The Goddess Within and Beyond the Three Cities: Shakta Tantra and the Paradox of Power in Nepala-Mandala

Book Detail

• Author: Jeffrey S. Lidke
• Brand: D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 404
• Release Date: 01-01-2017
• EAN: 9788124608760
• Package Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.5 x 1.4 inches
• Languages: English

Description

This book offers a groundbreaking exploration of Sarvāmnāya Śākta Tantra in Nepal, with a specific focus on:

• The Śrī Vidyā tradition
• The goddess Tripurasundarī
• The Nityaṣoḍaśikārṇava text
• Tantric initiates within the Kathmandu Valley

Lidke’s twenty-year study draws from primary texts and contemporary Nepalese practices, illustrating how Tantra is not a static, monolithic tradition but rather a dynamic, evolving system shaped by sociocultural influences and political power dynamics. A key focus of this book is the mandala, a central Tantric symbol used in:

• Temple architecture and urban planning
• Rituals and meditative practices
• Art forms such as painting, sculpture, music, and dance

By examining how Nepalese kings, commoners, and initiates engage with the mandala, the book reveals how Tantra is embedded in Nepalese history, culture, and spiritual practice. This work is essential for scholars of Hindu Tantra, South Asian religions, and those interested in Nepalese spiritual traditions.

Author Details

Dr. Jeffrey S. Lidke is a scholar specializing in South Asian religions, particularly Hindu and Buddhist Tantra. His research integrates textual analysis with ethnographic studies of living traditions. Lidke’s work often explores the ritual, symbolic, and sociopolitical dimensions of Tantra, with a focus on Nepalese and Indian religious traditions.