Mahadevi, often referred to as the “Great Goddess,” holds a central role in Hinduism, particularly in the goddess-centered tradition of Shaktism. She is regarded as the supreme divine force, embodying both the cosmic and earthly realms, as well as the nurturing and destructive powers of creation.

Throughout Hindu texts and practices, Mahadevi is revered as the ultimate, all-encompassing reality, often identified with the concepts of Para Brahman (the supreme, transcendent reality) and Shakti (divine feminine energy). She is known by many names and forms, each reflecting different aspects of her divinity and roles in the universe.

Names and Attributes of Mahadevi

Mahadevi is recognized by several names and epithets, each emphasizing different facets of her nature. Two of the most commonly known titles are Mulaprakrti (‘primordial matter’) and Mahamaya (‘beyond maya or illusion’). These names highlight her role as both the fundamental substance of the universe and the force that governs the illusion of the material world. The multiplicity of her names underscores her multifaceted nature and her ability to manifest in countless forms.

Epithets in the Devi Bhagavata Purana and Lalita Sahasranama

The Devi Bhagavata Purana and Lalita Sahasranama (a thousand names of the goddess) offer comprehensive lists of her titles, each describing her divine qualities. In these texts, Mahadevi is referred to as the “mother of all,” the “life force in all beings,” and “the embodiment of supreme knowledge.” These titles present her as the source of all life and the wisdom that governs the universe.

At the same time, her destructive capabilities are emphasized in names like Raksasaghni (‘slayer of demons’), Bhairavi (‘the terrible one’), and Sarhharini (‘she who destroys’). This dual nature is central to her identity in Hinduism, as she embodies both the creation and dissolution of the cosmos. The Aryastava hymn further calls her Kalaratri (‘night of death’) and Nistha (‘she who is death’), reinforcing her fearsome qualities.

Cosmic Role of Mahadevi

Mahadevi plays a central role in the cosmic order. She is both the source of creation and the force that sustains and governs the universe. In many Hindu texts, Mahadevi is described as the supreme reality, the underlying force behind the existence of all beings. She is identified with both Brahman, the ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy, and Shakti, the dynamic, feminine energy that animates all of creation.

Creation and Dissolution

Mahadevi’s role in creation and dissolution is depicted in various texts. According to the Tripura Rahasya, she existed as Tripura Sundari before the creation of the universe. She is said to have created the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) and initiated the process of cosmic creation. Similarly, the Shiva Purana describes her as Adi Parashakti, who incarnates as Parama Prakriti during the universe’s creation. She brings forth life and governs the cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction in the universe.

How does Shiva destroy and recreate the universe?

Union with Shiva

In Shakta traditions, Mahadevi is often described as the female counterpart to Shiva, the male aspect of the divine. In her form as Bhuvaneshvari, she is worshipped by Shiva himself, who meditates on her using the hrīm mantra. This form of Mahadevi embodies both the formless, transcendent aspect of divinity (nirguna) and the manifested, physical form (saguna). She resides in the celestial abode of Manidvipa, where she is worshipped by all gods and goddesses.

Shiva and Mahadevi’s union symbolizes the interdependence of the male and female principles in Hindu cosmology. Without Mahadevi’s energy, Shiva remains inert, underscoring the importance of the feminine force in sustaining the universe. Together, they represent the dual aspects of existence: Shiva as pure consciousness and Mahadevi as the dynamic force of creation.

Shaktism: The Worship of Mahadevi

Shaktism, one of the major sects within Hinduism, places Mahadevi at the center of its theology and worship. Followers of Shaktism, known as Shaktas, view Mahadevi as the supreme, eternal reality and the source of all power in the universe. According to Shakta philosophy, all other gods and goddesses are manifestations of Mahadevi, who embodies the ultimate divine principle.

The Shakta Upanishads

The Shakta Upanishads, a group of minor texts central to Shaktism, emphasize the worship of the feminine as the supreme reality. These texts declare that Mahadevi is the primal cause of all existence, identified with both Brahman and Atman (the soul). In Shakta cosmology, Mahadevi is the ultimate source of creation, and she governs the cycles of birth, life, death, and rebirth.

Forms of Mahadevi

In Shaktism, Mahadevi is worshipped in many forms, each representing different aspects of her power. Some of her most revered forms include:

• Durga: The warrior goddess who fights and destroys evil forces, protecting the righteous.
• Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth, prosperity, and beauty, worshipped for both material and spiritual abundance.
• Sarasvati: The goddess of knowledge, learning, and the arts, revered by scholars and artists.
• Kali: The fierce, terrifying aspect of Mahadevi, who destroys ignorance and evil.
• Tripura Sundari: The supreme goddess of beauty, wisdom, and consciousness.

In addition to these forms, Mahadevi is often depicted as the mother of all gods and goddesses, emphasizing her role as the source of divine energy.

Mahadevi in Hindu Texts

Mahadevi appears in various Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas, Puranas, and Upanishads. Each of these texts offers unique perspectives on her role in the universe and her relationship with other deities.

Vedic References

The Vedas refer to numerous forms of the goddess, including Prithvi (earth), Aditi (cosmic moral order), and Vāc (speech). The Devīsūkta in the Rigveda is one of the most important hymns devoted to the goddess, proclaiming that the ultimate reality is a feminine force. This hymn declares that Mahadevi is the supreme power behind all creation and the governing force of the cosmos.

Devi Bhagavata Purana

The Devi Bhagavata Purana is one of the primary texts of Shaktism, devoted entirely to the worship of Mahadevi. It describes her in various forms and roles, portraying her as both the creator and the destroyer of the universe. In this text, she is worshipped as Bhuvaneshvari, the mother of all gods, and is praised for her cosmic powers. The Purana also highlights her as the supreme knowledge and the life force in all beings.

The Devi Gita, a part of the Devi Bhagavata Purana, recounts Mahadevi’s revelation of her divine nature to King Himalaya before she incarnates as Parvati. She describes herself as eternal, without beginning or end, and reveals that she is the source of the entire universe.

Mahavidyas

The Mahavidyas are ten forms of Mahadevi that represent her various aspects and powers. These forms include Kali, Tara, Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshvari, Chinnamasta, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi, and Kamala. The Mahavidyas are worshipped in Tantric traditions as embodiments of Mahadevi’s cosmic energy. Each form represents a different facet of the goddess’s power, such as destruction, protection, or wisdom.

Mahadevi and the Trimurti

In Hindu theology, the Trimurti—Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer)—are often regarded as the primary deities responsible for the functioning of the universe. However, in Shaktism, these three gods are seen as subordinate to Mahadevi. Shaktas believe that Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva derive their power from Mahadevi and cannot function without her energy.

This understanding of Mahadevi as the ultimate source of divine power is reflected in the Devi Bhagavata Purana, which states that Mahadevi created the Trimurti to carry out the tasks of creation, preservation, and destruction. The Trimurti, in turn, praise and worship her, acknowledging her supreme authority.

Mahadevi’s Role in Vaishnavism and Shaivism

While Shaktism places Mahadevi at the center of its theology, she also plays a significant role in Vaishnavism and Shaivism, two other major sects of Hinduism.

Vaishnavism

In Vaishnavism, Mahadevi is worshipped as Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu, the preserver god, and together they maintain cosmic order. While Vaishnavism traditionally views Lakshmi as secondary to Vishnu, some texts, such as the Garuda Purana and Bhagavata Purana, describe her as a manifestation of Mahadevi. Lakshmi represents the material and spiritual wealth that sustains the universe, embodying the boundless energy of Mahadevi.

Shaivism

In Shaivism, Mahadevi is worshipped as Parvati, the consort of Shiva. Parvati is seen as the complete incarnation of Mahadevi, embodying both her nurturing and destructive aspects. Together with Shiva, Parvati forms the divine pair that governs the cycles of creation and destruction in the universe. Mahadevi’s power is essential to Shiva’s ability to act, highlighting her role as the dynamic force behind the cosmos.

Mahadevi in Devotional Practices

Mahadevi is worshipped in a variety of forms and rituals throughout Hinduism. Durga Puja, celebrated annually in honor of Mahadevi’s form as Durga, is one of the most important festivals in India. During this festival, devotees honor Durga’s victory over evil forces and seek her blessings for protection and prosperity.

Another important form of worship is Kali Puja, which venerates Mahadevi’s fierce form as Kali. Devotees seek Kali’s blessings to destroy ignorance and overcome obstacles in their spiritual and material lives.

Throughout India, Mahadevi is worshipped in temples, homes, and festivals. She is regarded as both the protector of her devotees and the force that governs the cosmos, making her a central figure in Hindu devotional life.

Conclusion

Mahadevi, the Great Goddess, is one of the most powerful and revered figures in Hinduism. Her dual nature as both nurturing and destructive, as well as her role as the source of all creation and dissolution, makes her a complex and multifaceted deity.

Through her various forms and epithets, Mahadevi embodies the dynamic energy that sustains the universe, transcending all other gods and goddesses in her supreme authority. Whether worshipped as Durga, Lakshmi, Parvati, or Kali, Mahadevi represents the ultimate divine power, revered by millions of Hindus across different tradition.

Questions and Answers about Mahadevi

What are some of Mahadevi’s titles in the Devi Bhagavata Purana and Lalita Sahasranama?

In the Devi Bhagavata Purana, she is described as the “mother of all,” the life force in all beings, and the embodiment of supreme knowledge. The Lalita Sahasranama refers to her as Visvadhika (‘she who transcends the universe’), Sarvaga (‘she who is omnipresent’), and Vishvadharini (‘she who supports the universe’).

What are Mahadevi’s destructive attributes?

Mahadevi is referred to as Raksasaghni (‘slayer of demons’), Bhairavi (‘the terrible one’), and Sarhharini (‘she who destroys’). The Aryastava hymn also calls her Kalaratri (‘night of death’) and Nistha (‘she who is death’), highlighting her fearsome qualities.

How is Mahadevi described in the Devi Mahatmya?

In the Devi Mahatmya, Mahadevi is invoked as Mahamaya, the controller of maya (illusion). She has the power to create and manipulate the material world.

What forms of the goddess are referenced in the Vedas?

The Vedas reference various forms of the goddess, such as Devi (power), Prithvi (earth), Aditi (cosmic order), and Vāc (speech). Hymns like the Devīsūkta in the Rigveda declare her as the ultimate reality.

What do the Shakta Upanishads teach about Mahadevi?

The Shakta Upanishads regard Mahadevi as the supreme, eternal reality, equating her with Brahman (ultimate reality) and Atman (the soul). She is both the source of creation and the energy that governs the universe.

Who worships Mahadevi in her form of Bhuvaneshvari?

In her form as Bhuvaneshvari, Mahadevi is worshipped by Shiva, who meditates on her using the mantra hrīm. She is seen as both formless (nirguna) and manifested (saguna).

How does the Devi Gita describe Mahadevi’s divine knowledge?

In the Devi Gita, Mahadevi reveals her divine knowledge to King Himalaya before incarnating as Parvati. She explains herself as eternal, without beginning or end, and the sole creator of the universe.

What is Mahadevi’s role in cosmic creation according to the Tripura Rahasya and the Shiva Purana?

According to the Tripura Rahasya, Mahadevi existed as Tripura Sundari before the universe’s creation and initiated the cosmic creation process by creating the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). The Shiva Purana describes her as Adi Parashakti, who brings forth life through the union of Shiva and Parvati.

How is Lakshmi related to Mahadevi in Vaishnavism?

In Vaishnavism, the goddess Lakshmi is considered a manifestation of Mahadevi, representing both material and spiritual wealth. She is celebrated in texts like the Garuda Purana and Bhagavata Purana.

What do Shakta traditions say about Mahadevi’s power over other deities?

Shakta traditions hold that Mahadevi is the ultimate power, with Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva depending on her energy to function. Regardless of which deity is worshipped, devotees are ultimately worshipping Mahadevi.

Who are the Panchadevis or Panchaprakritis in the Devi Bhagavata Purana?

The Panchadevis or Panchaprakritis include Durga (Parvati), Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Savitri, and Radha, each representing different aspects of Mahadevi, such as protection, prosperity, knowledge, truth, and love.

What are the Amsharupa manifestations of Mahadevi?

Mahadevi’s Amsharupa manifestations include Ganga, Tulasi, Manasa, Devasena, Mangalachandika, and Bhumi, each serving unique purposes like cleansing, granting offspring, or ensuring well-being.

Who are the Mahavidyas, and what do they represent?

The Mahavidyas are ten Tantric goddesses, each representing a different facet of Mahadevi’s power. These include Kali, Tara, Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshvari, Chinnamasta, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi, and Kamala.

How is Mahadevi depicted in Hindu mythology?

In Hindu mythology, Mahadevi is often described as a radiant being whose beauty and divine powers are beyond comprehension. In the Devi Bhagavata Purana, her overwhelming radiance makes it impossible for the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) to gaze upon her.