Shri Vidya

File:Meru1.jpg

The Shri Yantra (shown here in the three-dimensional projection known as Shri Meru Chakra or Maha Meru) is central to most Tantric forms of Shaktism.

Shri Vidya (ISO: ; Template:Lit; sometimes also spelled Sri Vidya or Shree Vidya) is a Hindu Tantric religious system devoted to the Goddess. Shri Vidya developed out of various influences, especially Kāśmīr Shaivism, and its doctrines remain similar to this tradition.

In the principally Shakta theology of "the goddess is supreme, transcending the cosmos which is yet a manifestation of her."Template:Efn She is worshiped in the form of a mystical diagram (Sanskrit: ), a central focus and ritual object composed of nine intersecting triangles, called the Shri Yantra or .

The south Indian tradition of Sri Vidya generally focuses on Lalitā Tripurasundarī (Beautiful Goddess of the Three Worlds) as the main form of Mahadevi. Apart from Mahātripurasundarī, other important deities in this tradition include Gaṇapati, Bālā, Rājamātaṅgī, Mahāvārāhī, and Parā. The most important source for this branch of Sri Vidya is the Paraśurāma Kalpasūtra. A thousand names for this form of are recited in the , which includes concepts.Template:Efn The sect accepts and aims to provide both material prosperity and self-realisation. It has an extensive literature.

Shri Vidya teachings are traditionally transmitted through an unbroken lineage of gurus. This ensures the authenticity and integrity of the practices. Without initiation from a qualified guru, it is believed that the full spiritual potential of the practice cannot be realized.

Some legendary sages and teachers of Shri Vidya are Sage Agastya, Sage Vasishtha, Dattatreya, Sage Parashurama, Sage Angiras and Sage Shaunaka.

The most important scholar of Sri Vidya is undoubtedly Bhāskararāya (1690–1785), who wrote over 40 works from a Sri Vidya perspective. He is the author of key Sri Vidya texts like the Saubhāgyabhāskara (a commentary to the Lalitā Sahasranāma), Varivasyārahasya (a work on Sri Vidya mantra and worship) and the Commentary on Nityāṣōḍaśikārṇava.

Major texts

• Bhavana Upanishad
• Parasurama Kalpasutra
• Sarada Tilaka
• Saundarya Lahari
• Tripura Rahasya
• Lalita Sahasranama

References

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