Friday, October 21, 2011

What Is The Real Tantra and Sri Chakra ?

TANTRA & YANTRA


शाबर मन्त्र
गुरुजी, सत नमः आदेश। गुरुजी को आदेश। ॐकारे शिव-रुपी, मध्याह्ने हंस-रुपी, सन्ध्यायां साधु-रुपी। हंस, परमहंस दो अक्षर। गुरु तो गोरक्ष, काया तो गायत्री। ब्रह्म, सोऽहं शक्ति, शून्य माता, अवगत पिता, विहंगम जात, अभय पन्थ, सूक्ष्म-वेद, असंख्य शाखा, अनन्त प्रवर, निरञ्जन गोत्र, त्रिकुटी क्षेत्र, जुगति जोग, जल-स्वरुप रुद्र-वर्ण। सर्व-देव ध्यायते। आए श्री शम्भु-जति गुरु गोरखनाथ। सोऽहं तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे शिव गोरक्षाय धीमहि तन्नो गोरक्षः प्रचोदयात्। इतना गोरख-गायत्री-जाप सम्पूर्ण भया। गंगा गोदावरी त्र्यम्बक-क्षेत्र कोलाञ्चल अनुपान शिला पर सिद्धासन बैठ। नव-नाथ, चौरासी सिद्ध, अनन्त-कोटि-सिद्ध-मध्ये श्री शम्भु-जति गुरु गोरखनाथजी कथ पढ़, जप के सुनाया। सिद्धो गुरुवरो, आदेश-आदेश।।

TANTRA

“Tantra is a scandal to the Orthodox people. But it is an Indian Cult. It is widely recognised that Tantra is very valuable for people of the present, Westerners as well as Indians. Hindus, Buddhists and Jains share Tantric ideas and Tantric things from times (C.20,000 B.C.) which can be matched accurately with methods, symbols still used today by Tantric.
Tantra today is with extraordinary purity, the most essential patterns of human symbolic expression which stands developed through hundreds of generations. Each generations of Tantric has incorporated the best scientific knowledge available to it. 
Meaning Of the word “Tantra”:

The word “Tantra” means Tanutraya ie. Sthula, Sukshma and Karan.

Origin Of “Tantra”:
Veda and Tantra are both equally important from the early Rig-Vedic Age. The famous “Sree Shukta” of Rig-Veda is identical with Pancha Dashakshari Mantra of Sree Vidya proves that both are equal in philosophies though there are many differences in ritualistic part or “Karma Kanda” but the concept of the feminine worship was equally accepted in both Vedas and Tantra.

Tantra was pre vedic but what we find about Tantra today is parallel to early “Rig-Vedic” Age and post Vedic Age. Veda is divided into three parts;
·         Karma Kanda
·         Upasana Kanda
·         Gyan Kanda

Karma kanda:

Karma Kanda deals with Nitya Karma (spiritual practices that are performed daily like prata kritya, snanam, tri-sandhya, nitya pujan etc.), Naimittic Karma (spiritual practices which are occasionally performed like Navaratri, Durga Puja, Shiva Ratri, Deepavali etc.) and Kamya Karma (special spiritual rites for achievement of worldly fulfilment).

Upasana kanda:

Upasana Kanda deals with MANTRA, YANTRA, and TANTRA rituals and sadhana. Besides this it deals with different types of Worships and Homa with Patra Sadan and avaran pujan (residing deities within the yantra) of various gods and goddesses.

Gyana Kanda:

Gyana kanda deals with Vedanta and Upanishads. It is the ultimate goal of Sadhaka or devotee to achieve “Moksha” (Salvation). So in short we can see that Tantra derives its root from Veda. So Veda and Tantra though not same but identical in concept and philosophy are very close. The path might be different but the goal is the same.
Generally the Tantra discipline is governed by both “Sri Kula” and “Kali Kula”. Among the Dasa Mahavidyas Kali, Tara, Bhuvaneswari and Chinnamasta comes under “Kali Kula”. Likewise Tripur Sundari, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, BagalaMukhi, Matangi and Kamala are the “Sri Kula” Goddesses. There are very little differences in methods of worship and which can only be revealed by a GURU to the sadaka.

Sapto Achars In Tantra:

According to Kularnava Tantra there are seven achars in Tantra. These achars actually identifies different stages of Sadhaka and by completing each stages the Sadhaka should ascend towards ultimate salvation. Though the detailed knowledge can only be achieved under a revered SadGuru we are making an attempt here.
1.      Vedachar – In short in this particular discipline the sadhaka use to worship by engaging himself in strict vedic and puranic rituals. This is the beginning to start a regulated life.
2.      Vaishnavachar -- In short in this particular discipline the sadhaka starts the Vaishnav Sadhana mainly by following vedic principles. He should strictly abide all rules and regulations as per sashtras and should worship wholeheartedly Lord Vishnu and should surrender all karma to Vishnu. At this stage he is not allowed to perform Japa at night.
3.      Shaivachar -- In short in this particular discipline the sadhaka starts worshiping Lord Shiva by abiding Vedic discipline and should surrender his everything at the feet of the Lord Shiva. Simultaneously he should practice the Ashtang Yoga discipline which is important and supportive for the higher achars.
4.      Dakshinachar – As per Kularnava “Dakshinamurti Rishi practiced this Achar” hence it is termed as Dakshinachar. In this particular discipline also the sadhaka has to strictly abide by vedic rules and can perform Japa at night by taking “Vijaya” (Siddhi). In all the previous Achars the Sadhaka has practiced about purification of physical body and internal Soul and at the same time his “Nista” ie. Self Commitment was uplifted from finer to superior form but now to add with it he starts exploring the Kingdom of knowledge. Regular “Shastra Adhyan”, ie. Study of Shastras becomes an important part of his Sadhana.
5.      Vamachar – It is a very sacred discipline which can only be mastered under the guidance of a revered Guru, as because this “Vidya” is “GURUMUKHI”. At Daytime worshipping Devi, abiding Brahmacharya discipline and night worshipping Devi in a reverse Achar ie. with “Pancha Mokar” is the significance of this sacred Achaar.
6.      Sidhantachar – After mastering both paths of Sadhana, ie. Dakshinachar & Vamachar, i.e. the Reverse achaar, the sadhaka attains this stage. He has practiced, felt, observed both Dakshin & Vaam and finally arrived at the Self reconciliation point. He has mastered the art of true “Bhogascha Mokshacha”. He has enjoyed both “worldly pleasures” and “spiritual pleasures” upto the peak. From here his Sadhana towards Divya path or path of enlightment begins.
7.      Divyachar or Kaulachar – In the inner heart he is Shakta (worshipper of Shakti), outwardly he resembles as Shaiva (worshipper of Shiva), Society recognises as Param Vaishnav, and like this in various forms and outlook a Kaula (Sadhaka) roams around the world freely. This is the stage of a true Avdhoot or a Yogi. He is free from all goods and all odds, friends and enemies, sorrows and happiness, nothing in the earth can bother him nor he will depend on anything.

Kaulachar is not only a mere stage but it is a superior stage wherein one cannot enter just only by doing some sadhanas. It requires the punya samskaars from previous births, Grace of Kaul Guru and permission from the Almighty. 
The discipline of Tantra actually teaches us the art of practicing both worldly pleasures and spirituality at the same time. It is only in this Tantric practices (Shakti Sadhanas) it is possible. No other disciplines can boldly utter “Bhogascha Mokshacha”, the two opposite characters, can be truly controlled simultaneously by the Original KAULA.
Kaul Marga is very difficult. To attain perfection in it, it is very difficult.

Misconceptions On Tantra:


Now a day’s many of us thinks that tantra is a mal-practice in the name of Spirituality. Nowadays Tantra also became most popular for black magic. That’s why some people maintains safe distance from Tantrics. All this is happening as because some are taking advantages from the ignorance of general people over this particular subject. Misconceptions of Tantra gave birth to many Gurus/Acharyas who are taking harmony classes in different schedules throughout the year in different locations in the world.

By analysing the Sapto Achaars it can be well understood the original aim of Tantra and how it transforms one into a superior being, superior both in terms of physical and mental. It can be termed as stages of transformation by which the sadahaka aims towards the path of ultimate salvation.

Unfortunately some unscrupulous and corrupt individuals have brought a bad name to this pure science. They know nothing about Tantra but just to satisfy their beastly cravings they have propagated that eating flesh, drinking wine, eating fish, sex and wealth are basis of Tantra. Tantra has nothing to do with these base practices. Such individuals make fools out of simple people.

A Tantric too is like a doctor of the spiritual world. Tantra is a powerful instrument. It depends on the person how he uses it - for good of others or for selfish interests. A knife can be used to cut fruit or perform an operation and the same knife can also be used to kill or rob someone. The knife is not at fault rather the person who is using it for evil purposes is to be blamed.
No power is good or bad. Every person has good as well as bad traits. Tantra is a process through which the good points can be highlighted and a new human being can be created.
According to the Devi-Mahatyam:

“By you this universe is borne,

By you this world is created,

O Devi, by you it is to protect.”


MANTRA & YANTRA

All ancient cultures had sacred geometric designs representative of their Gods, which had a mantra (or sacred sound vibration) that corresponded to it. In the Vedic culture, we find much power and energy said to be held within sacred geometric symbols. Yantras are not "lucky charms" to be worn or displayed as icons of power in and of themselves. Much specific knowledge and ability must go into their preparation and much dedication and worship is required to achieve the desired effects.
Yantra means a "talisman", or "instrument" or " Amulet" or "Kavach" which, if prepared and created by a qualified person as well as utilised under his specific instructions for fruitful results, will help to gain the objector objects of desire or ambition. Although it would not be a difficult task for most of us to copy the form of a yantra, it would not have the desired effect. Furthermore, to be perfectly honest, it would be all but useless if not created by a qualified person and then "infused" with the specific energy via the medium of mantra. Otherwise, it becomes just an interesting form or picture to look at, but has no real effect on time or circumstances within life.
Yantras should always be used on the level. If drawn on paper the colours preferable are red, orange, yellow or a combination of these. A Yantra without bija mantras is dead. They can be drawn to whatever size is required. In worship they should be placed level on a pedestal or peetha. Before any Yantra is a suitable object for puja, it must be given life (pranapratishta).
A Yantra is essential in every field of your life, to attain success in your profession, to acquire wealth, to win in court cases, to ward off diseases and to progress in meditation. By having a Yantra and keeping it in a sacred place in your house, gazing it everyday can fulfill your desires and help in attaining your goals.

SRI CHAKRAM

Chakra pooja or Yantra pooja is the worship of a deity in a diagrammatic form. This type of worship exists in a lot of the other parts of the world also. The worship of Devi in Shreechakra is regarded as the highest form of the Devi worship. Originally Lord Shiva gave 64 Chakras and their Mantras to the world, to attain various spiritual and material benefits. For his consort Devi he gave the Shree Chakra and the highly coveted and the most powerful Shodashakshari mantra, which is the equivalent of all the other 64 put together.
“Ka E i La Hreem – Ha Sa Ka Ha La Hreem – Sa Ka La Hreem”
It is said that in the beginning God, who was one, wanted to become many and enjoy himself. As the first step to creation he created Devi – the total cosmic Female force. For the male part, out of his left he created Shiva, out of his middle he created Brahma and out of his right he created Vishnu. That is why many regard the Devi as more powerful than the Trinities and hence She is called Parashakti or Paradevi – Para meaning beyond . Brahma created the universe. Vishnu controls and runs the universe. Shiva along with Shakti is engaged in the eternal dissolution and recreation of the universe. 
The Bindu in the center of the Shreechakra is the symbolic representation of the cosmic spiritual union of Shiva and Shakti. Apart from that the Shree Chakra also embodies countless number of deities and represents the whole of creation. Hence by worshipping the Devi in Shree Chakra one is actually worshipping the highest ultimate force in the Tantric form.
The Shodashakshari mantra is one of the most guarded secrets of tantra. Usually the Guru gives it to a highly deserving and tested disciple. Very few get it. Even in the Mantra Shastra, where all other mantras are openly and clearly given, the Shodashakshari Mantra is not directly given. Several hints about the mantra are given and you are asked to get the mantra if you are capable and deserving. The opening versus of the mantra shastra chapter on Shree Chakra says, “Your head can be given, your soul can be given but the Shodashakshari Mantra of the Devi cannot be given”.
However, Shree Chakra can also be worshipped by other Devi mantras. There are several traditions of the worshipping the Shree Chakra. We are giving here a very simple and still very effective pooja of Shree Chakra. It is known as the Shree Chakra Navavarana pooja as per the Khadgamala Vidhi. For all round spiritual and material benefits it is a highly effective pooja. Any one can perform it.
If you cannot do a detailed worship, simply worship the Sri Yantra 108 times with the simple Devi Mantra:
“Om Aim Hreem Shreem Sri Lalita Tripurasundari Padukam Poojayami Namah”

Components of Sree Chakram:

The Basics of Sri Yantra: Before starting the worship it is advisable to know about the way the Sri Yantra is constructed, what all it represents, about the 9 Avaranas, the deities, their gunas and significance, so that your worship is more meaningful. The following are the authentic details as given in various Tantra & Mantra scriptures.
Five downward pointing triangles representing Devi intersect with four upward pointing triangles representing Siva, forming 43 triangles including the central triangle.
From the five Shakti triangles comes creation and from the four Shiva triangles comes the dissolution. The union of five Shaktis and four Fires causes the chakra of creation to evolve.
At the centre of the bindu of the Shri Yantra is Kamakala, which has three bindus. One is red, one is white and one is mixed. The red bindu is Kurukulla the Female form, the white bindu is Varahi the Male form, and the mixed bindu is the union of Shiva & Shakti – the individual as the potential Shri Cakra. Varahi, the father-form, gives four dhatus to the child and Kurukulla, the mother-form, gives five dhatus to the child. Theses represent the nine dhatus of the human body.
Varahi’s four fires are the 12 (4 x 3) sun Kalas, the 12 Zodiac constellations. Kurukulla’s five triangles are the 15 (5 x 3) Kalas of the moon, 15 lunar Tithis.
These nine triangles also represent the nine stages of growth of the human child in the womb. Surrounding the 43 triangles formed by the intersection of the nine triangles is the 16 petals circle. Surrounding the 16 petal circle is an 8 petal circle. After that the 3 lines and at the outermost part of the Sri Yantra there are 3 lines called the Bhupura.
The 43 triangles constitute the six inner sections called Avaranas, the two circles of petals are two more avaranas and the Bhupura of 3 lines is the last Avarana.
These 9 Avaranas of the Sri Yantra have various presiding Devis. They are the Devi’s Parivar (retinue) of total 108. In the Srichakra pooja they are systematically worshipped one by one with their names and mantras. The presiding Deity of Sree Chakra, is Known as Lalita Tripura Sundari.  Lalita means The One Who Plays. All creation, manifestation and dissolution is considered to be a play of Devi. Tri-Pura means the three worlds and Sundari means beauty. She is the transcendent beauty of the three worlds.
Tripura also signifies:- She is the ruler of the the three gunas of Satva, Rajas and Tamas; and sun, moon and fire – the zodiac and the planets, and therefore Time itself; She is also “tripura” as Will (Iccha), Knowledge (Jnana) and Action (Kriya). She is also “tripura” as intellect, feelings & physical sensation; and She is triple as the three states of the soul – awakening, dreaming and -sleeping states. Her five triangles also represent the Pancha Tatwas and the Pancha Bhootas. (This is what the verse in Lalita Sahasranama means by -”Panchami pancha bhuteshi pancha sankhyopacharini “.
Lalita holds five flowery arrows, noose, goad and bow. The noose represents attachment, the goad represents repulsion, the sugarcane bow represents the mind and the flowery arrows are the five sense objects.
Sri Chakra worship is one of the most guarded secrets of tantra and the Sri Yantra is the most guarder Yantra.

“Nairutaicha Ganeshanaam Sooryam Vayuvya eevacha

Eeshane Vishnu Agneye Shivamchaiva prapoojayet”

When you sit facing the east and with the tip of the top triangle pointing at you, at the bottom right hand side corner of the Shreechakra is guarded by Lord Ganesha. The bottom left hand side corner is guarded by Lord Surya. The top left side corner is guarded by Lord Vishnu and the top right corner of the Shreechakra is guarded by Lord Shiva. They must be worshipped before starting the Pooja of the Nava-Avaranas.
After that the eight primordial directions are guarded by the eight Lokapalas. Indra guards the East, Agni guards the South East, Yama guards the South, Nirriti guards the South West, Varuna guards the West, Vayu guards the North East, Soma guards the North and Ishana guards the North East. 
As if this is not enough, each of the first eight Avaranas are guarded by eight Bhairavas and eight Bhairavis! What is more these 64 pairs of Bhairavas & Bhairavis are assisted by 10 million yoginis each – total 640 million (64 crores). This is what the verse in Lalita Sahasranama says –”Maha chatu-shshashti-koti yogini ganasevita ..”

Yes. Reaching Her is a bit difficult!

The nine avaranas as per Mantra Mahodadhi

The First Avarana – 3 lines



The 3 lines of the 1st Avarana & the position of the various deities
The outermost 3 lines known as Bhupura form the first Avarana of the Sri Yantra. This is known as the Trilokya Mohana Chakra and the worshiper knowing its inner secrets can mesmerise the 3 worlds. It is ruled by a Yogini Devi called Prakata Yogini. The Deity of this is Tripura. The beeja of this Avarana is Am Aam Sauh. The gem is topaz. The time is 24 minutes (360 breaths).The mudra to be shown is Kshobha Mudra.

The 1st line:

The Outer line (of the 3 lines) has 10 Devis known as Siddhi Devis. Their luster is like that of molten gold, they hold the goad in their right hands and the noose in their left hands. They are very auspicious and bestow heaps of gems and jewels to the worshiper. They are placed as shown in the above picture. They are:
O1-Anima Sidhyamba
O2-Laghima Sidhyamba
O3-Mahima Sidhyamba
O4-Ishvita Sidhyamba
O5-Vasitva Sidhyamba
O6-Prakamya Sidhyamba
O7-Bhukti Sidhyamba
O8-Ichha Sidhyamba
O9-Prapti Sidhyamba
10-Sarvakama Sidhyamba

The 2nd line:

The 2nd or Middle line has eight Matruka Devis. They are bedecked in all ornaments. They hold in their hands Vidya (book), Trident, Shakti, Chakra (Discuss), Club, Thunderbolt, Baton & Lotus. They bestow to the worshiper everything desired.

M1-Shree Brahmi Matruka
M2-Shree Maheswari Matruka
M3-Shree Koumari Matruka
M4-Shree Vishnavi Matruka
M5-Shree Varahi Matruka
M6-Shree Mahendri Matruka
M7-Shree Chamunda Matruka
M8-Shree Mahalakshmi Matruka

The 3rd line:

The innermost third line has 10 Mudra Shaktis. They are of red hue and rule the various mudras and bestow spiritual boons to the worshiper.

1-Sarvasankshobhini Devi
2-Sarvavidravini Devi
3-Sarvakarshini Devi
4-Sarvavashankari Devi
5-Sarvonmadini Devi
6-Sarvamahankusha Devi
7-Sarvakhechari Devi
8-Sarvabeeja Devi
9-Sarvayoni Devi
10-Sarvatrikhanda Devi



The Nava Avaranas (Nine Corridors) of the Sri Yantra

The 2nd Avarana:

is the 16 petals circle known as Sarvaash Paripooraka Chakra meaning the fulfiller of all desires. 
The presiding form of Lalita in this Avarana is Tripureshi. She is ornamented with all gems, carries a book and a rosary. The Yogini residing here is called Gupta Yogini. The 16 Devis of this Avarana are called the Nitya Kalas, also Nitya Devis, also Akarshana Devis and also Gupta Yoginis. They are of red hue and each holds a noose, a goad, pot of nectar and make the sign of giving boons. They rule the 16 Sanskrit vowels from a to ah. By worshiping them one gets power over mind, ego, sound, touch, sight, taste, smell, intellect, steadiness, memory, name, growth, etheric body, rejuvenation, and physical body.
The 16 Yoginis represent the 16 vowels of Sanskrit language, and are worshipped with the 16 vowels as their beeja mantras.
The gem of this Avarana is sapphire. The dhatu is chyle (the first product of the disintegration of food by the biological fires). The time is three hours (2700 breaths). The beeja mantra is Aim Klim Sauh.
The Mudra of this Avarana is the Dravini Mudra.
The 16 Devis in sequence are:
1. Kamakarshini shakti
2. Budhyakarshini shakti
3. Ahankarakarshini shakti
4. Shabdakarshini shakti
5. Sparshakarshini shakti
6. Rupakarshini shakti
7. Rasakarshini shakti 
8. Gandhakarshini shakti
9. Chittakarshini shakti
10. Dhyryakarshini shakti
11. Smrutyakarshini shakti
12. Namakarshini shakti
13. Beejakarshini shakti
14. Atmakarshini shakti
15. Amrutakarshini shakti
16. Sharirakarshini shakti

The 3rd Avarana:

is the 8 petal circle known as Sarva Sankshobhana Chakra. The preciding form of Lalita in this Avarana is Tripura Sundari. The Yogini is Guptatara Yogini. She is swaying in a love intoxicated state, with her eyes full of bliss. She smiles with passion and shows the mudras dispelling fears and granting boons.

The eight Devis in each of the eight petals have the colour of Bandhuka flowers. They are holding noose, goad, blue lotus and are dispelling fear. They represent Speech, Holding, Walking, Excreting, Pleasure, Abandoning, Concentration and Detachment. They have the eight Ka class letters as their beejas.
The beeja mantra of this Avarana is Hrim Klim Sauh. The gem is cat’s eye. The dhatu is Flesh. The time is day and night (21600 breaths).
The mudra of this Avarana is Aakarshana Mudra.
The 8 Devis in sequence are:
1. Ananga Kusuma shakti
2. Ananga Mekhala shakti
3. Ananga Madana shakti
4. Ananga Madanatura shakti
5. Ananga Rekha shakti
6. Ananga Vegini shakti
7. Anangankusha shakti
8. Ananga Malini shakti




Picture showing the position of the Devis of 4th to 8th avarana

The 4th Avarana:

This Avarana of 14 triangles (Outer blue triangles in picture) represents the 14 worlds and the 14 main Nadis in the human body. It is called Sarva Soubhagya Dayak Chakra. The presiding form of the devi is Tripura Vasini. She is red and very beautiful. Fourteen Devis of the triangles are described as being proud, wanton, young, colour of cochineal, ornamented with gems, holding noose, goad, mirror, wine cup full of nectar. They are called Sampradaya Yoginis. 
The beeja mantra of this Avarana is Haim Hklim Hsauh. The gem is coral. The dhatu is blood. The time is weekday.
The mudra of this Avarana is Vasya Mudra.
The 14 Devis are
1.Sarvasmkshobhini devi
2.Sarvavidravini devi
3.Sarvakarshini devi
4.Sarvaahladini devi
5.Sarvasammohini devi
6.Sarvasthambhini devi
7.Sarvajrumbhini devi
8.Sarvavashankari devi
9.Sarvaranjani devi
10.Sarvonmadini devi
11.Sarvarthasadhika devi
12.Sarvasampattipurani devi
13.Sarvamantramayi devi
14.Sarvadwandwakshayankari devi

The 5th Avarana:

This Avarana of 10 triangles ( red triangles in the picture) is called Sarvarth Sadhaka Chakra. It is own as Bahirdasaram. The presiding aspect of Lalita is Tripurasri. She holds noose goad, a skull and dispels fear. She is of vermilion brightness. The Yoginis are called Kulotteerna Yoginis and also Kula Yoginis. They have the lusture of Japakusuma flowers and are adorned with shining gems and jwels. They are holding noose and goads and showing the gestures of knowledge, and giving boons. They represent the dasavataras and the 10 Vital Fires. The beeja of this Avarana is Hsshoum, Hleesskhloum, Hssouh. The gem is pearl. The dhatu is Ova/Semen. The time is Lunar Day (tithi). The Mudra of this Avarana is Unmada Mudra.

The 10 Devis are:

1.Sarva Siddhiprada devi
2.Sarvasampatprada devi
3.Sarvapriyankari devi
4.Sarvamangalakarini devi
5.Sarvakamaprada devi
6.Sarvadukhavimochini devi
7.Sarvamrityuprasamani devi
8.Sarvavighnanivarini devi
9.Sarvangasundari devi
10.Sarvasoubhagyadayini devi

The 6th Avarana:

This inner 10 triangle chakra (shown in red in the picture) is called Sarva Rakshakara Chakra and also as Antardasardam. The presiding aspect of Lalita is Tripura Malini. She holds noose and goad, dispels fear, and holds a skull. She is of vermilion brightness. The Yoginis are called Nigarbha Yoginis. They are the colour of 1000 rising suns, adorned with pearls and gems, holding noose, chisel, and showing the gestures of knowledge, and giving boons. They are the saktis of the 10 Vital Fires. 
The beeja of this Avarana is Hrim Klim Blem. The gem is emerald. The dhatu is Marrow. The time is Lunar Fortnight.
The Mudra of the Avarana is Mahankusha Mudra.
The 10 Devis are:
1.Sarvagya devi
2.Sarvashakti devi
3.Sarvaswaryapradayini devi
4.Sarvagyanamayi devi
5.Sarvavyadhinivarini devi
6.Sarvadharaswarupa devi
7.Sarvapapahara devi
8.Sarvanandamayi devi
9.Sarvarakshaswarupini devi
10.Sarvepsitaphalaprada devi

The 7th Avarana:

This inner 8 triangle chakra (shown in Green in the picture) is called Sarva Rogahara Chakra. The preciding Devi is Tripura Siddhamba. She is described as the Destroyer of Poison. The Yogini is called Ati Rahasya Yogini. The Yoginis are the colour of pomegranate flowers, wearing red clothes, smeared with red scent, each carrying five arrows and a bow. These Devis are the rulers of Cold, Heat, Happiness, Sorrow, Desire, and the three gunas Sattvas, Rajas, Tamas. They are also called the eight Vasinis and rule the eight Sanskrit letter groups. They also represent the Astha Vasus.
The beeja is Hreem, Shreem, Souh. The gem is diamond. The time is month. 
The Mudra is Khecari Mudra.
The 8 Devis are:
1.Vasini Vagdevi
2.Kameswari Vagdevi
3.Modini Vagdevi
4.Kamala Vagdevi
5.Aruna Vagdevi
6.Jayini Vagdevi
7.Sarveswari Vagdevi
8.Koushini Vagdevi

The 8th Avarana:

This inner 8 triangle chakra (shown in green in the picture) is called Sarva Siddhiprada Chakra. The presiding Devi is Tripuramba. The Yogini here is Ati-Rahasya Yogini. Her Beejamantra is Hsraim Hsrklim Hsrsauh. 
She is also known as Sampatprada Bhairavi. She has coppery effulgent, like a 1000 suns, with three eyes, a face like the moon, adorned with white gems, with a beautiful figure, rising swelling breasts, intoxicated, wanton, young, proud, holding book, dispelling fear, holding a rosary and granting boons. 
The 3 Devis here are:
1.Kameshvari
2.Vajreshi
3.Bhagamalini. 

Kameshvari is the Rudra Shakti – Parvati. She is white in colour, besmeared with camphor, adorned with pearls and crystal, and various other gems, holding book, rosary, bestowing boons and dispelling fear. 
Vajreshi is the Vishnu Shakti – Lakshmi. She is bright as red kumkuma, adorned with flowers and gems, like the dawn sun. Her eyelids are smeared with sapphire dust, she holds sugarcane how, flowery arrows, bestows boons, dispels fear. 
Bhagamalini is the Brahma Shakti – Saraswati. She is effulgent as molten gold, adorned with priceless gems, holds noose, goad, and shows the gestures of knowledge and bestowing boons. 

The beeja is Hsraim Hsrklim Hsrsauh. The gem of the mandala is Gomaya. The dhatu is Fat. The time is season (two months). The Mudra is the Bija Mudra. 

The 9th Avarana:

This Avarana is the Bindu – the Cosmic Union of Shiva & Shakti as Kameswari & Kameswara. It is called Sarvanandamaya Chakra. The Yogini is the Queen of Queens, Rajarajeshvari, Her Transcendent Majesty Lalita Maheshvari
Mahatripurasundari. 
The beeja is ka e i la hrim. The gem is ruby. The dhatu is hair. The time is year. The mudra of this Avarana is Yoni Mudra. 

The basic Rules:

Devi worship must be done only after taking bath and wearing clean clothes. As per the rituals to be observed – various pooja books and websites prescribe long preparations and rituals for poojas. It is not possible for everyone to perform a pooja like an ordained Vedic priest. Hence our scriptures allow one to do a pooja “Yatha shakti” or as per ones capability and convenience. Doing it with faith is what really matters. The minimum is: light a lamp and an incense stick and offer some prasad – if you don’t have anything at home then simple milk or sugar will do. 
People worship the Shree Chakra made of various materials and in shades. The simplest and the best one is a clear diagrammatic picture. In the olden days people used to draw the Chakra on various materials. Now you do not have to go through all the trouble. You can use a simple printed one, which is equally effective. We have enclosed one for your benefit at the top. Take a print out of it to worship. Preferably laminate it so that it is not soiled or damaged. 
While doing the pooja of the various deities in the Nine Avaranas, you can worship the Chakra with Akshintas (Turmeric rice) or flowers or with Panchamrut. A still better way is to worship the particular Devi in the places indicated in the pictures given in the previous pages.
The Devi is worshipped in many forms and names – Lalita, Katyayani, Kameswari, Kamakshi, Durga, Chandi, Kali, and Amba etc. The closest matching form of the Shodashakshari Devi as described in the scriptures is that off Goddess Kamakshi of Kanchi. You will find it here > Click to see picture. 
The Anganyasas and Karanyasa beejas are the purification ritual before the pooja. The basic Anganyasa & Karanyasa are given for the benefit of those who are conversant with this ritual. If you do not know you can omit it. 
If you are conversant with the other pooja rituals like Aachamanam, Bhuta Suddhi, Dehasuddhi, Shankha pooja, Kalasha pooja etc., you can perform them before the actual pooja. If you do not know simply offer a prayer to Lord Ganesha and do the pooja. At the end of the pooja offer the following prayer. 
“Avahanam najanami, najanami visarjanam,

poojamchaiva najanamani kshamaswa Maheswari.

Yatkrutam yatkarishyami tathsarvam twamarpanam,

poojam poorna phalam kuru”. 

Roughly translated it means – “I am not conversant with the Aavahana, visarjana etc.. pooja rituals and hence forgive me. Whatever I have done and I am doing, I am offering to you. Give me full results”. 
This pooja, along with the four other poojas that must be performed before that, will take about 45 minutes time but it is more effective than any other pooja both materially and spiritually. 
When you sit facing the east and with the tip of the top triangle pointing at you, at the bottom right hand side corner of the Shreechakra resides Lord Ganesha. The bottom left hand side corner resides Lord Surya. The top left side corner resides Lord Vishnu and the top right corner of the Shreechakra resides Lord Shiva. They must be worshipped before starting the Pooja of the Nava-Avaranas.
After that the eight primordial directions are guarded by the eight Lokapalas. Indra guards the East, Agni guards the South East, Yama guards the South, Nirriti guards the South West, Varuna guards the West, Vayu guards the North East, Soma guards the North and Ishana guards the North East.

The Sri Chakra Pooja

Karanyasa

Aim Angushtabhyam namah

Hreem Tarjaneebhyam namah

Shreem Madhyamabhyam namah

Aim Anamikabhyam namah

Kleem Kanishtikabhyam namah

Souh Karatalakara prushtabhyam namah

Anganyasam


Aim Hrudayaya namah

Hreem Siraseswaha

Shreem Shikhayaivashat

Aim Kavachayahum

Kleem Netratrayayaoushat

Souh Astrayaphat

Three Salutations to Devi


Om aim hreem shreem aim kleem souh Kriyashakti pithayai Shripadukam poojayami namah

Om aim hreem shreem aim kleem souh Gyanashakti kundalinyai Shripadukam poojayami namah

Om aim hreem shreem aim kleem souh Ichhashakti shri mahatripurasundaryai Shripadukam poojayami namah