Ravan’s Kuldevi Pratyangira Devi: The Esoteric Vedic and Tantric Deity
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Pratyangira Devi is revered as a powerful deity in Sanatana Dharma, associated with the Vedas and Tantras. Her depiction and significance have evolved through various texts, extending her presence from Vedic hymns to the detailed narratives in the Agamas and Tantras.
This goddess embodies the protective ferocity needed to restore cosmic balance and vanquish demonic adversaries.Pratyangira Devi, with her profound protective powers, is often invoked within Srividya Sadhana to safeguard practitioners from spiritual disturbances and negative energies. Together, Srividya and Pratyangira encapsulate a holistic approach to spiritual ascension, blending the grace of divine wisdom with the strength of divine protection.
Pratyangira Devi: The Esoteric Vedic and Tantric DeityScriptural OriginsAccording to the Atharva Veda and descriptions in the Agamas and Puranas, Pratyangira’s origins are closely linked to an event in which the Devas, after being defeated by the Asuras, sought divine intervention. Adiparashakti, the supreme mother goddess, appeared in a ferocious form to fight the Asuras on behalf of the Devas. ‘Pratyangira’ is derived from ‘Prati’ (reverse) and ‘Angiras’ (attacking), symbolising her function in opposing negative forces.When the Divine Mother manifested to aid the devas in their battle, she revealed herself in 64 different forms, each suited to the distinct perception and need of the 64 devatas present. This multiplicity underscores her versatile and all-encompassing nature as a guardian deity capable of adapting to various requirements and circumstances.
Various names are used to refer to Pratyangira Devi, highlighting her multifaceted role and invocation processes.
Atharvana Bhadrakali: Reflecting her fierce form invoked for protection.
Nikumbala: Named for rendering enemies breathless. She is regarded as the Kuldevi of Ravan.
Jatavedasi, Agneyastra, and Durga Krutya: Different names that reflect the specific mantra sadhana and intentions with which she is invoked.
Brahma Krutya, Narayani Pratyangira, Shiva Krutya: Names that signify her worship by major deities like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.Vedic and Tantric SynthesisPratyangira’s worship straddles the line between the Vedic and Tantric traditions. The Vedic aspect of her worship emphasises the chanting of mantras, many of which are sourced from the Rigveda and Atharvaveda. These mantras, known as “Pratyangira Ruks”, form part of the ‘Pratyangira Rukparayana’. A specific mantra from the Rigveda illustrates her Vedic connections:Yāṁ kalpayanti uttaraṁ krūraṁ kr̥tyaṁ vadhūmiva | tāṁ brāhmaṇāpa rirṇudhmaḥ pratyēka karta mr̥cchatu ||This mantra, among others, underscores her role as a protector and vanquisher of foes, revered through Vedic chants and rituals.
Pratyangira Mahavidya: The Esoteric PracticeThe Tantric practices associated with Pratyangira are detailed and specific, often involving complex rituals known as Pratyangira Upasana.
The texts describe this practice as a blend of 56 Digbandhana mantras and 449 Mahamantras, culminating in 505 mantras referred to as Panchottara Panchashati. These rituals are usually performed at night, from 10 pm to 2 am, emphasising the nocturnal power of this deity.
Ritual SignificancePractitioners undertake the Pratyangira Rukparayana for 9, 21, or 40 days, depending on their spiritual goals, to invoke her blessings for protection and spiritual upliftment.Pratyangira Devi’s worship, spanning both Vedic and Tantric realms, offers a rich tapestry of spiritual practices to stabilise cosmic and individual energies. Her role as a divine protector continues to be relevant, serving as a spiritual bastion against the adversities her devotees face in the world. Through the dual lens of Vedic chants and Tantric rituals, Pratyangira remains a symbol of ultimate resilience and sanctified power in Hindu spirituality.
Conclusion
Pratyangira Devi plays an essential role in Srividya Sadhana, a complex spiritual practice that focuses on worshipping the Divine Mother in her intricate forms. Pratyangira Devi is often invoked to protect and purify the practitioner from negative influences and spiritual obstacles. Her fierce, lion-faced aspect embodies the necessary aggression to combat spiritual disturbances and shield the sadhaka (practitioner) during their pursuit of higher knowledge and enlightenment. By integrating Pratyangira’s energy into Srividya rituals, practitioners ensure a holistic balance between the nurturing benevolence of the Divine Mother and the stern, protective fierceness needed to maintain the sanctity and potency of their spiritual endeavours. Pratyangira Devi is not merely an adjunct figure but a pivotal deity whose presence fortifies the foundational goals of Srividya Sadhana, namely the realisation of the self and the divine cosmic play.
If you are interetsted in participating PRATYANGIRA HOMAM. Do visit Vaidicpujas.org , a sister concern of Art of Living.
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