Iconography of Tripura_sundari

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One of the famous iconography of Tripura_sundari, She is seated on a

lotus that rests on the supine body of Siva, which in turn lies on a

throne whose legs are the gods Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. In some

cases the lotus is growing out of Siva's navel. In other cases it

is

growing from the Sri Cakra ( see our homepage pics ), the Yantra of

Tripura_sundari. In this rendering of the goddess, She is self-

emergent, as the Sri Cakra is identical with the Goddess herself. In

one instance she is said to sit on Siva's lap in his form as

Kamesvara, "lord of the desire".

 

In the Vamakesvara tantra, says that Tripura_sundari dwells on the

peaks of the Himalayas, is worshiped by sages and heavenly nymphs;

has a body like pure crystal, wears a tiger skin, a snake as a

garland around her neck, and her hair tied in a jata, holds a trident

and drum, is decorated with jewels, flowers and ashes; and has a

large bull as a vehicle.

 

The Saundaryalahaari ( see the translation, courtesy of Penkatali in

our file ) describe her in detail from her hair to her feet. The

Tantrasara dhyana mantra says that she is illuminated by the jewels

of the crowns of Brahma and Vishnu, which fell at her feet when they

bowed down to worship her.

 

 

OM ParaShaktiye Namaha