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10 Tantric Goddesses: The Mahavidya goddesses are a collection of ten Hindu Tantric deities, each embodying unique aspects of the divine feminine. While they are often regarded as a cohesive group, their formation is rooted in diverse and varied religious traditions. This eclectic mix of goddesses reflects the rich and complex nature of Hindu Tantric practices.

Each Mahavidya goddess possesses distinct characteristics, symbolism, and roles, reflecting the broad spectrum of Hindu Tantric beliefs and practices. This diversity underscores the dynamic and adaptive nature of Hinduism, allowing for the integration of multiple traditions and interpretations. The Mahavidya goddesses continue to be revered and worshipped during Gupt Navratri and Tantra Sadhakas.

Let us check out the names and powers possessed by each of these divine goddesses as per Hindu beliefs.

Mahavidyas embody feminine power, symbolising transformation, spiritual growth, and liberation, influencing Hinduism's tantric practices and philosophical thought profoundly. (Image Source: Canva)

10 Mahavidya Names With Their Unique Identity

S.No MAHAVIDYA NAME MAHAVIDYA UNIQUE IDENTITY
1.  Goddess Kali  Mahakali, the supreme goddess, has a dark complexion, three eyes representing time, and a fierce appearance with fangs and a bloody tongue. She wears tiger skins, skull garlands, and skeletal ornaments, and holds a trident, sword, demon head, and blood-filled bowl in her four hands.
2.  Goddess Tara Goddess Tara, a guiding protector, offers liberating knowledge and embodies all energy sources, including the sun's power. She's depicted as a light blue, three-eyed deity with dishevelled hair, wearing a half-moon crown, tiger skins, and a skull garland, holding a lotus, scimitar, demon head, and scissors.
3.  Goddess Tripura Sundari Goddess Tripura Sundari, the "beauty of the three worlds", rules Manidvipa, the eternal supreme abode. She's depicted with a golden complexion, three serene eyes, and a calm expression, wearing red and pink attire, adorned with ornaments, and holding a goad, lotus, bow, and arrow in her four hands. She is also known as Shodashi and Lalita, 
4.  Goddess Bhuvaneshvari Goddess Bhuvaneshvari, the world mother, embodies the 14 cosmic realms. She's depicted with a golden complexion, three serene eyes, and a calm expression, wearing red and yellow attire, adorned with ornaments, and holding a goad and noose in two hands, with the other two hands open in a benevolent gesture.
5.  Goddess Bhairavi Goddess Bhairavi, the fierce female counterpart of Bhairava, has a volcanic red complexion, three intense eyes, and dishevelled hair adorned with a crescent moon and horns. She wears red and blue garments, a skull garland, and a belt with severed hands and bones, holding a rosary and book in two of her four hands.
6.  Goddess Chhinamasta  Goddess Chhinnamasta, the self-decapitated deity, has a red complexion and a fearsome appearance. She has dishevelled hair, four hands holding a sword, her own severed head, a lasso, and a drinking bowl, and is adorned with ornaments and a skull garland, seated on a copulating couple.
7.  Goddess Dhumavati Goddess Dhumavati, the widow deity, has a dark brown complexion, wrinkled skin, and a frightening appearance, conveying emotions like anger, misery, and fear. She wears white widow's attire, sits in a horseless chariot with a crow emblem, and has two trembling hands, one granting boons and the other holding a winnowing basket.
8.  Goddess Bagalamukhi  Goddess Bagalamukhi, the paralyzer of enemies, has a golden complexion, three bright eyes, and a serene expression. She wears yellow attire and ornaments, holds a mace and restrains demon Madanasura by the tongue, and is seated on a throne or a crane's back, exuding benevolent power.
9.  Goddess Matangi  Goddess Matangi, also known as Shyamala is depicted as emerald green, with dishevelled black hair, three serene eyes, and a calm expression. She wears red garments, adorned with ornaments, and sits on a royal throne, holding a sword, skull, veena, and granting boons with her fourth hand.
10.  Goddess Kamala Goddess Kamala, the Tantric Lakshmi, has a golden complexion, black hair, and three bright, serene eyes. She wears red and pink attire, adorned with ornaments and lotuses, and sits on a bloomed lotus, holding lotuses and granting wishes and protection with her four hands.

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