This monograph provides a scholarly examination of the rare Buddhist and Hindu Tantric goddess, Chinnamasta. It explores her rituals, symbolic names and forms, and the spiritual practices associated with her across both traditions. By comparing and contrasting these sadhanas, the work offers a unique perspective on the development of Tantric traditions in India during the ninth and tenth centuries. The book includes the first English translations of key texts, such as the Chinnamastatantra from the Sakta Pramoda and the Chinnamunda Vajravarahisadhana, providing essential insights into the mutuality and exclusivity of these ancient religious paths.

Why You Should Read?

• Discover the first comprehensive academic study of the rare Tantric goddess Chinnamasta.
• Access the first English translations of the Chinnamastatantra and the Chinnamunda Vajravarahisadhana.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the historical development of Hindu and Buddhist Tantric traditions.
• Explore the symbolic significance of the goddess's iconography and ritual practices.

About the Author

Elisabeth Anne Benard is a scholar specializing in the study of Tantric goddesses and the intersection of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Her research focuses on the historical and ritualistic aspects of these traditions, contributing significantly to the academic understanding of rare deities and their associated spiritual practices.