Devi: The Great Goddess | Articles

In the Hindu culture, Devi is the Great Goddess and Divine Mother. She is one and yet she has many names and manifestations, which range from nurturing mother to ruthless destroyer. In Hinduism, the goddess, or the female aspect of divinity, is often considered to have an equal role with the male aspect. She represents the driving force or energy
while the male aspect represents consciousness or discrimination.

Many Hindus make regular pujas to Devi through one of her various manifestations, and some Hindus, such as those who follow the Shakta tradition, consider Devi (known as Shakti) to be their primary deity. An aspect of this feminine divine in the country of India are the Shaki Peethas. These are places of worship throughout India that are consecrated to the goddess Shakti. According to legend, Sati, the consort of Shiva was the daughter of Daksha Prajapaati. Sati had married Shiva against the wishes of her father after the marriage Daksha held a large gathering to which Shiva was not invited. When Sati confronted her father he insulted her so grievously that she took her own life. Enraged and grief stricken, Shiva cut off the head of Daksha and replaced it with the head of a goat as he restored him to life. Daksha then carried the body of his beloved Sita in a dance of destruction throughout the universe. When other gods intervened to stop him Sita’s body was cut through and the various parts of her body that fell throughout India formed the sites that are known as Shaki Peethas today.

Some of the manifestations of Devi include Durga, Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Kali is ruthless and vengeful while Durga is seen as a protector and one who meets out justice. Lakshmi, who is the wife of Vishnu, represents beauty and nobility while Saraswati represents speech and learning. Devi is also seen as a local protector of towns, tribal people and villages where she is seen as only involved with local affairs. She may also be seen as a semi-divine force who manifests herself through supernatural beings and spirits.

Hindus worship Devi throughout the year but some manifestations of the Great Goddess have specific days dedicated to them. During these festival days it is common for images of the goddess to be decorated and taken out of the temple in a public display and procession. Ritualistic worship of Devi is seen as only part of living a pious and spiritual life. Even more important is the daily spiritual life that includes opening one’s heart to the wisdom and love of Devi and living a life that is filled with compassion, generosity and kindness.

References: Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions by David Kinsley

Devi, The Mother Goddess: An Introduction by Devdutt Pattanaik