The Dus Mahavidya | Shaligram Shala

The ten Wisdom Goddesses are known as the Dus Mahavidyas. The words "Das Mahavidya" literally mean "ten," "great," and "vidya," which refers to wisdom or knowledge. The Adi Parashakti, or 10 transcendental incarnations of Goddess Parvati. The alternative view holds that these are the 10 diverse manifestations of Divine Maa Kali, the first of the Ten Mahavidyas to emerge from Devi Parvati. The various forms of Maa Shakti worship are referred to as Mahavidya, and each has its own mythological origin, characteristic, and mantra. The 10 Devis, who are sometimes referred to as Tantric manifestations of Devi Shakti, are significant in Tantra Sadhana. The Todala Tantra discusses every Dus Mahavidya as well as every other aspect of each Devi form. Tantric worship of these Mahavidyas successfully bestows several boons to the devotees.

The Dus Mahavidyas are (1) Kali, (2) Tara, (3) Shodasi or Maha Tripura Sundari (Sri Vidya), (4) Bhuvaneshvari, (5) Bhairavi, (6) Chinnamasta, (7) Dhumavati, (8) Bagalamukhi, (9) Matangi, (10) Kamala. The paradigm of the entire cosmos can be summed up in these ten manifestations of Shakti. For devotees, they serve as a roadmap to spiritual enlightenment. The Devis each reside in a certain direction, such as Goddess Kali and Tara Maa in the north, Devi Bhuvaneshvari in the west, Shodasi (Tripura Sundari) in the Ishaan corner, and so on.

Story of Appearance of Dus Mahavidya

As per legend, a casual game of love between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati allegedly once turned serious. Lord Shiva had every intention of leaving because of how intense it had become. Devi Parvati emerged as Maa Kali, the angry (Ugra roop) form, when all attempts to appease Her beloved spouse had failed. It is stated that when Lord Shiva saw this awful shape, He fled, but in every direction He turned, the Divine Mother appeared in yet another form. As a result, the Dus Mahavidya emerged in its ten manifestations. Thus, the Lord was unable to flee. Lord Shiva was made aware of the enduring love between Him and Devi Parvati by the Dus Mahavidyas. The Lord is supposed to have experienced a spiritual awakening after viewing the forms of the Dus Mahavidya, which ranged from horrifying and frightful (Ugra roop) to breathtakingly beautiful (Soumya roop). The Dus Mahavidya Devis are hence manifestations of the Divine Mother that help the human race experience spiritual awakening and energy shifts.

The ritualistic Dus Mahavidya Mantras and Yantras can be used to worship the Dus Mahavidyas. The mystical Cosmic geometry of the Dus Mahavidya Yantras symbolises the energies of each of the 10 Devis. According to Vedic Astrology, repeating these Mantras and performing Yantra puja offer astrological cures. The practitioner of this Mantra Sadhana can achieve Siddhis by practising it. These also comprise the Dus Mahavidya Shabar Mantra and the Dus Mahavidya Beej Mantra of each Devi. Each manifestation of the Dus Mahavidya is praised in the Dus Mahavidya Shabar Mantra.

Dus Mahavidya Mantra: Kali Tara Mahavidya Shodashi Bhuwaneshwari, Bhairavi Chinnmasta ch Vidya Dhumawati tatha Bagla Siddhividya ch Matangi Kamlatmika, Ayeta Vidya Maheshani Mahavidya Prakirtitah
दस महाविद्या मंत्र: काली तारा महाविद्या षोडशी भुवनेश्वरी, भैरवी छिन्नमस्ता च विद्या धूमावती तथा बगला सिद्धिविद्या च मातंगी कमलात्मिका, आयता विद्या महेशनी महाविद्या प्रकृतितह

To achieve the best results from worship, it is crucial to know how to pronounce these potent Mantras exactly. The devotee who performs Yantra worship and Dus Mahavidya Mantra chanting with unwavering dedication, a pure aim, and complete surrender may get great blessings from the Devi forms.

According to the Todala Tantra book, the Dus Mahavidya forms also have a connection to the many Lord Vishnu Avatars. The essence of each of the Dus Mahavidya Devis was demanded by Devi Shakti of Lord Shiva, according to the legend. The Lord explained to His Parvati what each Devi and the Vishnu Avatars were like. The several Dus Mahavidyas, the Planets linked with each, and the Vedic Astrology-based Vishnu avartas of each are listed below.

Goddess Kali

The dark-colored goddess Kali is the ideal representation of any goddess who is not included in the goddess cluster. Kali is unquestionably included in the Mahavidyas, despite the fact that the names, order, and a few of the Mahavidyas differ depending on the source. It is common to refer to Kali as the most important or fundamental Mahavidya. The majority of the time, it seems that all the other Mahavidyas are tied to Kali and are just slightly different manifestations of her. Kali is kind of always thought of as having a gloomy presence and an awful aspect.

Her hands are in a benediction position, the Abhaya Mudra (an promise of Her protection), and She is holding a bloody cleaver and a decapitated head in the other two. The ultimate reality's symbol, Kali, actually displays the kind of completely awakened awareness. The great Devi Kali dispels ignorance's darkness and brings consciousness of one's own self-reality. Divine Maa Kali has power over the effects of the planet Saturn.

Mantra:॥ ॐ क्रीं क्रीं क्रीं हूं हूं ह्रीं ह्रीं दक्षिणे कालिके क्रीं क्रीं क्रीं हूं हूं ह्रीं ह्रीं स्वाहा ॥
“Om Kreem Kreem Kreem Hum Hum Hreem Hreem Dakshine Kalike Kreem Kreem Kreem Hum Hum Hreem Hreem Svaha॥”
Significance: The cause which moves the subtle body to the infinite perfection and beyond, cut the ego! cut the ego! Maya! Maya! Oh, Goddess who removes all the darkness. I am ONE with God

Goddess Tara

Tara, also known as Tarini, the deliverer, is the second in the line of Mahavidyas. Among all the Mahavidyas, she most resembles Goddess Kali in terms of appearance. Tara means star in Arabic. It's common to perceive the significance as being comparable to Kali's. Tara is frequently depicted as having three striking red eyes. Tara is commonly seen carrying a severed human head, has a large abdomen, and is covered in tiger skin, just like Maa Kali. Five half Moons are placed on her head as headgear. Devi Tara could have a horrible appearance, but for her followers, She enlightens the mind and purges anything that is not in their best interests. Her strength lies in the force of music and the value of stillness in exploring the mind more deeply. Her blessings can also be attained by worshiping and reciting the Dus Mahavidya Beej Mantra of the Devi. Her has influence over the effects of Planet Jupiter (Guru) on Earth.

Mantra: ॥ ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं फट् ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं हूं फट् ॥
“Om Hreem Shreem Phat Om Aim Hreem Shreem Hoom Phat ||” Significance: I bow to the Goddess who brings an abundance of knowledge and takes away fear and darkness.

Goddess Tripura-Sundari (Shodashi)

Tripura Sundari, also known as Maa Shodashi, is the stunning immortal beauty, and Her name translates to "beauty of the three worlds." She is described as "She shines like the radiant radiance of rising Sun" in Tripura-Dhyana Sundari's Mantra. Shodashi, the Tantric incarnation of Tripura Sundari, signifies the One Who Is Sixteen Years Old. She is holding a sugarcane bow, a noose, a goad, flower arrows, and four hands. The realisation that physical beauty is merely an illusion and an empty yearning is brought about by reciting Her Mantra. The worshipper is endowed with the ability to draw in and enchant the universe while meditating on Her Yantra and reciting the Dus Mahavidya Beej Mantra of the Goddess. Devi Shodashi is connected to the planet Mercury(Budha).

Mantra: ॥ श्रीं क ए ई ल ह्रीं; ह स क ह ल ह्रीं; स क ल ह्रीं ॥
“Shrim Ka Aye Ei La Hrim; Ha Sa Ka Ha La Hrim; Sa Ka La Hrim ||” Significance: This sixteenth syllable that is Kala (Shrim) is ‘ S ' plus ‘ r ' plus ' i ' plus ' m ', from which the Vidya itself derives its name of Sri-vidya.

Goddess Bhuvaneswari

Maa Bhuvaneshvari, or "She Whose Body Is the World," is her full name. Bhuvaneshvari is regarded as the fundamental energy and is linked to the formation of the Earth. Bhu is the Hindi word for Earth. She represents the realm of mind and knowledge, or Space. Devi Bhuvaneswari represents how everyone of us interacts with the environment. The mahabhutas (the fundamental physical components) and Prakriti are used to identify her (nature or the physical world). Similar to Goddess Saraswati, Bhuvaneswari Devi grants knowledge to those who worship Her. She is in charge of the planet Moon in astrology and is focused on the mind. The Dus Mahavidya Mantra sadhana of Maa Bhuvaneshwari bestows various benefits, including a happy marriage, inner tranquility, clarity of thought, peaceful sleep, etc.

Mantra: ॥ ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं क्लीं भुवनेश्वर्यै नम: ॥
“Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Bhuvneshwaryeyha Namah ||” Significance: I invoke the Goddess who presides over the richness of the whole world.

Goddess Bhairavi

The name Maa Bhairavi translates as "the horrible one" or "horror." She is covered in blood vessels, and her body is covered in scarlet apparel that is decked with a garland of severed heads and skulls. The three masculine deities who are generally linked with creation are described as overseeing and carrying out by Bhairavi. It is believed that Bharavi Devi is not only superior to all other gods but also totally different from them. This emphasis appears frequently in many hymns and stotras dedicated to goddesses, particularly those of the Mahavidyas. Her four hands are shown in her image holding a Japa Mala (Rosary) in one hand and a Pustaka (book) in the other. As a result of Her wisdom, Bhairavi also assumes the position of a teacher and creates the Vedas.

Mantra: ॥ ॐ ह्रीं भैरवी कलौं ह्रीं स्वाहा॥
“Om Hreem Bhairavi Kalaum Hreem Svaha॥” Significance: I invoke Goddess Bhairavi who is the consort of Bhairava, seated on a lotus with four hands, one with a book, one with rosary beads, one with abhaya mudra and another with varada mundra.

Goddess Chhinnamasta

The iconography of the self-decapitated Goddess Chinnamasta is another very horrific Ugra roop of the Dus Mahavidya. Chinnamasta, also known as Prachanda Chandika, is Sanskrit for "She whose head is harsh." Chinnamasta is seen drinking her own blood as it bursts from her neck while clutching her own amputated head in one hand and a sword in the other. She stands for both the giving and taking of life through sacrifice. Chinnamasta Maa has authority over the malevolent astrological planet Rahu. A native who has weak Rahu placement in their birth chart may worship Her in order to obtain protection from the various negative impacts of Rahu. Her deep teachings are typically accessed through Tantra Sadhana. Her teachings are deep and mostly invoked in Tantra Sadhana.

Mantra: ॥ श्रीं क्लीं ह्रीं ऐं वज्र वैरोचनीये हूं हूं फट् स्वाहा ॥
“Shreem Kleem Hreem Aim Vajra Vairochneye Hoom Hoom Phat Swaha ||” Significance: I invoke Goddess Chhinnmastika who is the lighting-force power behind the Lord who wields the Vajra, the weapon of the God Indra (King of Heaven). You are the one who fulfils the desires and saves from all sorts of worries.

Goddess Dhumavati

Dhumavati is known as the Goddess of the Widow. She is frequently portrayed as being unattractive with messy hair and worried-looking eyes. She represents the difficult and stressful aspects of life. According to the legend of Dhumavati, she fed her hunger by ingesting her husband, Lord Shiva. Because of the smoke that began to come from Her body as a result, She was given the name Dhumavati where "Dhuma" means smoke. She is occasionally thought of as an older incarnation of Kali, with Maa Dhumavati standing in for eternity and the life-forces that are not yet apparent. She is in charge of the effects of the planet Ketu.

Mantra: ॥ ऊँ धूं धूं धूमावती स्वाहा ॥
“Om Dhoom Dhoom Dhoomavti Phat Swaha ||” Significance: Prayers to the one who creates an illusionary smoke screen (Dhum= smoke, Vati = cover) in the form of old age and death. May we see beyond the fear of illusions and mortality to truth and immortality.

Goddess Bagalamukhi

Maa Bagalamukhi is frequently referred to as "the paralyzer." She exudes a gloomy, heavily drunk mood. Her yellow dress, accessories, and garland are the only things that her flawlessly golden complexion needs to be enhanced. Goddess Bagalamukhi is endowed with magical abilities. Her devotees are fiercely protected by Her, and it is stated that anyone attempting to harm them will get fixated thanks to the power that She bestows upon Her disciple. The Goddess for Planet Mars and all of its effects is Maa Baglamukhi. She is favourite of Tantra Sadhana.

Mantra: ॥ ऊँ हल्रीं बगलामुखी नमः ॥
“Om Hreem Baglamukhi Namah ||” Significance: This mantra creates stillness and silence by destroying the creator and illusion, leaving us to dwell on the innermost self that is beyond ego and illusion.

Goddess Matangi

The outcast is believed to be Maa Matangi. One myth associated with Matangi discusses the idea of becoming defiled just by being around your Candalas, or the untouchables. She is the Ruler, the person in charge. Wishes of the devotee are granted by worshipping and chanting this Yantra of Dus Mahavidya Devi. Her responsibility for the effects of the Sun is determined by astrology.

Mantra: ॥ ऊँ ह्रीं क्लीं हूं मातंग्यै फट् स्वाहा ॥
“Om Hreem Kleem Hoom Matangyey Phat Swaha ||” Significance: I invoke Matangi, the one who destroys the demons by enchanting them first. Illuminate me with true knowledge of inspiration and expression.

Goddess Kamala

The Lotus Goddess is the title given to Devi Kamala, the last of the Mahavidyas. The Tantric Laksmi is Kamala. Kamala is often the most well-known and well-recognized goddess among the other goddesses included in the ten Mahavidyas. She is the Goddess who embodies practically all favourable and appealing traits. Maa Kamala bestows many of the blessings that people typically seek, including fortune, extravagance, prosperity, fame, and safety. The planet Venus is governed by Maa Kamala.

Mantra: ॥ ॐ ह्रीं हूं ग्रें क्षों क्रों नमः ॥
“Om Shreem Hoom Grem Kshom Krom Namah ||” Significance: I invoke Kamala, the one who destroys the demons by enchanting them first. Illuminate me with true knowledge of inspiration and expression.