The Das Mahavidya is the group of ten aspects of Devi or Shaktism. Das/ Dus means ten, Maha means great and Vidya means knowledge.  The words come from the root of Sanskrit words, and put together, it means the spread of knowledge, enlightenment and/ or nirvana. The Ten Mahavidyas are known as Wisdom Goddesses.

The rise of Mahavidyas was an important turning point in Shaktism, and marked the rise of Tantras during the post- Puranic era. During innumerous tantric pujas and sadhanas, worshipping and expressing devotion to the ten immensely powerful forms of the tantra goddess is called Das Mahavidya. The ten forms of Shakti are:

1. Kali
   This “Devourer of Time” is worshipped as the very essence of the Brahman or the Supreme Self. Kali is regarded as the Supreme Deity of Kalikula systems.
2. Tara
   The Goddess who Saves, Guides and Protects. She offers the ultimate knowledge necessary for salvation. This Mahavidya is also known as Neel Saraswati.
3. Lalita Tripura-Sundari
   The Goddess, also known as Shodashi, is the One Who is the Most Beautiful in the Three Worlds. She is the Supreme Deity of the Srikula systems. She is also the “Tantric Parvati” or the “Moksh Mukut”.
4. Bhuvaneshwari
   This Goddess is the Mother or Janani of the whole world; Her entire Body is the Cosmos.
5. Bhairavi
   The Fierce Warrior Goddess.
6. Chhinnamasta
   The Self-Decapitated Goddess, who holds her own neck in her hands.
7. Dhumavati
   The Widow Goddess or the Goddess of death.
8. Bagalamukhi
   The Goddess Who Paralyzes Enemies.
9. Matangi
   The “Tantric Saraswati”, also the Prime Minister of Lalita.
10. Kamala
    The “Tantric Lakshmi”, also the Goddess on the Lotus.

Legend Behind the Das Mahavidya Puja

Once during their various love games, things got out of hand between Shiva and Parvati. What started as a jest, turned into a serious matter and Shiva furiously threatened to walk out on Parvati. She tried to coax and cajole Shiva but nothing could calm him. Left with no other choice, she multiplied herself in 10 forms for 10 different directions. Hence, no matter how hard Shiva tried to escape, there would always be a form of Parvati guarding all escape routes.

Finally, Shiva realized the manifested truths of each of the Shakti’s forms, and he understood the eternal nature of their mutual love. This awareness made him spiritually awakened, making it true for not only the Great God but also for us mortals. This is why the forms of Parvati are collectively referred to as The Great Goddesses of Wisdom, known in Sanskrit as Mahavidyas, who is always guiding and inspiring us to unfold our inner truths.

Want to book your own online puja? Contact us @Online temple now. We’re offering online puja booking, online puja services and more. The online pandit would conduct the Das Mahavidya puja either at your home or live on video call so that you can partake in the divine blessings of Das Mahavidya.

Related Puja's