Ten Mahavidyas Story

The worship of the Ten Mahavidyas is often undertaken by practitioners of tantra, occult sciences, and secret rituals during Sharadiya Navratri. Devotees of these divine forms, including aghori saints and spiritual seekers, believe that their practices lead to extraordinary spiritual achievements. It is said that hidden Navratris, celebrated in secrecy, can fulfill all desires when these goddesses are worshipped. Navratri occurs four times a year: during the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra, Ashadha, Ashwin, and Magha months. In 2024, hidden Navratri during Ashadha starts on Saturday, 6th July. The supreme power, Bhagwati Devi, exists in every particle of the universe. Even Lord Shiva acknowledges his incompleteness without Shakti (Divine Energy). The Ten Mahavidyas originated from Devi Bhagwati, with Lord Shiva playing a significant role. It is believed that Shiva once taught Parvati the secrets of tantra, mantra, and spiritual knowledge, leading her to manifest herself in ten divine forms, known as the Mahavidyas. The Ten Mahavidyas—Kali, Tara, Chhinnamasta, Shodashi, Bhuvaneshwari, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Baglamukhi, Matangi, and Kamala—represent different forms of Adi Shakti. Here’s their fascinating story: The Mythological Story According to the Shiv Purana, there was a demon named Durmasura, son of Ruru. He was extremely powerful and cruel. Durmasura obtained a boon from Lord Brahma to possess all four Vedas. Once he gained control of the Vedas, he attacked the heavenly realms and Earth. With the Vedas lost, all sacred rituals—like havan, worship, and chanting—ceased. This led to chaos among sages, ascetics, and gods. Famine spread across Earth, and many people perished. Durmasura even conquered heaven, causing immense fear among the gods. Desperate for help, they approached the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), but even they could not resolve the crisis. The only hope was Adi Shakti herself. Along with the Trimurti, all gods prayed to her, asking for protection and the destruction of Durmasura. In response, Goddess Bhagwati manifested herself in ten forms—these became the Ten Mahavidyas. A fierce battle ensued between the Mahavidyas and Durmasura’s massive army. This war lasted for nine days, during which heavy rainfall restored Earth’s fertility and ended the famine. The Mahavidyas destroyed Durmasura’s entire army and finally merged into one form. A divine goddess emerged, riding a lion and wielding a trident in her hand. In this form, she killed Durmasura and saved the universe. As she ended the suffering and defeated Durmasura, this form of the goddess became known as Durga.

The Names and Forms of the Ten Mahavidyas

Kali Kali is the first Mahavidya. She has a dark complexion and a fierce form, holding a skull cup in her hand. Her tongue protrudes from her mouth, symbolizing her powerful and intense nature.

Tara Tara means "the one who saves." When Kali transformed from her dark form to a blue hue, she was called Tara. Tara represents a combination of fierce and serene energies.

Chhinnamasta Chhinnamasta is a fierce form of the goddess. She holds a sword in one hand and her severed head in the other. Blood streams from her neck, feeding her severed head and her two companions, Jaya and Vijaya.

Shodashi Shodashi is a very serene and beautiful form of the goddess. She appears with a combination of dark, red, and golden hues. Known as Tripura Sundari, she is considered the most beautiful across the three worlds.

Bhuvaneshwari Bhuvaneshwari is a gentle form of the goddess. She is believed to be the ruler of all wealth and prosperity. She has four hands: one grants blessings, another provides protection, and the remaining two hold a hook and a rope.

Bhairavi Bhairavi combines both fierce and serene qualities. One form resembles Mahakali’s intensity, while another resembles Parvati’s calmness. She is considered the consort of Lord Bhairav, an avatar of Shiva.

Dhumavati Dhumavati has a smoky hue and takes the form of an aged widow. Her vehicle is a crow. This form of the goddess is associated with fierceness and dissolution.

Baglamukhi Baglamukhi, also known as Pitambara, governs all vibrational waves in the universe. This is a fierce form of the goddess.

Matangi Matangi is the consort of Shiva, whose name Matang inspires hers. She has a green complexion, four arms, and wears red attire. This is one of the goddess’s gentle forms.

Kamala Kamala is a tranquil form of the goddess and is also known as Tantric Lakshmi. She is associated with success, prosperity, and fortune. Kamala sits on a lotus and is adorned with golden ornaments.