shivaduti because she makes Shiva her messenger (Duti).

The Tantraraja describes her as being dressed in red, with nine jewels in her crown, surrounded by Rishis singing her praises and having eight arms and three eyes. She looks as bright as the summer sun at midday and smiles sweetly. Her hands hold horn, shield, mace, cup, goad, cleaver, axe and lotus.

Tvarita Nitya

Tvarita is the ninth Nitya (Eternity) in the cycle. Also called Totala Devi. She is called Tvarita ("Swift") as She grants fruit to the sadhaka quickly. She is of auspicious form, in the first flush of youth, and dark in colour. She has 3 eyes and 4 hands and Her beautiful lotus- like face smiles gently. She is clad in new leaves. She is adorned with 8 fierce and great serpents of 4 kinds, and with waist chains and anklets. On Her head is a crystal crown with a crest of peacock feathers. Her arms are adorned with bangles made of beautiful peacock feathers. She has an umbrella and a banner made of peacock feathers. She wears strings of (red) gunja berries around Her throat, and Her breasts are smeared with red sandal and kumkum. She holds noose, goad, dispels fear, and grants boons.

In front of this Goddess is a black servant carrying a mace, who is worshipped for the attainment of the desired fruit. On either side of Her are Her two Shaktis Jaya (conquering) and Vijaya (Victorious) who are like Her and who carry and swing gold canes.

The 8 Serpents are: Ananta & Kulika, fiery in colour, each with 1000 hoods, Her ear ornaments. Vasuki & Shankhapala, yellow in colour, each with 700 hoods, Her upper arm bangles. Takshaka & Mahapadma, blue in colour, each with 500 hoods, Her girdle. Padma & Kartataka, white, each with 300 hoods, Her toe ornaments. Her Shaktis are Humkari, Khechari, Chandi, Chedini, Kahepani, Strikari, Dumkari, Kahemakari -- these are similar to the Lokapalas, and the Shaktis in the 8 petals of the yantra. Her mantra is Om Hrim Hum Khe Ca Che Ksah Strim Hum Kse Hrim Phat.

Tvarita Puja

Taking up a position facing East, and having done three pranayamas, one should do the following Nyasa: Hail to the Rishi Saura on the head: Hail to the Metre Virat on the mouth: Hail to the Devi Tvarita Nitya in the heart: Hail to the Bija Om in the genitals: Hail to the Shakti Hum on the feet: Hail to the Linchpin Kse on the navel. Then making the anjali gesture near the heart one should do the following Nyasa: Cm Khe Ca to the heart Namah: Ca Cche to the head Svaha: Cche Ksah to the peak Vasat: Ksah Stri to the armour Hum: Stri Hum to the 3 eyes Vaushad: Hum Kse to the Missile Phat.

Then one should do the Tvarita Nyasa: (Head) Hrim Om Hrim Namah: (Forehead) Hrum Hum Hrim Namah: (Throat) Hrim Khe Hrim Namah: (Heart) Hrim Ca Hrim Namah: (Navel) Hrim Cche Hrim Namah: (Muladhara) Hrim Ksah Hrim Namah: (Thighs) Hrim Stri Hrim Namah: (Knees) Hrim Hum Hrim Namah: (Legs) Hrim Kse Hrim Namah: (Feet) Hrim Phat Hrim Namah: End with a diffusion.

After placing the yantra in front of you, visualise Devi Tvarita in the heart. Take Her to the head, resolve to do Her puja, place the flower on the yantra centre. Worship the triple Guru line first, as being in the three circles, then Devi's servitor who is in the west of the Yantra. Worship Jaya and Vijaya on both sides of the door. Worship Humkari, Khecari, Canda, Cchedini, Ksepini, Strikari, Dumkari, Ksemakari in the eight petals. Tvarita Devi in the centre.

Kulasundari Nitya

Her vidya-mantra is given as Aim Hrim Shrim Aim Klim Sauh Kulasundari Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah.

She has twelve arms and six faces, says the Tantraraja. In her right hands she holds coral mala (rosary), lotus, a gem-studded pitcher, drinking cip, lemon and displays the exposition mudra. Her left hands hold book, red lotus, golden pen, garland of gems, conch shell with the last showing the boon mudra, according to the same tantra. Around her are hostes of Kinnaras, Yakshas, Devas and Gandharvas.

The letters of the vidya Aim Klim Sauh comprise the Tripura bulb which is the united state of knower, knowledge and object of knowledge; the three humours of Vata, Kapha and Sleshma; and Fire, Sun and the Moon. According to the DS (chapter 48), Kulasundari is identical with Bala and placed in the Eastern lion-seat.

Nitya Nitya

The Kalpasutra's version of Nitya Nitya's mantra runs Ha Sa Ka La Ra Daim Ha Sa Ka La Ra Dim Ha Sa Ka La Ra Dauh Nitya Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah.

The Tantraraja describes her as like the dawn sun, ruling the Shaktis of the bodily dhatus (Dakini, Shakini, Rakini &c), dressed in red clothes and wearing rubies. She has three eyes and 12 arms and holds in her hands noose, white lotus, sugar cane bow, shield, trident, and favour mudra, goad, book, flowering arrows, sword, skull, mudra dispelling fear.

Nilapataka Nitya

Her name means Sapphire Banner and her mantra is Aim Hrim Shrim Phrem Strum Krom Am Klim Aim Blum Nityamadadrave Hum Phrem Hrim Em Nilapataka Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah.

The Tantraraja says that she is nila (sapphire) in hue with five faces and ten arms, wearing red clothes and beautiful gems. Her left hands show noose, banner, shield, horn bow, and the mudra granting gifts. Her right hands show goad, dart, sword, arrows and the mudra banishing fear. She sits on a lotus surrounded by hordes of Shaktis like her. She rules the Yakshinis and the 64 Chetakas and has an uncanny collection of siddhis or magical powers to grant to her sadhaka or sadhika including a sword unbeatable in battle (Khadga siddhi), Treasure, the power to see through walls (Anjana), the ability to travel miles in an instant (Paduka Siddhi) and lots, lots more.

Vijaya Nitya

She brings victory in battle and success in buying and selling, hence her name, Victorious.

According to Nityotsava, her vidya mantra is Aim Hrim Shrim Bha Ma Ra Ya Aum Aim Vijaya Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah. According to the DS she has one head and 10 arms and wears a garland of human skulls but the dhyana or meditation image in the Tantraraja differs from this. There she has five heads and 10 arms which hold conch, noose, shield, bow, white lily, discus, goad, arrows and lemon.

Sarvamangala Nitya

Her name means "all auspicious" and her vidya mantra is Aim Hrim Shrim Svaum Om Sarvamangala Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah. She has two arms and one head, sits on her lotus yantra and has eyes which represent the sun and the moon, while she smiles sweetly. In her right hand she holds a citron and with the left shows the boon-giving mudra. All her 76 attendants surround her, they are solar, lunar and fiery.

She rules over the kalas (parts or digits) of the sun (12), the moon (16) and fire (10). This numbers 38 and her attendants are doubled because each is with her consort.

Jvalamalini Nitya

Her name means "garlanded with flames" and her mantra, according to Tantrarajatantra, is Om namo bhagavati Jvalamalini devadevi sarvabhutasamharakarike jatavedasi jvalanti jvala jvala prajvala prajvala Hrim Hrim Hum Ram Ram Ram Ram Ram Ram Ram Jvalamalini Hum Phat Svaha.

As the Nitya of flame, she is surrounded by Shaktis, each of whom resembles her and she herself has a body of flaming fire, with six faces and 12 arms. Each of her faces, each with three eyes, smile sweetly.

Her 12 hands hold noose, goad, arrow, mace, tortoise, spear, flame and she shows two mudras - granting boons and dispelling fear.

The DS gives a different yantra to the Tantraraja, with one of the mandalas having forty rather than 32 petals.

The Shaktis and her description also show variants. She is described as sitting on a lion-seat, and holds different weapons which include the damaru drum and a jar of wine.

Chitra Nitya

The last Nitya in the cycle is Chitra, whose mantra is Aim Hrim Shrim Ckaum Am Chitra Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah. Her name means variegated and she wears a silk garment of different colours, has four arms, one head and holds noose, goad, and shows the gestures granting boons and dispelling fears.