In Hinduism

Mantrashastra (the science of Mantras)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts (mantra)

Vibhavadevatāpiṇḍamantroddhārakathana (विभवदेवतापिण्डमन्त्रोद्धारकथन) (lit. “the directions for composing the piṇḍa-part of the mantras addressed to the vibhava-forms of the lord”) is the name of chapter 23 of the Sāttvatasaṃhitā: one of the most ancient of Pāñcarātra Āgamas consisting of roughly 3500 verses which stresses the theological standpoint of the oneness of God despite his various vyūhas (modes of existence), vibhavas (manifestations) and avatāras (incarnations).

Description of the chapter [vibhavadevatāpiṇḍamantroddhārakathana]: Nārada says Saṃkarṣaṇa then asked Bhagavān how the piṇḍa-form of the mantra should be formed. Bhagavan then tells him how to select the various letters from the “varṇacakra”-motif to compose the fifteen or more letters, along with the praṇava-syllable “Oṃ”, the “bīja”-abbreviation, and the final. namaḥ-ending (and another unnamed element) which go to make the piṇḍa form of the mantra (1-41). The previously unnamed element is the “saṃjñā”. attributive substitute, by the variation of which a mantra may be ever so slightly—but so effectively—altered. In the next section (42-106) are given various padmamantras of three, four, five letters going up to twenty and twenty-four and how to use them to different deities, with suitable saṃjñā-adjectives which may be added in the case of different aspects of the Godhead being addressed. The gist is that mantras of various lengths and potencies may be made at will and for various purposes. The last section of the chapter (107-126) deals with the “saṃjñā”-adjectives which may be similarly added to comprise the mantras addressed to Viṣṇu’s weapons [lāñchanas].

context information

Mantrashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, mantraśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science of mantras—chants, incantations, spells, magical hymns, etc. Mantra Sastra literature includes many ancient books dealing with the methods reciting mantras, identifying and purifying its defects and the science behind uttering or chanting syllables.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Kathana.

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Full-text: Pindamantra, Samjna.

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