 |
|
|
HINDU GODDESS - DEVI
MOTHER OF THE UNIVERSE
The Great Goddess, known in India as
Devi (literally "goddess"), has many
guises. She is "Ma" the gentle and
approachable mother. As Jaganmata,
or Mother of the universe, she
assumes cosmic proportions, destroying
evil and addressing herself to the
creation and dissolution of the worlds.
She is worshiped by thousands of names
that often reflect local customs and
legends. She is one and she is many. She
is celebrated in songs and poems.
Devi is all-important in Hinduism, but
there are also forms of female divinity
in Buddhism and Jainsim. Today millions
of Hindu men and women conduct regular
pujas to Devi through one of her many
manifestations.
For some she is their primary deity
while for others she is part of a
greater pantheon. All Hindu goddesses
may be viewed as different
manifestations of Devi. In some forms
she is benign and gentle, while in other
forms she is dynamic and ferocious, but
in all forms she is helpful to her
devotees.
There are many approaches to looking at
Devi chronological, religious, or by
function. Here we have chosen to observe
Devi through her six main functions,
beginning with her most forceful and
dynamic form and moving toward less
potent forms. |
WORLD RELIGIONS
COMPARED
WORLD
RELIGIONS CLIPART
WORLD
RELIGIONS HOME
HINDUISM HOME
HINDU GODS |
Devi is first seen as cosmic force, where she
destroys demonic forces that threaten world equilibrium, and
creates, annihilates, and recreates the universe. Next, in her
gentle, radiant dayini form, she is the gracious donor of boons,
wealth, fortune, and success. As heroine and beloved, Devi comes
down to earth and provides inspiring models for earthly women.
Devi is then seen as a local protector of villages , towns, and
individual tribal peoples, where she is concerned only with local
affairs. In her fifth aspect, Devi appears as semi-divine force,
manifesting herself through fertility spirits, and other
supernatural forms. Finally, she is also represented in woman
saints, who are born on earth but endowed with deep spirituality and
other-worldly powers.
O Goddess, who removest the
suffering of thy suppliants, be gracious!
Be gracious, O Mother of the whole world!
Be gracious, O Queen of the universe; safeguard the universe!
Markandaya Purana
| |
 |
 |