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THE
DASA-MAHAVIDYAS (ASPECTS OF THE DIVINE MOTHER)
The DASA-MAHAVIDYAS
are ten goddess aspects of the great goddess, Kali, which together encompass
the whole knowledge of the universe and are the expressions of the cycles
of life and all planes of existence. Each yantra represents a specific
goddess with her own cosmic function.
Clockwise
from the very top:
First is
KALI
- the transcendent power of time, the primordial evolutionary principle.
Second is
TARA
- symbolizing the power of aspiration, spiritual ascent, the potential
that is actualized through the process of transformation. Her energy
is the pure desire to create.
Third is
SODASI
- represents the power of perfection and sustenance. Sodasi is the full
cycle of creation, when the entire universe, like a flower, is in full
bloom, represented in her yantra with its nine 'cosmic wombs'.
Fourth is
BHUVANESVARI
(the Lady of the Spheres) - illumines the iniverse with her radiance
and beauty. She is the main projecrion of space-consciousness. She is
therefore, extension, expansion and infinite space in which everything
is contained, and is also the ruler of the three spheres: earth, atmosphere
and the heavens.
Fifth is
CHINNAMASTA
- symbolizes the end of existence, the consummation of the life-cycle
that precedes resurrection.
Sixth is
TRIPURA
BHAIRAVI
- the power of destruction, the annihilating power of time constantly
dissolving thhe world by her incessant activity disentegrating the planes
of existence.
Seventh is
DHUMAVATI
- the embodiment of ultimate destruction, reducing the world to
ashes. She is the night of cosmic slumber, a state of existence when
everything in the universe lies inert, unused and "dead".
Eighth is
BAGALA-MUKHI
- the unconscious human tendencies that lead towards illusion. Her power
immobilizes and stifles all movements and actions.
Ninth is
MATANGI
- the power of domination, dispels evil and dispenses justice.
Tenth is
KAMALA
- reconstituted unity. She is the embodiment of joyfulness, of all that
is desirable and reveals herself in good fortune.
(from
Yantra: the Tantric Symbol of Cosmic Unity by Madha Khanna (pp.
58-60)
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