Shri Vidya (ISO: '; ; sometimes also spelled Sri Vidya or Shree Vidya) is a Hindu Tantric religious system devoted to the Goddess.
In the principally Shakta theology of "the goddess is supreme, transcending the cosmos which is yet a manifestation of her." She is worshiped in the form of a mystical diagram (Sanskrit: '), a central focus and ritual object composed of nine intersecting triangles, called the Shri Yantra or '.
The south Indian tradition of Sri Vidya generally focuses on LalitàTripurasundarë (Beautiful Goddess of the Three Worlds) as the main form of Mahadevi. Apart from MahÃÂtripurasundarë, other important deities in this tradition include Gaá¹Âapati, BÃÂlÃÂ, RÃÂjamÃÂtaá¹ gë, MahÃÂvÃÂrÃÂhë, and ParÃÂ. The most important source for this branch of Sri Vidya is the Paraà ÂurÃÂma Kalpasà «tra. A thousand names for this form of are recited in the , which includes concepts. The sect accepts and aims to provide both material prosperity and self-realisation. It has an extensive literature.
Shri Vidya teachings are traditionally transmitted through an unbroken lineage of gurus. This ensures the authenticity and integrity of the practices. Without initiation from a qualified guru, it is believed that the full spiritual potential of the practice cannot be realized.
Some legendary sages and teachers of Shri Vidya are Sage Agastya, Sage Vasishtha, Dattatreya, Sage Parashurama, Sage Angiras and Sage Shaunaka.
The most important scholar of Sri Vidya is undoubtedly BhÃÂskararÃÂya (1690âÂÂ1785), who wrote over 40 works from a Sri Vidya perspective. He is the author of key Sri Vidya texts like the SaubhÃÂgyabhÃÂskara (a commentary to the LalitàSahasranÃÂma), VarivasyÃÂrahasya (a work on Sri Vidya mantra and worship) and the Commentary on NityÃÂá¹£à Âá¸Âaà ÂikÃÂrá¹Âava.