Gandharva, Yaksha, Kinnari, Nag, Nayeka, Bhairava, Pichash, Dakinie

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Different types of supernatural powers, enriched with extreme power .

According to Hinduism, Deva (the Gods), Gandharva (the musician of the Gods), Yaksha (Natural Spirit), Kinnar (the Trans genders), Nag (the Snake),  Nayeka (Actress), Bhairava (concierge of cremation grounds) Pishacha and Dakinie (spirits)

Are also considered as living beings, similar as the human beings. Their existence can not be felt in the normal course of life,the way we can see our fellow living and non living things in the world. Such sort of beings are empowered with special ability or super natural power to disappear and reappear, according to their own will. They also have the special ability or power to fulfill the desires and wishes of human beings. People always try to please them in their own way in order to get the desired blessings . All such supernatural powers reside in different places, either in Earth, or in the Inferno or in the Universe, and their residing places are known as 'Loka'. Living place of Devata (or Gods) is known as Swarga Loka or Dev Loka, that of the Gandharvas as Gandharva Loka which is situated in the Sky, the residing place of Nags as Nag loka, which is under the earth, the residence of Rakshasas in Patal or Inferno etc. In Hindu Iconography, worship of these living beings are also significant, for the fulfillment of various desires and to obtain grace.

Yaksha and Yakshini (Yaksha is a male gender while Yakshini is Female form), caretakers of hidden treasures, chiefly related to wealth, property and happiness :

A natural spirit, with great supernatural power, but considered similar as Human beings in Hindu Iconography. They are the protector or caretaker of the hidden treasures kept under the Earth. They exist as spirits, surrounding the hidden treasures on or under the earth and also reside in trees. They also have a different loka or place of living in the sky. Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism are the believers of such sort of living being in this World. Kuber, who is the God of treasure and is associated with royalty and wealth, is also considered as Yaksha. They are thousands in numbers; from ancient days people have worshiped different Yaksha and Yakshini to fulfill their varied desires. Several stone statues of Yakshas,crafted and worshiped in ancient times, have been found. Some of those are no preserved in South Asian Museums.
As described in Tantra, 'Ratipriya Yakshini' is the giver 25 golden coins, if she is satisfied with her worshiper.
'Sursundari Yakshini', giver of wealth, property and longevity.
'Anuragini Yakshini' , giver of 1000 gold coins.
'Jalvasini Yakshini', giver of precious gems.
'Vatvasini Yakshini', giver of ornaments and fine clothings.
There are thousands of Yaksha's and Yakshini's and they all are believed to fulfill their devotees' prayers with their super natural power.

Stone Sculpture of Yaksha and Yakshini of 9th Century, found in Madhya Pradesh

Yoginis, the feminine scaring natural spirits, usually related to Yoga and Tantra, followers and companions of Goddess Adi Shakti Mahakali. :

Yoginis got birth from Adi Shakti Mahakali. Dus-Mahavidyas are also considered as the Yoginis of Adhya or Adi Shakti. They all got birth during the war of Maha Kali with demon Ghora. In the battlefield, every sweat drop of the Goddess led to the creation of these Yoginis, who were as powerful and divine as the Goddess herself. Maha Kali manifested all these Yoginis to help her in the battlefield. Since then, these yoginis have always been attached with the Goddess. They are thousands in number, with each of them possessing a different natural power. The Shaakta and Shiva sects of Hinduism, worship different forms of Yoginis to fulfill their desires. According to two separate beliefs, the number of most prominent yoginis can be either eight or sixty-four.

Asta Yogini's or the eight form of yoginis are : 1. Sura-Sundari Yogini, 2. Manohara Yogini, 3. Kanakvati Yogini, 4. Kameswari Yogini, 5. Rati Sundari Yogini, 6. Padmini Yogini, 7. Natini Yogini, 8. Madhumati Yogini.

Chaushat (64) Yoginis or sixty four forms of yoginis are : 1. Bahurupa, 2.Tara,3. Narmada,4. Yamuna,5. Shanti,6. Varuni,7. Kshemankari, 8. Aindri,9. Varahi,10. Ranveera, 11. Vanara-Mukhi, 12. Vaishnavi,13. Kalaratri, 14. Vaidyaroopa, 15. Charchika, 16. Betali, 17. Chinnamastika,18. Vrishabahana, 19. Jwala Kamini, 20. Ghatavara, 21. Karakali, 22. Saraswati,23. Birupa, 24. Kauveri, 25. Bhaluka, 26. Narasimhi, 27. Biraja, 28. Vikatanna, 29.Maha Lakshmi,30. Kaumari,31. Maha Maya,32. Rati,33. Karkari, 34. Sarpashya, 35. Yakshini,36. Vinayaki, 37. Vindya Balini, 38. Veera Kumar,i 39. Maheshwari,40. Ambika,41. Kamiyani, 42. Ghatabari, 43. Stutee, 44. Kali,45. Uma,46. Narayani,47. Samudraa, 48. Brahmini,49. Jwala Mukhi,50. Agneyei, 51. Aditi,52. Chandrakanti, 53. Vayubega, 54. Chamunda,55. Murati, 56. Ganga,57.Dhumavati,58. Gandhar,59. Sarva Mangala, 60. Ajita, 61. Surya Putri, 62. Vayu Veena, 63. Aghora, 64. Bhadrakali.

Yoginis posing as Friends of Goddess Shakti

All theYoginis are very closely associated with the Goddesses of Kali Kula, they are the followers or scholars of Tantra and Yoga. They serve the Goddess every time, they always stay with the Goddess as her companion, but She treats them as a child of her own. Goddess Chhinnamasta is the best example to depict the love of Goddess towards her child, as she sacrifices herself and gives the yoginis her own blood to quench their thirst.

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Nayika, are considered as a sub cast of Yakshinis; they are portrayed as romantic & beautiful heroine :

This sort of females are considered as heroine in Hinduism. They are mainly eight in number, namely, 1. Jaya 2. Vijaya 3. Ratipirya 4. Kanchan Kundali 5. Swarna Mala 6. Jayavati 7. Surangini 8. Vidyavati. They are worshiped mainly to get magical power to evoke a beautiful woman, as they themselves are beautiful. They possess each and every quality of a beautiful and charming woman, who attract males.

Kinnaris, they are portrayed as romantic " beautiful heroine :

Kinnaris are well renowned for the heavenly and charming beauty they possess. They are so overwhelmingly beautiful that they capture the attraction of others so easily. They are soft-spoken, and attain perfection in music and playing musical instruments. They occupy a special position in ancient Hindu scriptures. They are blessed with the talent of altering their appearances so easily, and consequently, the sages have worshiped the Kinnaris since time immemorial. One can easily get the boon of the kinnaris by pleasing them. Kinnaris form a group of six, in which belong the following kinnaris : 1. Mahoharini Kinnari, 2. Shubhag Kinnari, 3. Vishal Netra Kinnari, 4. Surat priya Kinnari, 5. Sumukhi Kinnari, and 6. Divakar Mukhi Kinnari. If one desires to achieve success in the fields of music as well as beautification, they can do so through the worship of Kinnaris.

Illustration of Nayika as Hindu Iconography

Nag and Nagin or Serpents, considered as both Gods and Human beings, residing in Hades:

From ancient days, this category of living beings are worshiped by people in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. Snakes or Nags quite stubborn in nature and they had performed severe mortification to satisfy and get boons from different Gods. As a result they have been blessed by various supernatural powers and this species find a very significant place in various religious beliefs. They are the ornaments of Lord Shiva, Goddess Tara, Kali and so on. They are very closely positioned to Lord Shiva and Shakti. Lord Vishnu is believed to sleep on the bed formed by the body of Sesh Nag, who is the chief of the Snakes. Kadru (daughter of Prajapati Daksha and married to sage Kashyap) gave birth to all the Snakes, and hence, she is known as Nag Mata (ancestral mother of the Snakes). Goddess Manasa, the daughter of Lord Shiva, is also considered as the mother of Snakes, according to some beliefs. She got married to Rishi Jaratkaru (Sage Jaratkaru), another chief of the Snake species. Thus, She is also recognized as the mother of all Snakes. They have a different loka or place to live, and it is known by the name of Nag Loka. They also have the power to fulfill the various desires of human beings, similar to any God. Especially, in ancient days, human beings treated the patients with snake bites by offering prayers to the Snake gods and goddesses and by trying to please them through different rituals.

There are twelve main heads of this species, each one of them along with their community members having a different living place or loka. The names of these heads are :
1. Anantha 2. Kulika 3. Vasuki 4. Shankuphala 5. Padma 6. Mahapadma 7. Takshaka 8. Karkotaka 9. Shankhachud 10. Ghataka 11. Vishdhana 12. Sesh-Naga.

Nag Devta, always found staying close with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu and some other Gods

The existence of certain super natural forces, such as, ghosts, spirits, phantoms, fiends, hobgoblins, etc, can be felt among human beings since very old days. As we cannot see the air, but it is omnipresent, similarly, such super powers also are present all around us, even though they cannot be seen. They are considered to be the retainers of Lord Bhutnath, (nath meaning lord and bhut meaning ghost). The spouses of these super natural powers are Bhutini, Pretni, Pishachini, Betalini etc.(their female forms), and they are the followers of goddess Shivaa, the wife of Lord Bhutnath. Since all of them are closely associated with Lord Shiv and goddess Shivaa, they are empowered with divine as well as miraculous forces. They are capable of fulfilling the needs of the devotees of Shiv and Shivaa. Hindu religion is quite well acquainted with the worship of these powers from thousands of years ago till present day.

Bhairavas and Bhairavis, Followers of Shiva and Shakti and doorkeeper of Cremation Ground :

Bhairav is known as the most significant servitor of Lord Shiva, he is also considered to be an image of the god. He is the controller of the other retainers of Lord Shiva, such as, ghosts, phantoms and so on. His creation was caused by the grace of Bhagawati Mahamaya, and thus, he himself is also equally powerful and capable of accomplishing any work like Lord Shiva. He is portrayed to reflect a very scary image. The two distinct forms of Bhairav are Kal Bhairav and Batuk Bhairav. These two are considered to be the concierges of the two ancient Indian cities, namely, Kashi or Varanasi and Ujjain. In these two cities, we can also find spectacular temples solely dedicated to these two Bhairavas. The eight main images of Bhairavas are : 1. Asitanga Bhairav, 2. Rudra Bhairav, 3. Chandra Bhairav, 4. Krodh Bhairv, 5. Unmatta Bhairav, 6. Kapali Bhairav, 7. Bheeshan Bhairav, and 8. Sanhar Bhairav. Together they compose the Ashta Bhairav (the congregation of eight Bhairav). The Bhairavs are usually regarded as keepers of the burning ghats. According to the Tantra literature as well as the Nath community, the Bhairavs and their female counterparts, the Bhairavis, are the one and only reason behind the origin, existence and destruction of this mortal and immortal world. The Hindu religion has always encouraged the worship of the different forms of Bhairavs, and through this, the attainment of ones desired objects. The Bhairavs mostly appear to be very dark complexioned with a terribly scary look. They are very rude by nature, they are extremely huge in size and they carry a dreadful looking stick in their hand. Black dogs are their carriers. In south India, the Bhairavs are also known as Shasta and in Maharashtra, their other name is Khandoba. Their nature can be best described as vindictive, and they are most commonly linked with death or destruction. They reveal themselves in the form of critical illness, and finally, drag the living beings towards their end.

According to Shiv Purana, the Bhairavs were created from the blood of Lord Shiva for the purpose of the killing of Andhakasura. There is one more version regarding the creation of the Bhairavs. Once, Lord Brahma, the creator, had uttered certain insulting comments seeing the distasteful appearance of Lord Shiva and his genus. Even though Lord Shiva hardly paid any attention to it, but, a huge body protruding out of him, loomed large on Brahma, and it even advanced to hit him. Subsequently, Lord Brahma was scared to death. Seeing this, Lord Shiva, acted as a mediator, and tried to convince his genus that Brahma did not have any evil thought in his mind. Listening to this, the ghastly figure calmed down. Following this, Lord Shiva turned this scary figure into his chief door-keeper at his main worship place, Varanasi. Even till today, a grand temple in Varanasi, built for Kal Bhairav, draws the attention of many of the devotees. He came into being on the day of Krishna Ashtami in the month of Margashirsha (eighth day of the waning phase of the lunar cycle, in the Hindu month of Margashirsha), and hence, this particular day is also termed as Kalbhairavashtami. If a person wishes to get rid of the fear for death, he is advised to worship Kalbhairav. In fact, he grants all the wishes of human beings. He is capable of granting even the most miraculous powers, provided the devotee is dedicated enough towards him. The two most important Bhairav temples in India are situated in Varanasi (Kal Bhairav) and Ujjain (Batuk Bhairav). Other than these two, at Ghorakhal near Nainital in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand, Batuk Bhairav is worshipped as Golu Devata.

Kaal bhairav, God of Destruction (cause of death)

Ten Maha Vidya, The Source of Great Knowledge and Wisdom

Ten different sources of extreme Power, incarnations of Adhya Shakti,
Primal Power

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..... Dus Mahavidya .....

काली तारा महाविद्या षोडशी भुवनेश्वरी ।
भैरवी छिन्नमस्ता च विद्या धूमावती तथा ।
बगला सिद्धविद्या च मातंगी कमलात्मिका ।
एता दश महाविद्या: सिद्धविद्या: प्राकृर्तिता ।
एषा विद्या प्रकथिता सर्वतन्त्रेषु गोपिता । ।
Munda-Mala Tantra (Name of Tantric Text book)

Trilok (World, Hades, Heaven) Worship Goddess Adya-Shakti

All the characteristic features present in Females like Shame, Beauty, Strength, Motherhood enrich the mother goddess Shakti(power). This divine power “Shakti” is classified to different forms according to her work and attributes.

The Super-Natural power Shakti's ten different incarnations are divided into two sects: one is of Kali-Kula (belonging to the Kali Family, or the Darker Part) and other is of Shree-Kula (belonging to Shree or Lakshmi Family, or the Lightened Part). Goddess Kali, Tara, Chhinnamasta belongs to the Kali-Kula and the others, namely, Tripur-Sundari, Bhuwaneswari, Tripur-Bhairavi or Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Bagla-Mukhi, Matangi, Kamla belong to Shree Kula. Kali-Kula indicates the darkened aspect everywhere and for every body as she got birth from Darkness before the formation of the Universe, when there was nothing but darkness all over the Universe. On the other hand, Shree-Kula indicates the lightened part of every thing or every living creature.

These Ten Maha-Vidya's are also symbolized the 24 Avtar or incarnations of lord Vishnu:
1. Kali symbolized as Krishna.
2. Tara as Rama Avtar.
3. Bhuwaneswari as Varah Avtar.
4. Tripur-Sundari as Parasurama Avtar.
5. Chhinnamasta as Nrishingha Avtar.
6. Bhairavi as Balrama Avtar.
7. Dhumavati as Matsya Avtar.
8. Bagalamukhi as Kurma Avtar.
9. Matangi as Buddha Avtar.
10. Kamla as Matasya Avtar.

Krishna Worship as Kali by Gopies

Directions of Maha-Vidyas.
1. Kali in all direction.
2. Tara is to the Upper Side.
3. Tripur-Sundari is to the South West.
4. Bhuwaneswari is to the North.
5. Chhinnamasta is to the South.
6. Bhairavi is to the East.
7. Dhumavati is to the South East.
8. Bagalamukhi is to the West.
9. Matangi is to the North West.
10. Kamla is to the North East .

Dus-Mahavadiyas, are categorize in three classes in a praise Mundamala-Tantra as: Kali and Tara are called Maha-Vidyas; Sodasi or Tripur-Sundari, Bhuwaneswari, Chhinnamasta, Bhairavi and Dhumavati are Vidyas; Matangi and Kamla are called Siddha-Vidhyas.

According to Nature, These Maha-Vidyas are categorized in three gropus :
'Soumya' or Soft Category
1. Goddess Tripur Sundari. 2. Goddess Bhuvaneshwari. 3. Goddess Maatangi. 4. Goddess Kamla.

'Soumyogra' or Soft Aggressive Category
1. Goddess Tara. 2. Goddess Bhairavi.

'Ugra' or Aggeressive Category
1. Goddess Kali. 2. Goddess Chhinnamasta. 3. Goddess Bagalamukhi. 4. Goddess Dhomavati.

"Maha-Vidyas" are distinguished by their exotic power and nature, like Goddess "Kali" symbolized by the power for work and perfection, Goddess "Tara" by Salvation and extreme knowledge, Goddess "Tripur-Sundari" by kingly functions, Goddess "Bhuvaneswari" by peace, creation and nourishment, Goddess "Chhinnamasta" by showing generous self sacrifice, Goddess "Bhairavhi" by destruction, "Dhumavati" by the effect of anger, bad-luck, inauspicious and disease, Goddess "Bagalamukhi" by presence in battlefield, truth and paralyze, Goddess "Matangi" by control over enemies, musician and Goddess "Kamla" as power of wealth, good luck and property.

These Dus (Ten) Maha-Vidya's are respectively :

!!... Maha Kali ....!!

First in Dus-Mahavidya, Yogmaya Shakti (Power Raised when lord Vishnu was sleeping in Yogic posture) of Lord Vishnu, Goddess of deed, Exterminator, destroyer, lives in cremation ground, well versed in warrior skills.
"Devour-er of Time or Kal", first and prime among all in Universe, who got birth from "Darkness" in the beginning, when there no existence of Universe. Represent's the force of power for every work. 'Maha-Kal' (God of the cause of Death) is the Vairabh of Goddess Kali, identified as 'Lord Krishna' of Vishnu's Twenty-four incarnations and belong from Aggressive or 'Ugra' category.

She is among the first, prime and superior in Dus-Mahavidya's (ten forms of great wisdom knowledge) and all in the Universe. She is wife of Maha-Kal (God of aspect of death or reason of death), an furious incarnation of Lord Shiva. The word Kali arises from "Kal" in Sanskrit, meaning "time". Sometimes, she is also referred to as the Goddess of death. She is in a state of eternal bliss playing on the bosom of Shiva, in the terrifying surrounding of Samshan (cremation ground). She is black in color because it is the seed stage of all colors and it represents Tamo Guna (Properties of Destruction), She got birth from Darkness when there was nothing, not even the Universe. She appears cool and appealing as the light of million moons reflect on her. Her teeth are terrible and the tongue lashes out of her widely opened mouth, lustrous like a dark cloud, graceful with the Moon on her forehead. Decorated with serpents, she is going to ghastly eat everything, even Kal (time). But she is also the benign mother conferring boon on all by raising her arm in Varada mudra (hand gesture for blessing). She is endowed with three eyes, representing Trikala (enriched with three dimensions of time), and four hands; she wears a garland of freshly cut fifty-one demon heads, which hangs down till her knees and blood flows from these, the foxes and her Yoginis (female power spirits) around her get drunk on this flowing blood. Her ghastly spread or disheveled hair, garland of freshly cut demon heads in her lower left hand, Bilbo in her upper left hand-everything creates an uncanny look about her. Through her lower right hand, she makes a sign of granting favors. She wears a pair of earrings made of infant dead body, a garland of cut hands worn around her waist protects her honour. She puts her right foot upon lord Shiva's chest, who lies down beneath her. Blood spills all around her along with piles of dead bodies of demons killed by her,and she appears to be truly terrifying and as huge as a mountain. She is the embodiment of sakti, budhi, ridhi and sidhi.

!!... Maa Tara ...!!

Second in Dus-Mahavidya, Bhagwati Tara is in the form of a million of sparkling light as Star, she lives in cremation ground, she is enriched with all sorts of knowledge, specially knowledge for Moksha or salvation
The Goddess of "Salvation" or "Moksha" and Extreme knowledge. Respresent's the force to get libration from birth and death, with extreme knowledge. 'Akshovya-Shiva' (Who gulped the dangerios poision name Kalakuta, which come out from churning of Ocean or Samudra Manthan) is the Vairabh of Goddess Tara, identified as 'Rama' of Vishnu's Twenty-four incarnations and belong from Soft Aggressive or 'Somya Ugra' category.

When Maha-Kali adopted her blue appearance, she did so in order to kill the demon Hayagreeva (name of a giant in Hindu Mythology). From then she was well known as "TARA" (a sparkle of light or Star). She bestows upon Moksha (Salvation) and rescues from every tough and hard situation of life. According to Swatantra Tantra, (name of a Hindu Mythological text book) Maha-Kali got her blue appearance on the birth of Maha-Shakti (supreme power) Tara, which was in the bank of "Cholna" river near Meru (name of the mountain) Mountain. As per Mahakal Samhita (name of a hindu Mythological text book), she was born on the 9th day of the Hindu month of Chaitra Shukla Paksha (in Hindu calendar a month consists of two lunar phases: shukla paksh is the waxing phase of moon). We celebrate this day as Ram Navami (birth date of lord Rama) also. Tara is the Bhairavi of Akshovya Shiv (A name of Shiva, who stays on her head). She occupies the central position in Buddhism. In Hinduism her way of worship is adopted from Buddhism. She is almost fierce, horrible and potentially dangerous in Hinduism, but in Buddhism, along with these features, she is also playful and charming. She menifest herself in three main forms, 1. Ugra Tara, 2. Neel Saraswati 3. Ekjata and she is also famous with her eight names called Asta-Tara

!!... Sri Vidya, Tripur-Sundari, Sodashi ...!!

Sri Vidya, Sodashi, Tripura-Sundari, She is charming, loverly and is believed as timeless sixteen year's beautiful old girl of three Worlds (World, Heaven, Hades)
She believed to embody with sixteen types or all the desire. Represent's the force of sexual and other all desires. 'Rudra-Shiva' (Shiva's form in Anger) is the Vairabh of Goddess Tripur-Sundari, identified as 'Parasurama' of Vishnu's Twenty-four incarnations and belong from Soft or 'Somya' category.

The incarnation of this form of Adya-Shakti is well known as by her many names, Tripur-Sundari (Most beautiful and charming Goddess of three worlds Heaven, World and Hades), Lalita (the one who plays) and Sodashi(a girl of timeless sixteen year old and who is completed with all sixteen types of desire, represents a delectable stage of a Woman's life), Kameswari (Site of Lord Shiva's lap or goddess of sexual lust desire in females), Sri-Vidya (Knowledge of wealth, richness), Rajrajeswari (Queen of the queens in three worlds), Bala (female child). Adhya Shakti or Primal Female Power, manifest herself in two main aspect related with colors, first is Kali's with black form and second is Sri's with red form and the goddess comes under is known as their family. Kali-Kula or Kali's family and Sri-Kula or Sri's family is known as two different categories of in Hinduism. She is the prime in Sri-Kula or Sri's family, this category of Shakti is starts with her. iShakti or female power sect of Hinduism is divided in two families, according to this two families. As they differ with colors followers of Kali Kula used black color elements, wear black clothes and Sri Kula used red color elements, wear red clothes. She is a great Tantric scholar and play a significant role in Tantrism. She is also known as the goddess of black magic, nothing is impossible with her. As in Hinduism, she is only goddess who is with all filled or completed desire, as their worshipers or devotee is able to do any thing, whats they want. As she is a sixteen years old, its believed that, devotees and worshipers of her always being young even in old ages, they looks charming and great power to attract people. She also consider as, with the combination of power of Kali and Knowledge of Tara.

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!!... Maa Bhuvaneshwari ...!!

Fourth in Dus-Mahavidya, Divine Mother and Mistress of the whole Universe, Ruler of the entire Universe.
"Queen of the three Worlds" called "Tri-Bhuvaneswari" or the three regions of entire Universe, Bhuḥ "Earth",Bhuvah "Atmosphere" and Svah "Heaven". Represt the power of Creation and Nurishment. Represents the force of creation. 'Sada-Shiva' (those who is in every element) is the Vairabh of Goddess Bhuwaneswari, identified as 'Varah' of Vishnu's Twenty-four incarnations and belong from soft category.

Bhuvaneswari is a compound of two words: one is Bhuvan and the other is Iswari. Bhuvan or Tri-Bhuvan are the three regions of entire Universe comprising the bhuḥ (earth), bhuvah (atmosphere) and svah (heaven).She is the ruling power of the entire Universe, as a divine mother. She has created or built all the existing things in the Universe. She has built Swarga (Heaven), Prithvi (Earth) and Paatal (Hades). In Hinduism, every thing in this world is made up with five basic "Bhutas" or elements known as Pancha-Tatva (Five-Elements)- 1. Prithvi or "Soil" 2. Jal or "Water" 3. Agni or "Fire" 4. Vayu or "Air" 5. Akash or "Sky". She has created all these basic elements. She is mild in nature, has a beautiful smiling face with three eyes and is enriched with rising sunlight or golden complexion . Seven crores of mantras (a sentence with holy words dedicated to deity) have been composed to worship her, throughout day and night. She is also known by the name of Prapancheswari (mistress of the fivefold World). She has the capability or power to change the Universe according to her own will. Hindu mythology praises about her as the "Mul Prakirti" (Prime Nature).

!!... Maa Chhinnamasta ...!!

Fifth in Dus-Mahavidya. The Self-Decapitated Goddess" whose head is severed, easily identified by her fearsome image. A Tantric Goddess and a ferocious aspect of Devi or Divine Mother.
"Chhinnamasta" is associated with the concept of self-sacrifice or getting rid of unwanted Desire, as well as the awakening of the Kundalini. 'Vikral-Shiva' (Ghastly Shiva) is the Vairabh of Goddess Chhinnamasta, identified as 'Parasurama' of Vishnu's Twenty-four incarnations and belong from Aggressive or 'Ugra' category.

The name "Chhinnamasta" is compound of two words: the first is "Chinna" meaning isolated and "Masta" meaning head. Thus, Chhinnamasta is the one who is without head or a severed head. She severed her head by own and hold in one hand, as a symbol of self sacrificing. She is also known with other names like Chhinnamastika Prachanda Chandika. Her appearance is fully different form other Goddess, as a fearsome, awful or furious aspect of of divine mother, among ten Maha-Vidyas. Character wise, She combines all the three Gunas, namely, "Satwa, Rajas and Tamo", and hence is well known as "Trigunmayee" (one who have all three types of natural properties or Gunas). She represents the change of cycle in the Universe. Everything that is in the Universe is related to this cycle. When the deterioration is more than the creation, it causes her prominence and the process is reversed and once again,creation is more than deterioration. She is also famous by her another name called "Vajra-Vairochiynea" because of legendary demons Hiranyakashyap, Vaiorchan etc. Adoration of Goddess Chhinnamasta, and her existence can also be found in Jainism and Buddhism. In Buddhism she is known as Chhinnamunda Vajravarahi. She indicates towards an eternal truth that, life is nourished by death and life, death and sex is inter-related with each other and the ultimate destiny of sexual desire is to perpetuate more life. She is a symbol of self-control, control over ever-growing desire,which must be achieved before undertaking successful yogic practice. She represents the control of desire during Yogic practice and the suppression of sexual lust.

!!... Maa Tripur Bhairavi ...!!

Sixth in Dus-Mahavidya, One of the most fierce and terrifying aspect of the Goddess, only a bit different from Maha-Kali, Goddess of Destruction.
She who poses on Shiva as "The Destroyer". Represent's the force of Destruction. 'Maheswar-Shiva' (Ghastly Shiva) is the Vairabh of Goddess Tripur Bhairavi, identified as 'Balrama' of Vishnu's Twenty-four incarnations and belong from Aggressive or 'Ugra' category.

The power who destroy everything, She is as Tripur-Bhairavi, Tripur means the three world "Heaven, World and Hades" and Bhairavi means as a principles of destruction. Lord Shiva who is the god of destruction and destroy every thing according, we resembles Tripur-Bhairavi or Bhairavi in the form of destroyer. She give the power or knowledge of destruction, full with destructive nature. She is related with the fierce form and appearance of Shiva at the time of demolition. When everything in this Universe declines she raise out and present till ending with her natural power. She is also related with self-destructive habit like drinking alcohol, Smoking etc., and also in natural properties like anger, jealousy, selfishness etc. She is identical as Goddess Kalratri* or Kali (Goddess of black night or time of destruction) and she is the power of Kal-Bhairabh* (A "Terrible" or "Frightful" incarnation of Lord Shiva), chariot driver of Tripur-Sundari or Sodasi. She is good for good ones and terrifying and dangerous to bad ones and used for atrocious works in Tantra* (as described in about blog page). She also identified with Maha-Pralaya* (the Grate Cosmic Desolation), her destructive aspect is not always negative, "Creation cannot continue without Destruction". Creation and destruction are the two essential aspects of the universe, which is continually subject to their alternating rhythms. She is a kind force which trends towards Destruction, even in living beings also, as a reason of they died. She wipes distress or worry of all kinds of worshiper or Sadhak*, if we describe the meaning of her name, it consists of three words, first id 1. "Bha" or Bharana indicates "Maintenance" 2. "Ra" as Ramana indicates "Creation" 3. "Vi" as Vamana indicates "way of distrust ion or liberation".

!!... Maa Dhumavati ...!!

Seventh in Dus-Mahavidya, Goddess here is in an unsteady, Ugly and Angry appearance posing as "Widow of lord Shiva".
Manifest herself at the time of cosmic dissolution, The Widow Goddess. Represent's the force of poorness, inauspicious system in the Universe and the ending. No one is indentified as her Bhairav, because she is widow, identified as 'Matasya' of Vishnu's Twenty-four incarnations and belong from Aggressive or 'Ugra' category.

She appears unaccompanied and self-controller, no one is with her as her tuan, is barely known among the Maha-Vidyas and She also represents the fearsome or terrifying aspect of Devi. She is related with portentousness, ungainliness in Hinduism. She revealed herself when the cosmic dissolution occurred and she was presented in the form of "the void" after dissolution and before creation. She resides at the home of poor people as Alakshmi (Goddess of poverty, according to Sri-Sukta, praise is dedicated to goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth), her existence comes into being mostly during Pradosha Kal (time after sunset until dark and night ending with full sun rise). She is connected with illness or unhealthy conditions of patients and also causes other disturbances, which are concerned with both mental and physical aspects of life. In Rig-Veda (earliest text-book in Hindu mythology) "Niriti" is the one, who is related with death, bad luck, decay, unfulfilled needs or desire, anger, cowardice etc. or, in other words, all kinds of negative aspects that make our life unhappy or problematic. According to linga Puran (a mythological text book dedicated to lingam), she was born when gods and demons churned up the ocean in search of the nectar and was given to sage Dussaha as his wife. She could not bear any sound or sight related to holy or pious activities. When Sage Dussaha complained to Lord Vishnu regarding this female, Vishnu advised that since she was his wife he must reside with her and should go to such kind of place which is inauspicious. She provides relief from illness and all types of grief if she is in a happy mood and destructs all happiness and prosperity if she becomes unhappy for some reason. According to Tantric-Text she is another aspect of "Ugra Tara" because she appears as Dhumra (like Smoke), and hence called "Dhumavati". She represents an aggressive, assertive aspect of Sati.

!!... Goddess BagalaMukhi ...!!

Eigth in Dus-Mahavidya. Devi frees devotee's mind from misconceptions and elusions, she protects from Enemies and Evils, "Maa Pitambara" (She who likes Yellow color).
'Mritunjay Shiva' (Who protects us from various causes of death) is the Vairabh of Goddess Bagalamukhi, identified as 'Kurma' of Vishnu's Twenty-four incarnations and belong from Aggressive or 'Ugra' category. Great Wisdom Goddess, provides the solution for Legal Issues, one who can paralyze Enemies

Bagalamukhi is a compound of two words, one is "Bagala" and the other is "Mukhi". The word "Bagala" means the cause of distortion or it also indicates the bird "Vaka" or "Vagula" or "Crane" which has an ability to stand absolutely still while hunting and "Mukhi" means face or head. This manifestation of Goddess is specially associated with the power of Paralyze in three worlds (World, Heaven and Hades) or the giving of Siddhi or accomplishment of Stambhana (transfix, immobilize or paralyzes). By the name of "Pitambara" she is also very well known and famous; it means, one who appears Yellowish and likes things or offerings which are yellow in color; even worship of her is done with yellow colored materials and the worshiper also has to wear yellow clothes. She is worshoped in two forms, Dakshinamnayatmak and Urdhwamnay, In the form 'Dakshinamnayatmak' she have two hands and in the form of Urdhwamna, she have four hands. The five bhutas (elements) of creation or Universe is implemented by different colors and shape, thus the Earth is indicated by the color Yellow. She is very strongly related to supernatural and magical powers. She gives all types of Siddhis (Magical power with accomplishments) and Ridhis (Mystical Powers), specially the ability to attract others or to solidify and she is also able to give Vak-Siddhi (A Supernatural power through which whatever spoken, comes true), Stambhan-Siddhi (A Supernatural power, which has the ability to paralyze everything) and Maran-Siddhi (A Supernatural power, used to kill enemies). Most importantly, it is believed that her worshiper, will be able to control or win over enemies and turn them deaf and dumb, to win court cases, to make planetary positions favorable, to acquire wealth, and so on. She is also compared to the Brahma-Astra (the missile of Brahma, a weapon used by god). She is also associated with sexual desire to attract anybody. To sum it up all, she bestows upon success in attraction related with desire and all sorts of supernatural powers.

!!... Goddess Matangi ...!!

Ninth in Dus-Mahavidya. One of the Ten Tantric Goddesses, A ferocious aspect, Provides control over enemies, attracting people to oneself, acquiring mastery over the Arts and Music gaining Supreme Knowledge.
'Dakshinamurti Shiva' is the Vairabh of Goddess Matangi, identified as 'Buddha' of Vishnu's Twenty-four incarnations and belong from Soft or 'Somya' category.

Maatangi, the exiled or lower-cast goddess, also called "Chandalini", is a Goddess belonging to lowest caste and tirbal traditions in Hinduism. But, she is considered as a Tantric Goddess, chief of speech or power of the spoken words, Arts and Music and all Siddha-Vidyas(accomplished knowledge) or perfect and supreme knowledge. She is also associated with forest, birds and animals, wilderness and hinting. She is consider as a daughter of Matang Muni or Sage Matang and who makes married life happier and wealthfull. She also allies with those who prefer polluted or leftover food, which has already been eaten by someone else. Virtually she arises from the leftover food or "Uchistha" of Shiva and Parvati. Offering of her should be polluted or Uchistha of devotee or worshiper, it should be in the state of being rotten, having eaten or not washed. She is worshiped by Lord Vishnu in ancient era, as a result he is with good-luck, happier, glowing and higher position. No fasting is required, it is a reversed protocol against the usual worship of Gods in Hinduism. She is strongly related to magical powers, specially the supernatural power related to drawing up control over others or enemies by speech or talking. Goddess Matangi is also associated with the tribal society and nature. She is also worshiped in Buddhism, not from the beginning of Buddhism, but later they realized the Goddess Matangi as Matagiri. She came to be known as one who has great magical power, as in a tale of "Prakriti". She is also known as Uchhista, Saam Mohini, Laghu Shyama, Raj Matangi, Vasya Matanig, Chanda Matangi, Karna Matangi, Shadamnayasadhya, Sumukhi Matangi. Rati, Priti, Manobhava, Kriya, Shudha, Anang Kusuma, Anang Madana and Madana lasa is her eight powers.

!!... Goddess Kamla ...!!

Goddess Kamla, Tenth in Dus-Mahavidya. Gives Wealth and Prosperity, she is the Devi who is so full of her graceful aspect, Kamlatmika
'Lord Vishnu' is the Vairabh of Goddess Kamla, it's prime, identified as 'Matasya' of Vishnu's Twenty-four incarnations and belong from Soft or 'Somya' category.

Goddess Kamla or Kamlatmika, tenth and last in Dus Maha-Vidya "Kamla" means "one related to lotus", a beautiful Goddess. She is also well known as Tantric Lakshmi and associated with Wealth, Prosperity, Good Luck and Fertility. Because of these natural properties of her, she is well known among all Hinduism. Lotus is strongly associated with her, she adore with Lotuses, eyes seems like Lotuses, surrounded by Lotuses, seated on lotus. Saubhagya Lakshmi, who surrounded and adored with lotuses and elephant (symbolized as royalty), with her another name, She is also famous as Sri, but the central or main Sri is Goddess Sri-Vidya, Tripur-Sundari. She is closely related with purity and hygiene, complete with her auspicious, benign and desirable qualities. She is entirely opposed to Goddess "Dhumavati" or "Alakshmi" regarding her features. So it is compulsory to be neat and clean, hygienic and to take care of purity, if somebody wishes to gain wealth and prosperity. She resides only in auspicious places. Her role among Mahavidyas (Wisdom Power) forms minor part of her worship. She is an ancient and extremely popular Goddess in Hindu religion and is worshiped by Gods, Human beings and Demons. She is closely related to Lotus, she sits and sleeps on lotus, this is because of the purity and auspiciousness of Lotus. In Hindu and Buddhist iconography, lotus consider as highly auspicious because of Lotus is rooted in the mud, which is dirty and unhinge, but its blossoms are untouched by the mud and remain sanctified. Her association with Lotus symbolizes a certain perfection.