In this issue we bring the mantra japa kramA, AvaraNa pUjA kramA, and nyAsAs of ChinnamastA dEvatA (also called pracaNda caNdikA). The ChinnamastA ashtOttara shlOkA, hRudaya shlOkA, and trailOkya vijaya kavacA have been included for the readers benefit. The ChinnamastA stOtrA rendered by brahmA, and the ChinnamastA stava rAjA rendered by shrI shankarAcAryA have been included for pArAyanA purposes.

While several people get a shock on their first glimpse of the svarUpa of ChinnamastA, she is in fact one of the most kArunyA and shIghra phaladA. Those who have realized and experienced the true nature of this dEvatA would understand that she is nothing but the Sukshma-tama representation (kundaliNI) of the mahAvidyA. The iDA, piNgalA, and sushumNA representation of the yOgic path resulting in the enjoyment of the nectar called mOkshA by standing on top of the mithuna dampatI cannot be any more clearer. This dEvatA is a simple pictorial representation of numerous yOgic tantrAs. There have been several siddha purushAs even in the recent generations who have had pratyakSha siddhi of this dEvatA. They have vouched for the siddhi phala potential of the OM hrIM OM samputIkaranA of the mUla mantrA.

Like TarA, ChinnamastA is another mahAvidyA that is adopted into the Buddhist tantric practices as VajravairOchani. While tArA svarUpA in Buddhist doctrines are different, ChinnamastA svarUpA is very similar to that of the shaktA scriptures.

As usual, we would like to caution the upAsakAs that these dEvatAs CANNOT be taken lightly and the mantrAs considered like any other mantra. As the tantras rightly caution, this path is like walking on a sword and can only be ventured into by the Grace of the GurunAthA. The upAsana karma of these dEvatAs demands strict yamA and niyamAs and also ardent faith on the Guru and the dEvatA. It is important to understand the meaning of the mantra, the physical representation of the dEvatA, and contemplation on the deeper aspects of the same. These can only be provided by the Guru and by the power of the sAdhanA.

These mantras cannot be taken lightly and readers are strongly adviced to check with their Guru’s prior to start practicing any mantra or procedure as detailed in this issue.

We thank ShrI yOgAmbA samEta AtmAnandanAthA (Shri Ramesh Kutticad) for sharing the beautiful photos and answering the sadA vidyA anusaMhatiH section of this issue.

Lalithai vEdam sarvam.

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