eTexts
eTexts
Tripurā Tallikā creates and shares eTexts of important works from, and related to, the Śrīvidyā tradition.
All of our eTexts are transcriptions of textual materials, including tantras and ritual manuals, in Roman script following the International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration (IAST) scheme. The textual sources from which our transcriptions are sourced include palm-leaf manuscripts, handwritten transcriptions of the same, and other sources such as temple inscriptions. Tripurā Tallikā’s eTexts are primarily from Sanskrit sources written in Devanāgarī and Grantha scripts, but also include sources in other Indic languages including Tamil and Telugu.
The purpose of eTexts is to make textual source materials more accessible, searchable, and allow for easier cross-textual comparison. Although historically used by academic professionals and scholars, eTexts are important for anyone wishing to read, search, and access primary sources in a more comprehensive and easy to use manner. The use of eTexts does not replace manuscripts, or printed materials, but are an enhancement to learning, knowledge, and practice.
All of Tripurā Tallikā’s eTexts are offered without cost for the benefit of the international Śrīvidyā community, scholars, and those interested in learning more about the vibrant tradition of Śrīvidyā.
“Jñānadīpavimarśinī” by Vidyānanda
The Jñānadīpavimarśinī by Vidyānanda, also known as Śrīvidyānandanātha and Vidyānandanātha (fl. c. 13th century), is a ritual manual (paddhati) on the worship of Tripurasundarī that includes both knowledge of ritual procedures, as well as esoteric contemplations (bhāvanā) on ritual action. The Jñānadīpavimarśinī survives in a Nepalese manuscript dated to 1382 and was edited and published by Ācārya Vrajavallabha Dwiveda in 1996. Concerning the identity of this Vidyānanda with the Vidyānanda of the famed Artharatnāvalī commentary on the Nityāṣoḍaśikārṇava tantra, Professor Sanderson notes, “The identity of this Vidyānanda with the author of the commentary is supported by the evidenced that the former shares the latter’s Guru linage exactly, ending with Vāsudeva (The Guru of Śivānanda).
“Cidvilāsastavaḥ” by Amṛtānanda
The Cidvilāsastava by Amṛtānanda, also known as Amṛtānandanātha and Amṛtānandayogin (fl. c. 1325-1375), is one of the most comprehensive treatments of the esoteric contemplation of ritual found within the Śrīvidyā tradition and Śaiva tantra in general. This short forty-verse hymn offers esoteric knowledge and creative contemplations (bhāvanā) for critical steps in the ritual worship of Tripurasundarī. Although belonging to the Śrīvidyā tradition, the Cidvilāsastava will likely be of great interest to all who perform pūjā as many of the verses deal with topics and procedures that are common to all traditional forms of ritual worship.
“Saubhāgyasudhodayaḥ” by Amṛtānanda
The Saubhāgyasudhodaya by Amṛtānanda, also known as Amṛtānandanātha and Amṛtānandayogin (fl. c. 1325-1375), is a short work in six chapters. Noteworthy aspects of this composition include: foundational knowledge about how early exponents of Śrīvidyā understood their lineage in the light of the Pratyabhijñā and other Śaiva traditions developed in Kashmir; the supremacy of their tradition in relation to other Kaula transmissions; and Amṛtānanda’s guru lineage.
“Saubhāgyahṛdayastotram” by Śivānanda
The Saubhāgyahṛdayastotra is one of the earliest devotional hymns to the goddess Tripurasundarī from the Śrīvidyā tradition. Composed by South India’s foundational Śrīvidyā commentator, Śivānanda (fl. c. 1225-1275), this rare hymn praises the goddess Tripurasundarī in fourteen verses that identify her with the highest principles of reality, as well as permeating the entirety of creation with radiant bliss. Filled with foundational Śaiva doctrine, esoteric kuṇḍalinī practices, deep contemplation, and praise, the Saubhāgyahṛdayastotra presents a complete picture of the majestic and alluring nature of the all-auspicious and sublime goddess, Tripurasundarī.