The MantraMahodadhi (मन्त्रमहोदधि), literally meaning \"The Great Ocean of Mantras,\" is a highly influential and authoritative Sanskrit text on the philosophy and practice of Mantra Shastra (the science of mantras) and Tantra.\r\n\r\nKey Details\r\nAuthor: The text was composed by Mahidhara (sometimes spelled Shriman Mahidhara), an anchorite who lived and wrote in Varanasi during the 16th century (circa 1589 CE).\r\n\r\nCommentary: Mahidhara himself wrote a concise Sanskrit commentary on the text called \'Nauka\' (meaning \'boat\'), suggesting that the \'Ocean of Mantras\' is so vast it requires a boat for a safe journey.\r\n\r\nContent: The book is an encyclopedic guide to various mantras, their associated rituals, deities, and applications. It is systematically divided into 25 Tarangas (waves or chapters).\r\n\r\nStructure and Subject Matter\r\nThe Mantra Mahodadhi is a comprehensive manual that details the process of Sadhana (spiritual practice) in the Tantric tradition. The chapters cover:\r\n\r\nGeneral Rites: Instructions on the daily routine of a practitioner, purification rituals (Bhuta-shuddhi), and the establishment of life force (Prana-pratishtha).\r\n\r\nMantras of Deities: Dedicated chapters detailing the mantras, meditation forms (Dhyana), and worship methods for a wide range of deities, including:\r\n\r\nGanesha (2nd Taranga)\r\n\r\nThe Dasha Mahavidyas (like Dakshinakali, Tara, Chhinnamasta, Bagalamukhi, Bala, etc.)\r\n\r\nVishnu and Surya (Sun God)\r\n\r\nMahamrityunjaya (a form of Shiva)\r\n\r\nTantric Practices: Detailed instructions on the construction of Yantras (mystical diagrams), Mantra Shodhana (purification of mantras), and the Shat-karma (six ritual acts: Shanti (pacification), Vashya (attraction), Stambhana (stopping), Vidveshana (creating discord), Uchchatana (driving away), and Marana (killing)).\r\n\r\nThe Mantra Mahodadhi remains a fundamental source text for students and practitioners of Tantra and Mantra Vidya, especially in North India.
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