The Lalita Cult

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India is a land of many cults, and a critical and historical study of these cults, no doubt, affords abiding interest to students of ancient Indian culture. The present volume attempts to study the cult of Lalita from a historical stand-point. Among the counter cults in ancient India, the cult of Lalita has figured and still figures prominently among the Hindus. Lalita is looked upon as a divine manifestation of Durga, or Parvati, who is popularly known as the consort of Siva. The cult of Lalita is intimately associated with the Sakti cult. The expression Sakti represents female divinity in general, and stands for the energising power of any divinity in particular. Though this study is mainly based on the Lalitopakhyana section of the Brahmanda Purana, an endeavor is made to review other phases of the Sakti cult and its place in the Vedic literature, and particularly to examine its philosophical basis. The study also aims to remove certain misconceptions and improved theories which have obscured the true import and value of the Sakti cult.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR V R Ramachandra Dikshitar

V.R. Ramachandra Dikshitar (1896-1953) belonged to avant-garde historian who introduced a new methodology into the study of Indian history. He was a brilliant product of the University of Madras. On obtaining his Master's degree he joined the teaching staff of St. Joseph's College (Bangalore) in 1927. In 1946 he became Lecturer in Indian History and Archaeology in the University of Madras. He made a lasting impression on the students and was soon appointed Reader. In 1947 he filled the Professorial Chair of the Department of History and Archaeology. He also acted as Honorary Reader of the Department of Politics and Public Administration for a term of two years from 1945 to 1947. Professor Dikshitar contributed innumerable research papers to scholarly journals in India and abroad. He was General Editor of Madras University Historical Series. His works covering various dimensions of Indian history include original treatises, translations and volume edited by him.