Devi, Mahadevi or the "Great Goddess," is a primordial Mother Goddess who was first worshiped in India. She became a part of the Hindu pantheon during the Vedic era, and as a result, she came to symbolize Sakti (Female Power). Shaktism became a whole new worship pattern in Hinduism for people who embraced their love and respect for female goddesses and their manifestations. The Devi Mahatmyamu as a text talks extensively about Goddess worship and its importance. It's not entirely nonsensical to think of the Infinite as a mother. The Rigveda is evidence that the idea that the All-compassionate Mother as the Ruler persisted even in those far-off eras. Furthermore, rather than the Father, who is viewed as a strict taskmaster, Mother is the personality that most appeals to the human heart. Additionally, the idea of the Divinity as Devi, Durga, or Sri is more than just a philosophy; it is a way of life. It is a viewpoint that cannot be abandoned.

Some of the popular goddesses and their avatars are-

1. Goddess Varahi: Varahi has a number of legends associated with her. Along with Mathangi, the Goddess is an essential member of Goddess Lalitha Tripura Sundari's army and serves as its commanding general. She protects the Goddess, and only those who have worshiped Varahi can enjoy Devi Lalitha's benign blessings. Varahi was crucial to several of Devi Lalitha's battles with the Asuras. She was hailed for her bravery by several Puranas during Devi Lalitha's conflict with the three formidable demons Shumbha-Nishumbha, Bandasura, and Rakthabeej. Throughout the conflict, Varahi killed a number of generals and the family of the three asuras. Others think Varahi depicts the strength of the ferocious form Bhairava.

2. Durgabai Deshmukh: Durgabai Deshmukh, one of India's dynamic female legislators who changed the scene of female empowerment, figured out the thistle in the way of our country's advancement. Ignorance, strange notions, and the oppression of women were to blame. She was a devoted follower of the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, and only mastered the Hindi language so that she could translate his world into Telugu. 

3. Sri Sarada Devi: Even though Sarada Devi was a spiritual powerhouse in her own right, she spent many years serving Ramakrishna and his followers in a simple manner. She continued Ramakrishna's religious work after his death, acting as the new spiritual movement's mentor and inspiration. She was the  singular example of a perfect disciple, nun, wife, teacher, and mother to her innumerable spiritual children within the context of her natural simplicity and modesty. Her unwavering love and unselfish service amazed everyone she interacted with. She accepted everyone as her disciples, irrespective of class, caste, creed or gender. Everyone was welcome!!

The phenomenon of Goddess worship in India

Goddesses that represent various facets of authority are frequently prevalent in village culture. When praying for urgent needs, village men, women, and children address a female, not a male. Many goddess worshipers consider their deity to be the supreme being with unlimited power, not even surpassed by a male god. Notably, West Bengal and South India have long-standing goddess traditions. Hinduism views each woman as reservoirs of female power or shakti. 

FAQS

Q1. What is Goddess Lakshmi the deity of?

Goddess Lakshmi is known to the goddess of riches, abundant fortune and physical beauty.

Q2. Which Goddess in the Hindu Faith is deemed as the strongest?

Devi Durga is considered the most powerful Hindu Goddess. Even when the combined power of the male goddesses could not defeat Asura, Devi Durga was triumphant in a war against him.