“Sattchidananda Swaroopini”- the manifestation of the bliss of supreme truth experienced by the mind. Amongst many epithets, the great goddess has been described thus, in the Devi Bhagavata Mahapurana. As the festivities of Navaratri- the “nine nights” of the goddess, is at our thresholds, the bliss that She carries, can be experienced in the air by her devotees.
Devi, Adishakti, Bhagavati, Ambika- Her names are as innumerable as drops of water in an ocean. She has been described by the texts as “Kshemankari”- who is favorable to her devotees and “Kaalroopini”- death incarnate. She is Vidya and Avidya both. Though born from the energies of all Devatas (gods), her divine actions are beyond comprehension for gods, sages, and humans. Bowing down to her greatness, unable to swim across the cosmic ocean of her powers, the human mind, in the end, calls her “Maa”, mother- who is beyond reach and yet ever-ready to give eternal refuge to her children.
In between the changing seasons, when nature is undergoing a metamorphosis, the festivities of Sharadeeya Navaratri are celebrated. According to the Devi Bhagavatam, during this period of change, when the human body and world around are more prone to sudden transformations, weather-induced illnesses, and accidents, Devi is called upon as she “who destroys the jaws of Kaala” (death and time). Worshipping the great mother during this season, observing fasts for the nine days, and meditating upon Her, gives the devotees the armor of Her powers, which protects them against any trouble that may befall them. This is the simple yet profound answer to why we celebrate the Navaratri.
The meaning of these nine nights is much deeper for the Bhaktas of Shakti. Across the world, Shaktas (the followers of Shakti) revere the many forms of the goddess, with different aims, from material to spiritual in the heart. In this blog, we will take a look at some of the forms in which Mahashakti graces the Srishti with her presence. Beyond the Navadurga, who are traditionally associated with the nine nights, the forms of Anantaroopini (one with endless forms) Devi are enthralling to evoke, and even chanting their name internally for once, is equal to innumerable Yajnas.
She is the supreme form of the great goddess, the most widely revered deity, as the manifestation of the cosmic powers of all gods, which appeared as a divine feminine and annihilated the forces of Mahishasura. Durga is worshipped by her devotees for protection against negativity, for blessings of auspiciousness, and as a mother who is ever-present to remove fears from the hearts of her children. This is why, she is often called “Durgati-nashini”- she who removes ill luck.
Eight-Armed Goddess Durga Statue Seated on Lion
During Navaratri, her aspects are revered as “Shailaputri”, the daughter of the king of Mountains, and “Skandamata”, the mother of Skanda or Karttikeya. In Shakta tradition, she stands as the counterpart of Shiva and is equivalent to Durga, often interchangeably worshipped as Mahashakti. In the Eastern region of India, Uma-Parvati is celebrated during the festival of Navaratri, as the “daughter” of the region, and is welcomed with endearment which is beyond words.
36" Large Size Lord Shiva with Parvati In Brass | Handmade | Made In India
Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi, and Mahakali, the embodiment of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamo guna, and the Shaktis of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, the sacred feminine trinity in Shakta tradition is a powerful cluster of goddesses, often worshipped together for perfection of human life in every aspect. In the descriptions of Shakta Puranas, the three goddesses combine to annihilate the armies of Daityas by taking warrior forms.
For the functioning of the human and material world, the blessings of Sri Lakshmi, the great goddess who bestows wealth and abundance are evoked through special rituals during the Navaratri. As the goddess who gives the boons of the fulfillment of Purusharthas- the four cardinal goals of human life, Lakshmi is a mighty divinity in the Hindu tradition. Lakshmi Puja in many states forms a part of Devi-Puja, and the devotees revere the fortunate aspect of Shakti in their homes, seeking her presence in their lives and endeavors.
35" Sitting Mahalakshmi | Handmade | Madhuchista Vidhana (Lost-Wax) | Panchaloha Bronze from Swamimalai
Mother Earth is an ancient revered figure not only in Hinduism but in religions across the globe. As an ever-present and visible source of nourishment, protection, and sustenance for all, Bhudevi is the most benevolent and motherly aspect of the great goddess. Her worship in the everyday sense consists of touching the earth in the morning and invoking her during the beginning of any Puja ritual, which defines her omnipresent greatness in Hindu tradition.
18" Vishnu ji with Lakshmi and Bhudevi ji In Brass | Handmade | Made In India
For the Sadhakas (initiate worshippers) of Shakti, the Dashamahavidya or ten great wisdoms are the source of all fulfillment in their lives. Kali, Tara, Lalita Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshwari, Bhairavi, Chinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi, and Kamala are the ten Hindu-Tantric goddesses, who reign over different elements of existence, and whose Saadhana (ritual worship) opens the doors to eternal wealth and supreme wisdom.
Matrikas or mother-goddesses are lesser-known aspects of the great goddess. Sapta-Matrika (seven goddesses) or Shodasha Matrikas (16 goddesses) are some of the more popular clusters of Matrikas, revered by their worshippers as protecting energies. Carriers of maternal strength and valiant power, Matrikas in the Shakta tradition are potent deities, whose blessings remove all obstacles from one’s life.
Matrika (Mother) Carrying Child
Described as the army of the great goddess Durga, assisting her on the battlefield, Yoginis are often mentioned as “Chausatha” or sixty-four in number. These powerful goddesses are manifestations of the energies of Mahashakti, and worshipping them with the right rituals is a way to attain unimaginable “Siddhi” or abilities in every field of life. As warrior-mother goddesses, Yoginis provide defense against negative forces, while guarding the devotees in their spiritual endeavors.
Tibetan Buddhist Yogini Vajravarahi Idol | Nepalese Copper Statue
As a part of the larger celebration of Navaratri, different regions and localities celebrate the Mahashakti in their own ways. People evoke their Kuladevi (clan goddesses) alongside Durga, and communities worship their own form of the goddess such as Manasa, Meldi Mata, Bahucharaji, and Khodiyar Mata. Temples unique to each region and community come alive with the chants of goddess’ names and glories during these nine days of festive, underlining the truly immeasurable nature of Devi.
The primordial goddess or Adishakti is the origin, sustenance, and annihilation of the Universe. She is the one who empowers Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. As Saraswati, she gives boons of creativity to Paramapita, as Lakshmi she completes Vishnu by making him Sripati, and as Parvati, she becomes the counterpart of Adiyogi Shiva. The nine aspects that we touched upon are examples of the cosmic powers of the mother, they are entry points into the enormous corpus of Hindu-Shakta and Shakta-Tantra traditions, where the eternal glories of the goddess have been sung since ancient times.
Exotic India Art rejoices in having collected Puranas, Epics, texts on Shakta and Tantra traditions, artworks, and visual narrations of Devi’s Lilas for over 25 years, for those who want to experience the powers of divine feminine. Visit our collection of books, sculptures, and paintings to form a closer link with the great mother, on this Navaratri, and let the Shakti within you, arise!
Sources
1. Srimad Devi Bhagavata
2. Devi Mahabhagavata Purana
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