When the Poison Is the Cure—Healing and Embodiment in Contemporary Śrīvidyā Tantra of the Lalitāmbikā Temple

This paper discusses the healing practices of <i>samayācāra</i> Śrīvidyā, a Hindu Tantric tradition. This study is based on field research conducted in the Śrī Lalitāmbikā temple in Coimbatore, India. The tradition not only advocates inner ritualism, but also focuses on healing practices...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Maciej Karasinski-Sroka
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
Series:Religions
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/12/8/607
Description
Summary:This paper discusses the healing practices of <i>samayācāra</i> Śrīvidyā, a Hindu Tantric tradition. This study is based on field research conducted in the Śrī Lalitāmbikā temple in Coimbatore, India. The tradition not only advocates inner ritualism, but also focuses on healing practices derived from Tantric sources. By using both emic and etic approaches, this paper attempts to show how the rituals and Śrīvidyā meditative practices became incorporated into this system of healing and well-being. A further aim of this paper is to indicate how various forms of embodiment and healing define the spiritual practice of Lalitāmbikā Śrīvidyā.
ISSN:2077-1444