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The Fifteen Nityās: Mantras, Yantras, and Śrīvidyā
The Fifteen Nityās: Mantras, Yantras, and Śrīvidyā: Authentic Mantras, Yantras, and Rituals for the Fifteen Phases of the Moon. by IOAN UNGUREANUMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
PUBLISHER’S PREFACE: Restoring Ritual Integrity via Sanskrit Source Texts
As the publisher of this work, we wish to highlight that much of the information currently available on the Nityā Devīs relies on second-hand interpretations that perpetuate significant ritual errors. This volume was developed to provide a guide for those wanting to learn more about the Fifteen Nityās and also as corrective path based on the direct study of Sanskrit source texts, ensuring the esoteric integrity of the tradition is preserved. This work is built upon over 40 sources consulted, including Tantrarājatantra, Śrīvidyārṇava-tantra, Nityāṣoḍaśikārṇava, Paraśurāmakalpasūtra, and Vāmakeśvarīmata.
1. Note on Vowels and the Nityās (Correcting a Common Misconception)
It is common to find incorrect information, particularly online, that assigns a vowel-bindu syllable (like ṛṁ) as the seed mantra (Bīja) for a specific Nityā. This is a wrong assumption. Based on the traditional Sanskrit source texts presented in this work, these syllables are not the Bīja mantras for the Nityās.
The sixteen vowels (Svaras) plus Anusvāra (ṁ) and Visarga (ḥ) are primarily used as prefixes and suffixes to the main Vidyā (the mantra) of the respective Nityā in specific ritual contexts (Pūjā or Japa). This practice is part of a technique known as Sampūṭīkaraṇa (enclosure), where the main mantra is "sealed" by one or more Svara Bījas. They represent the inherent divine energies of the Nityā and are connected with the Moon (Candra) Kalās, but they do not substitute her core Bīja mantra.
2. Unique Seed Mantras for Each Nityā
While most contemporary books and articles assume the same seed mantra for multiple Nityās, this publication presents for the first time the specific seed mantras for each of the sixteen Nityās. These were identified through the direct study of primary Sanskrit source texts.
3. Restoring the Sacred Geometry of the Yantra
The available online visual representations of the Nityā Yantras are largely incorrect; approximately 60% of the Yantras found online for the various Nityās are flawed when compared to the precise instructions found in the canonical source texts and commentaries.
For example, in the case of Nityā Nityā, online designs often display an inconsistent number of concentric rings or uniform small petals that fail to correspond to the mandated structure.
Textual Mandate for the Adhama Pūjā Cakra: The construction of the Adhama Pūjā Cakra (Least Worship Diagram) is defined by a sequence of six concentric lotuses. Moving from the outermost layer inward to the central Hexagon (Ṣaṭkoṇa), the correct design must feature six rings of petals in the exact sequence of 2, 4, 6, 10, 12, and 16 petals.
Mandated Ājñā Chakra Orientation: A critical detail is the orientation of the outermost layer: the two-petal lotus (Dvidala). For the Yantra to be accurate, the two petals must be drawn with a horizontal, East-West orientation. This alignment symbolizes the two principal energy channels (Iḍā and Piṅgalā) that converge at the Ājñā center.
By consulting over 40 classical Sanskrit sources, this book offers a bridge between ancient precision and modern practice. Furthermore, the work dissects in detail the Pañcadaśī, the Ṣoḍaśī of Śrīvidyā, and their specific Bīja mantras to provide a complete and accurate map.
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