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Tantric Hedonism of Mahanadi Valley (Uddiyana Pitha)

by: Jitamitra Prasad Singh Deo

It is the study of the yogic developments in the Mahanadi Valley which evolved erotic mysticism and examines the evolution of Tantric Cults. With numerous illustrations, it emphasises on the art and architectural expressions of tantric belief. Furthermore the concept of sex to super-consciousness has been described in detail.

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ISBN: 9788124602690
Year Of Publication: 2004
Edition: 1st
Pages : xviii, 290
Bibliographic Details : 46 B/w photographs; 18 Figures; Appendix; Glossary; Bibliography; Indices
Language : English
Binding : Hardcover
Publisher: D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
Size: 25 cm.
Weight: 850

Overview

This is a brilliant cultural-anthropological study exploring those hedonistic aspects of the pan-Indian heritage which, represented by centuries of the non-Vedic, Tantric tradition, affirm that the pleasurable, especially the sexually pleasurable, is natural as a means to achieve the highest mystical experience. Himself a Tantric initiate, Prem Saran offers a compelling, sympathetic analysis of Tantrism, its place in the Bengali and Assamese cultures, and its pervasiveness in pan-Indian thought and ritual generally. Prem Saran’s is also a cultural critique of modern Indian values and life-ways. In addition, it is an exercise in methodology, employing certain anthropological tools and concepts like “Cultural Debate”, “Cultural Criticism”, “Hindu Renaissance” and “Pizza-effect” — the last three having been developed by the late Professor Agehananda Bharati whom the author acknowledges as a “constant source of encouragement” during the last decade. Though tantra is juxtaposed to Vedic traditions as a heterodox, life-affirming tradition, which is both ancient and basic to Hindu interpretations of being, its hedonistic contents have been purposely neglected or suppressed, partly because of the continuing hold of Victorian morality (imbibed from the British missionaries and colonial rulers), and partly because the erotic route to mystical achievement has always been a secret, minority path. Tantra: Hedonism in Indian Culture will, therefore, fill an existing lacuna in the cultural-anthropology of South Asia. The book carries a Foreword by the distinguished anthropologist, Professor Mattison Mines of the University of California, Santa Barbara, USA.

Contents

Preface
Abbreviations
List of Plates and Figures
Transliteration Chart
Introduction
1. Tantric Hedonism of Mahanadi Valley
2. Yogic Development in Mahanadi Valley, Evolved Erotic Mysticism
The Early Upland Dwellers of Mahanadi River Valley
Primal Yoni or Bhairavi Pitha is located in Nuapada district
Yoni Worship Originated in Middle Right Mahanadi Valley
Yoga of Sexual Transformation
Uddiyana-Pitha Defined
Uddiyana-Pitha Identified
Study of Lata-mudra, Vajroli-mudra Sahajoli-mudra and Uddiyana-bandha
Study on benefits of Uddiyana-bandha and its Acquaintance with Mahanadi Valley
Uddiyana-pitha Represent Air Element
Kurmashiti is a gift of Kalahandi district
Yogini Tantra and Yoni Tantra
Study of Shyamakali and Dakshinakali
Shunya or Void in Yogic-Tantric Shaivism
Study on Traditions of Seven Tantric Maidens and “Sasisena Kavya”
Yoga of Sexual transformation in Jagannatha cult
3. Mahanadi Valley was not Bereaved of Lajja Gauri Cult
4. Epitomic Hatha Yogic, Tantric Sculptural Masterpiece of India
Study on Agamic Tradition
5. From Sex to Salvation
Savikalpa Samadhi
Nirvikalpa Samadhi
Pleasure
The Pancashakha of Orissa
Upendra Bhanja
Procreation
Samadhi
Vajroli-Mudra
Sahajoli-Mudra
Uddiyana Bandha
6. Koshali Style of Temple Architecture
Yantra and Mandala
Gross Elements
Koshali Style of Rekha Temple
7. Significance of Three Tantric Temples at Baud
8. Tantric influence on Temple Architecture of Mahanadi Valley
Visuals
Appendix: Translation of “Pancashayaka”
Glossary
Bibliography
Index

Meet the Author
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1946
Jitamitra Prasad Singh Deo, the President of Khariar Sahitya Samiti, is an enthusiastic amateur archaeologist. He is credited with the discovery of the pre-historic Rock art of Yogimath Donger, Ghat Ghumar rock art, copper plates, gold coins of Shatabhapuriya dynasty, clay seal, stone seal of Panduvamshi dynasty, Kalachuri coins, terracotas, beads and sculptures of various types. His extensive collection of archaeological remains has been displayed in the Khariar Branch Museum in Orissa, a museum specially constructed for this purpose. An author of various informative books, viz. Cultural Profile of South Koshala, Origin of Jagannath Deity, Tantric Art of Orissa, and Character Assasination in Modern History of Orissa, he has also contributed to different research journals, bulletins, periodicals, magazines and newspapers.
Books of Jitamitra Prasad Singh Deo