Granter of Moksha or Salvation & extreme knowledge, Tara

Goddess of Source of the entire extreme knowledge of Universe, bestow Moksha.
(Salvation or Liberation from the cycle of death and birth)

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Maa Tara or Goddess Tara, feeding her Brest milk to Shiva, standing on corpse of Shiva of pyre

Goddess Tara, Second in Dus Mahavidya

'Akshovya-Shiva' (Who gulped the dangerios poision name Kalakuta, which come out from churning of Ocean or Samudra Manthan) is the Vairabh of Goddess Tara, identified as 'Rama' of Vishnu's Twentyfour incarnations and belong from Soft Aggressive or 'Somya Ugra' category.

Blue Appearance of Maha Kali is known as 'Tara'

When Maha Kali adopted her blue appearance, she did so in order to kill the demon Hayagreeva (name of a giant in Hindu Mythology), accoding to Narad-Pancharatra (Mythological or Tantric text book of Vaishnava's, dedicated to Sage of Gods, 'Narad'), While, in Tara Rahasya (Tantric text book, describe about the mystry of Goddess Tara), during the war of Rama and Ravana, she incarnate as the form of the power of Rama. From then she was well known as 'TARA' (a sparkle of light or Star). She bestows upon Moksha (Salvation or Libration from the cycle of death and birth) and rescues from every tough and hard situation of life. According to Swatantra Tantra (name of a Tantrik text book), Maha Kali got her blue appearance on the birth of Maha Shakti (supreme power) Tara, which was in the bank of Cholna river near Meru (name of the mountain) Mountain. As per Mahakal Samhita (Hindu Mythological text book, dedicated to the lord of death), she was born on the 9th day of the Hindu month of Chaitra Shukla Paksha (in Hindu calendar a month consists of two lunar phases: Shukla Paksh is the waxing phase of moon). We celebrate this day as Ram Navami (birth date of lord Rama) also. Goddess Tara is associated with Akshovya Shiv (A name of Lord Shiva, who stays on her head, and got name due to he gulped the Kalakut Vish (Poisson and Kalakut), with got as gem in churning of ocean). She occupies the central position in Buddhism. In Hinduism her way of worship is adopted from Buddhism. She is almost fierce, horrible and potentially dangerous in Hinduism, but in Buddhism, along with these features, she is also playful and charming.

There are three different incarnations of Goddess Tara.

1.Ugra Tara or Tarini, she is with her furious and horrible appearance. This incarnation of her is enriched with Tamo Guna or the natural property of Destruction, the existing of other two natural property i.e. Satwa, Rajo Guna is too less. He helps devotee in tough circumstances and help get rid of great fatality or fear.

2. Neel Saraswati, She is the know-er of extreme knowledge, she is supreme in knowledge based deities, all the knowledge which spread over in the Universe, is form of her. She is with Rajo Guna or the natural property of creation. In her incarnation of Neel Saraswati, Tamo Guna & Satwa Guna is too less.

3. Ekjata, she got this name because of her retaining Lord Shiva upon to her head as the the of Akshovya and she who bestow libation from birth and death), enriched with Satwa Guna or the natural property of sustain er and truth way. In her incarnation of Ekjata , other tow natural property i.e. Tamo Rajo Guna is too less.

Devi is also known as her, other eight forms which is well known as Asta Tara (अष्ट तारा) as same as Asta Lakshmi. She is very significant to provide wealth and money.

1. Tara, तारा.
2. Ugra Tara, उग्र तारा.
3. Mahogra Tara, महोग्र तारा.
4. Vajra Tara, वज्र तारा.
5. Neel Tara, नील तारा .
6. Saraswati, सरस्वती .
7. Kameswari, कामेश्वरी.
8. Bhadra Kali, भद्र काली.

Visual appearance of Goddess Tara

Physical appearance of Goddess Tara

In the incarnation of Ugra Tara , she protects her devotees from every tough challenges of life. She can be pleased very easily, even she gives darshan (sight of her physical appearance) at night to her devotees. She is very scary and horrible in her physical appearance. She stands on a burning pyre, on which there is a body (symbolized by Lord Shiva) lying like a corpse. She stands in Pratyalida Mudra (like a warrior taking the steps before war that he makes with his right foot), her right foot is on the chest and left foot is on the sex organ of Lord Shiva, which indicates the control or getting rid of lust or sexual desire. She is of blue complexion, wears a garland of Maha Shankha (Human skull), She is of short stature and she appears in a tiger skin, her ornaments and sacred thread are nothing but snakes. She poses with her tongue lashed out of the mouth, she has four handsshe is endowed with three eyes on her nob. She wears a single braid of matted hair on her head, around which a snake is wrapped, She carries a Lotus and Khappar (Bowl made of human skull) in her upper and lower left hands, a scissor and sword in her both right hands. She resides in Shamshan (cremation ground), foxes (who are the carriers of Devi) and dogs surround the pyre and eat flesh, bones, etc.

In her incarnation of Neel Saraswati, she reflects great and extreme knowledge, nothing is beyond her realization. She possesses all the knowledge which is there in the Universe, so she is able to give Vakya Siddhi (whatever spoken, will come true). Most importantly, she is able to give life to that dead body on which she stands on the pyre. She has the power of turning the dead alive, thus, she has a supreme image. She has the absolute knowledge about how to get Moksha or Salvation; she is in the center of the water bodies enveloping the entire Universe.

In her incarnation of Ekjata, she is the only one who is able to attain the highest position, as she has placed or retained Lord Shiva ( after his rebirth) upon her head and gives him the name Akshovya (Name of a sage or Lord Shiva). It is symbolized as accomplishment of Moksha or Salvation.

First Maharshi Vasistha, Worshiped Goddess Tara

Maharishi Vashistha initiated the worship of Maa Tara; so, she is also known as the Vashistharadhita (first worshiped by Vashistha). As we get reference from different tantric text books in Hindu mythology, the worship method of the goddess originates in Tibet (China). In Brihadnil Tantra, Tara Tantra, Mahakal Samhita, Swatantra Tantra, Neel Tantra, Rudra yamla, Brahma yamla, Mundamalini Tantra, Shakti Sangam Tantra, Tara Rahashya, Tara Kularnava, Tararini Tantra etc. we find the reference of Goddess Tara.

Origin of Ugra Tara

(According to 12th chapter of Brihad Neel Tantra, a Tantric text book dedicated to Goddess Tara or Neel Saraswati) : Gods have a marvelous heaven 'Goloka', which is decorated with precious gems, rubies, pearls etc. to live. A group of Demons, seized their idyll place and beat back. All Gods approach, great Lord Brahma (the Creator) to help to draw back their position in heaven, but Lord Brahma said, they were unable to help. Lord Brahma advised to approach to Maha kali for help. With Gods, Lord Brahma also praised to Maha Kali to helping of gods and pray to rescue in this great crises. So, Maha Kali manifest Tarani or Ugra Tara, for destroying of Demons and bring the Gods to their former position.

Another Origin reference is from Tara Rahasya; (a Tantric text book, Dedicated to mystery of Goddess Tara) : Second, she again manifest herself, in the form of Rama, when Lord Ram kills Demon ten headed terrifying Ravana King of Sri Lanka. Lord Shiva said, Oh Devi! In ancient era! When you killed, that ten headed terrifying Ravana, the marvelous appearance of your's, become famous as Tara. At that time you are naked and adorned with boon, secure gesture, Human skull and bilbo or sward in your's four hands, you are seeing very terrifying, dangerous and horrible with your's red fickle tongue, out of mouth and gods shudder to see yours that appearance . Then all worried gods, went to Lord Brahma and prayed to happy Rudra, who is in the Goddess for destroying. (Rudra symbolized the god of extremity anger in all elements and the destroyer of everything) All Gods with Lord Brahma praise Rudra in Maha Shakti to cool down. After seeing all gods with Lord Brahma, that incarnation of Shakti , who bestow Salvation takes a sward in her right hand to prevention of shame. And for shame, he down her head and become famous as Lambodari, she become naked in extreme anger, when she fight as rama with ravana. To prevent of shame Lord Brahma gave membrane to wear.

Sacred place of her, Tarapith

In Tarapur or Tarapith of Birbhum District, in West Bengal, India. There is a marvelous temple Goddess Tara, where worship daily according to tantric rites. Huge numbers of devotees comes from different part of the world mostly from India and visit temple daily. This place is described in some tantric text book, as the place where to get the boon or blessing is essay either then different places. If we analysis the significance of this place among different tantric text book, we find this place is most significant for tantric Scholar.

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Appreance Goddess Tara in Tarapith Temple

Goddess Tara in Buddhism

Goddess Tara seems very significant in Buddhism or in Buddhist tradition, even worship of Tara, is came from Buddhism to Hinduisms. In earlier Buddhist context name Vasavadattd, there is a reference of Goddess Tara, different forms and functions of Tara, shows extraordinary power in Tibeten context. According to the Tantric Buddhist iconography and mythology, Goddess Tara is related with the family of the Dhyani Buddha Amoghasiddhi Dhyani Buddha Amitabha. In Tibetan Buddhism, Goddess Tara is a prime in nature and primary shown as Savior. In dire circumstances like lost in an unhurt forest, trapped in a storm at sea, being trapped in false criminal cases, threaten by anyone, to subjugate and destroy evil spirits or one's personal enemies etc. when her devotees call, she rescue her devotees . In many tales of Buddhism, Goddess Tara appears at the request of her devotees and escape, even to snatch them from the jaws of death. She mostly give a blessing of long life and She is approached primarily as the one who protects, preserves and saves life. Although GoddessTara primary shown in Buddhism as the cheater of death, the pro longer of life, She is beautiful, charming, playful and young girl, she does have different forms of appearance, some of which are fierce and even terrifying.

Green Tara in Buddhism, Charming and Beautiful

The terrifying and fierce aspect of Tara is known as "Tara Kurukulla" in Buddhism. She who bear the tiger Skin, she adorned with five Skulls and wear a neck-less of hundreds of human heads, stands as a dancing pose, with furious rage, seeing with the five signs of atrocity. She is with a special power to win or subdue and destroy evil spirits and personal enemies.
Another terrifying and fierce form of Goddess in Buddhism is known as Mahamaya Vijayavahini Tara, another names of her is The Blue She Wolf and Mahacina Tara (also known as Ugra Tara), reference of this aspect of Goddess is found in both Hinduism and Buddhism. She is also stands on Pratyalida Gesure or Mudra, wear a garland of heads hanging in her neck, with three eyes, celestial and laughs horrible, as she looks terrible. She is with a complexion of blue lotus, stands on the corpse, wear snake as ornaments, red, big and round eyes, wear membrane of tiger, endowed with the five auspicious symbols and with protruding tongue out from her mouth.

Similarities of Tara and Kali :

If we analyze the features of "Maha Kali" and "Ugra Tara", we can find there is not much difference between the two. Both the Goddesses stand upon a male figure, which clearly represents the Lord Shiva, both are associated with cremation grounds with foxes and dogs surrounding them, both are almost naked or wear minimum clothing consisting of membrane or chopped human body parts like hands, bones, heads, skull etc., both wear garlands of isolated heads or skulls, both have their tongues lashing out of their mouth and blood oozing out; most importantly, both have close nexus with blood.

As written in Mundamala Tantra (tantra related to worship in consequence with garland of human skull or Maha Shankha), she is one who likes and enjoys blood and sacrifice. According to Tara Tantra (Tantra related to goddess Tara), she derives pleasure from human and animal sacrifice. She enjoys blood, especially when it is sourced from specific human body parts like forehead, hands, breast, head and area between the eyebrows. These all body parts are related to different Chakras (major energy points of the body).

Significance of certain terms associated with Goddess Maha Kali and Tarra:

Resident of the burial ground : A god who is vindictive as well as destroyer in nature, and who resides primarily in a burial ground. In actuality, shamsan or burial ground is one such place where cremation of dead bodies take place. But from a philosophical point of view, the cremation ground is the place where the Pancha Mahabhuta gets merged with the Chid-Brahma. These five Mahabhutas or elements, namely, the sky, earth, water, wind and fire are the reason behind the creation of any and every living thing of this universe, our physical existence is composed entirely of these elements, and hence, at the end, these elements find their own place in their respective philosophies. The gods and Goddesses, who are associated with the Tamasi guna (of passionate attitude) always prefer to reside in the cremation grounds. There is one more significant reason for which the Goddesses like Maha Kali, Tara, Bhairavi and others make cremation grounds their place of residence. This is because philosophically, cremation ground symbolises the soul or spirit, which is free from any kind of deformation. Human beings are often under the influence of several kinds of deformities, such as, lust, anger, temptation, phantasm, jealousy, selfishness, etc. Hence, the Goddess resides in such places where all such negative aspects of human beings are completely burnt and brought down to ashes. According to popular belief, our soul or heart is that place where such negativity are diminished to fruitless attributes. In this way, Goddess Maha Kali settles down in the purified heart of her devotees.

Pyre : A raised platform made up of wooden sticks, arranged in order to burn a dead body, is known as a pyre. A true devotee should always keep the flame of knowledge burning in his heart, so that he can keep the darkness of ignorance at bay.

The pew of the Goddess : The Goddess makes the body of Lord Shiva as her seating position. Upon her taking position only, consciousness can be induced in a dead soul. Without power, Lord Shiva is nothing more than an unconscious dead body. It is only by the grace of the Goddess that a dead body is enlivened.

Karalvadana or Ghor-rupa : Goddess Maha Kali appears to be of very dark complexion. Her image creates a feeling of terror among the common people. But the true devotee, in whose heart the Goddess resides, has no reason to be terrified by the devastating appearance of the Goddess, as even the Yama, the king of death, is also afraid of nearing the Goddess, and hence, no harm could ever be caused to the devotee.

Pinpayodhara : The Goddess possesses full, firm and round bosoms, which symbolises the fact that she nourishes the living beings of the all the three parts of the universe, namely, heaven, earth and Hades. She feeds her devotees with her breast milk and showers her blessings upon them.

Lovely & most beautiful girl in three worlds, Maha Tripursundari

Goddess, represented as a timeless sixteen year old girl, with charming presence & is believed to embody sixteen or all types of desire.

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Goddess Tripur-Sundari, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, Yam worshiped her

Maa Tripur-Sundari,Third in Dus Maha-Vidya

Goddess Shri Vidya, Maha Tripur Sundari

The incarnation of this form of Adya-Shakti is well known as by her many names, Tripur-Sundari (Most beautiful and charming Goddess of three worlds Heaven, World and Hades), Lalita (the one who plays) and Sodashi (a girl of timeless sixteen year old and who is completed with all sixteen types of desire, represents a delectable stage of a Woman's life), Kameswari (Site of Lord Shiva's lap or goddess of sexual lust desire in females), Shri-Vidya (Knowledge of wealth, richness), Rajrajeswari (Queen of the queens in three worlds), Bala (female child). Adhya Shakti or Primal Female Power,manifest herself in two main aspect related with colors, first is Kali's with black form and second is Shri's with red form and the goddess comes under is known as their family. Kali-Kula or Kali's family and Shri-Kula or Shri's family is known as two different categories of in Hinduism. She is the prime in Shri-Kula or Shri's family, this category of Shakti is starts with her. Shakti or female power sect of Hinduism is divided in two families, according to this two families. As they differ with colors followers of Kali Kula used black color elements, wear black clothes and Shri Kula used red color elements, wear red clothes. She is a great Tantric scholar and play a significant role in Tantrism. She is also known as the goddess of black magic, nothing is impossible with her. As in Hinduism, she is only goddess who is with all filled or completed desire, as their worshipers or devotee is able to do any thing, whats they want. As she is a sixteen years old, its believed that, devotees and worshipers of her always being young even in old ages, they looks charming and great power to attract people. She also consider as, with the combination of power of Goddess Kali and Knowledge of Goddess Tara.

Signigicant sacred places of her

A temple is dedicated to her, which is also a famous tantra-peeth (a place which is of significant importance for Tantric rituals). This temple, where she also resides and is worshiped is famous as the Kamakhya Temple, in Nilanchal hills, in Guwahati in the state of Assam in India. From ancient days, this place is known as, very powerful and significant to perform the Tantric rituals, black magic and for accomplishment. It is also among one of the 51 Shakti-peethas of Sati (first wife of Lord Shiva) where the sex organ of the goddess had fallen. In this place, first the demon named Narakasura, worship goddess named Kamakhya,and firstly this temple is made by Vishwakarma (craftsmen and architects of the gods). This temple is void of any specific idol, there is a place which recognized as the place where the genetic organ of Sati (first wife of Lord Shiva) had fallen. In Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India, there is a temple of Rajrajeswari. Some other places to worship her are Kamakshi temple in Kanchipuram and Minakshi temple in Madurai of Tamilnadu State in India, and Hanseswari temple in Bansberia, near Bandel in Hooghly district of West Bengal State in India. She drives the all three principles of cosmic functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction. Either, she performs these functions by herself or inspires Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva to do so. Ultimately she is the one who drives the world.

Supernatural powers with Goddess Sree Vidya Tripur Sundari

She is the third in Ten Maha-Vidya's. All the Tantra and Mantra (praise related to god, used for meditation and worship) are dedicated towards her, she grants all the prayers of her devotees. She is worshiped as the female sex organ; she is only sixteen years old, with extreme beauty contained within her. Most appropriately, she is called the goddess of sex and also well known by the name of Kameswari. She is a very powerful among Tantric Goddess, all the powers good and bad both, black magic, Sad-Karma (Mohan or power of attraction, Vasikaran or power to got anyone, Sthambhan power to paralize, Ucchatan power of harm, Maran power to kill anyone), lies with her. She has all the power to attract people. In Tantra Vidya it is called that Vasikaran, Mohan (bewitchment to attract and capture any person). She, the one with Red physical appearance remains ever young. Her devotees remain in awe seeing her beautiful glow. She is the one, who fulfills and with all kinds of desire. In Hindu Mythology, sixteen consider as full or 100%, like 16 Ana's makes one rupees, it is considered that entirety is attained upon fulfilling sixteen or every types of desire. So, as she has completed all sixteen, she can fulfill every desire.

Goddess Kamakhya or Tripur-Sundari, Sodashi, Lalita

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Physical appearance of Goddess Sree Vidhya Tripur Sundari

Her appearance is equally bright as the morning sun. She is seated on a lotus, which grows out of Shiva's navel, rests on the supine body of unconsciousness body of Lord Shiva. In other form she is sitting on the lap of Lord Shiva. She holds a noose, an elephant hook, an arrow and a bow in her four hands respectively. She bears three eyes. Her four heads are directed towards the four main directions and one is turned upwards. Because of this, she is also known as Panchavakatra (with five heads), wife of Panchavaktra Lord Shiva (with five heads). Her five heads are symbolic to Tatpurush, Sadhojat, Vamdev, Aghor and Ishan (other names of Lord Shiva) respectively. Green, Red, Smoky Grey, Blue and Yellow are the colors of her head. She is richly adorned with beautiful ornaments with gems. Lord Brahma (the Creator), Lord Vishnu (the Sustain-er), Lord Rudra (the Destroyer) and Yama (god of Justice and death) all come under her and worship her, all fours take goddess seat in their head, in which seated on a dead body as Lord Shiva. She seated on the corpses of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Rudra and attended by Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati.

About her origin

In Hindu mythology a tale is centralized around goddess Tripur-Sundari. When Lord Shiva was deeply in meditation, after the death of Sati, Kamdev ( the god of love or lust)went to distract him from his deep mediation following the requests of all the Devtas (Gods). Lord Shiva glared at Kam-Deva with his power of anger,due to the disturbance caused during his meditation. He opened his third eye and a power came out to burn Kam-Deva down to ashes. Then, one of the Shiv-Gana's (a follower of Lord Shiva, staying with him) made an idol with Kamdev's ash. A man came out of the idol made by Kam-Deva's ash and appealed to Lord Shiva to teach him a powerful mantra (a verse composed to worship the gods),which Lord Shiva obligingly did. Lord Shiva praised him as Bhand! Bhand! (Good! Good!).It was because of Shiva's praising his name became Bhand (name of the Demon). Lord Shiva also made him the ruler of the world for sixty thousand years.As he was born from the anger of Lord Shiva, he turned into a dangerous, wrathful demon. He built a city similar to the Gods' city Swarga (heaven, where King of all God's Indra ruled) and also attacked Swarga. Devarshi Narad (Narad is the sage of gods) advised Indra to summon Adya-Shakti for help and to offer his prayer along with his flesh and blood observing all the vedic rites to satisfy her. at the end of this verdict she appeared for the rescue of the Gods. In the meantime,the blessing that the demon had earned from Lord Lord Shiva to be the ruler of the world for sixty thousand years in world had also lost its essence.

More about Sree Vidhya Tripur Sundari

According to Kalika-Puran (mythological book dedicated to Goddess Kali), 'Bala-Tripura-Sundari' (young girl who is lovely and beautiful in three world i.e. Heaven, World and Hades) is said to be the symbol of beauty and sexuality, she is worshiped in the form of a Girl or 'Kumari'. 'Kumari Puja or Kanya Pujan' or worship of a girl, is very significant in Hindu iconography. Followers of 'Shakta, Lord Shiva and Vaishnava' sects, 'Sanyasis' (those who left home and family) and 'Grihasti' (persons lived in family), all worship a girl or girls in odd numbers during 'Nav-Durga' festival (nine days, when female power or 'Shakti' is worshiped).

In Vamakesvara ­Tantra (A text-book of a way or path of Tantra named Vama, dedicated to one aspect of lord Lord Shiva named Vama), she is called the mistress of all living things, every element of Universe and the mother of the World and the Vedas (a set of books containing description of Hindu religion, it is four in number). She is naked or makes appearance with animal hide and being an ascetic she carries a human skull, apply ashes all over her body, her necklace and ornaments are all made of snakes, she has a large and long tongue, fearful fangs, disheveled long hair and a fearful appearance similar as Goddess Kali.

The Yogini-Tantra (A book in Tantra dedicated to Yogini's or female scholars of Yoga and Tantra) dictates a devotee to ruminate the view of a naked sixteen-year-old girl and to think each part of her body being assimilated to his own. In the Tripur-Rahasya (a book name, where the mystery of her narrated), she creates various of whom have erotic consistency, Kamesvari (sex), Bhagamalim (having a garland of yoni's or female sexual organ), Nityalinna (always moist), and Bherunda (pregnant), all are associated with fertility and growth and give birth to new life.

Maha-Tripur Sundari

Maha Tripur Sundari is none else but the jovial identity of goddess Kameshwari, who has been conferred upon the Para-tatwa (the philosophical idea that is unworldly in nature, and that which cannot be visualized ). She is goddess Lalitambika, who ensures happiness in all worldly matters and exists everywhere. She contains within herself significance of all the Vedas and Upanishadas, All the activities performed within the universe is solely controlled by the goddess herself. She is biased neither towards the Lord Shiva nor towards the Shakti, instead, both the powers are equally contained within her. What is more significant is, even though she comprises of all the elements, the goddess is beyond the materialistic world, and subsequently, she is also commonly known as Tattwatit ( one who is very primal, whose existence can be evidenced from a very ancient period or since eternity). She is pervaded in every element of this universe, and at the same time, also detaches herself from this material world, consequently, she is also known as Vishwotirna (the root cause for the origin of the universe).

She is also called Para-Vidya ( the knowledge which cannot be visualized but in exsistance). This visible delusion, that we experience all around us, is merely a partial exposure of the goddess, she is capable of the formation of both constant and variable elements existing in this world, and she is present in the form of both attributes and the ultimate God. It is in this manner that the Para-Shakti (the power which is invisible), in spite of being a nameless entity, bestows its blessings on her devotees and takes herself the form of the divine god. The goddess makes appearance in a widely varied forms and devotes herself for the well being of living and non-living beings of the world. Her another name is Shri Vidya. She is the key character of the universe and is worshiped and served by the numerous gods, Gandharvas, Demons etc. Goddess Tripura is the symbolic power of soul, that is spread in every corner of the universe. She is the ultimate, and if we can merge ourselves with this consciousness, the joy we would be able to find, is greater than anything that can be perceived. This concept of consciousness is also known as Chaitanya-Brahma (Soul). According to the ancient Indian literature like the Vedas and the Upanishads, the origin of the universe is considered through Shabda-Brahma (a shapeless and formless entity). When it took form, it gave birth to the Shiva linga. The Lord Shiva can be latent as well as explicit at the same time.

She is the destroyer of Bhandasura the demon. She builds herself an island Manidweep (island of precious gems) in the middle of the ocean and resides there. Subsequently, she expresses her threefold forms according to the theory of eternity. These are, Atma-tatwa (principle of the soul), Vidya-tatwa (principle of knowledge), and Shiv-tatwa (principle of Lord Shiva). It is due to these three principles that the goddess accomplishes her three different dimensions, which are, Shamvabi, Shyama and Vidya, the Vairabhas or partners of them being Paramshiva, Sadashiva, and Rudra respectively.
In the foremost part of goddess Tripursundari exists Shyama, while in her latter part, exists Shamvabi. It is through the combination of these three Vidyas (knowledge's) that the advent of many other Vidyas has become possible. In this way, the community of Shri Vidya is formed. The goddess shows diversification of her great power through satisfying the needs of her devotees to the destruction of Bhandasura.

Shri Chakra or Shri Yantra, similar aspect of Goddess Tripur Sundari or Shri Vidhya

Shri Yantra, superior among all Yantra's

Goddess Tripura, also known as Tripur Sundari, is in harmony with the symbol of Shri Yantra or Shri Mantra. Shri Yantra is the most important of all types of Yantra's, which, in other words, can also be termed as the Yantra Shiromani (superior in all Yantras). The goddess herself finds her place in the form of Shri Chakra in the centre of the Shri Yantra. The goddess, also known as Shri Vidya, is the creator of a community famed as Shri Kul. The goddess is the solely worshipped goddess of the Shri Kul. Goddess Shri Vidya exists in the Shri Chakra in the three forms of grossness, subtlety and the in between. The Shri Chakra is place of worship for goddess Tripura. Common people worship Shri Vidya in the form of this Shri Chakra alone. Shri Yantra can fulfil all our needs and desires, and hence, it is also known as Trailokya Mohan Yantra ( power to attract everyone in the heaven, the earth and the hades). The other names given to it are Maha Meru, Nava Chakra and so on.

The Shri Yantra is also harmonious to Goddess Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi is the giver of wealth, good luck, property and she is also worshipped through the Shri Yantra. She is very regularly worshipped in common people's houses as well as in certain temples in the form of Shri Yantra. Some famous places where Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in the form of Shri Yantra are Kamakshi temple, which is in Kanchipuram in Tamilnadu, Ambaji temple, situated in Gabbar Mountain in Gujarat ( this is also a Sati Peeth, scared place of Sati) and so on. In all the eminent scriptures, Yantras have been referred to as the gross presence of the gods. Shri Yantra was the first and foremost recognised Yantra among all. It protects from all kinds of dangers, provides us with good luck, gives us success in all our works and last but not the least, removes all our obstacles. The worship of Shri Yantra is also associated with the removal of poverty and also to get rid of the burden of loans. It is so significant that its mere presence in a house immediately brings the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi to that house. In the central position of a Shri Yantra, we can find a point, surrounding which are 9 inter-twined triangles, each representing one of the 9 powers. The Shri Yantra is composed of point, triangle, Asta kon (octagon), Antardarshara, Bahirdarshara, Chaturdarshara, Ashta dal (the eight groups), Sodash dal (the sixteen groups), Brittatraya (the tri-circles), and Bhupur. The 9 inter-twined triangles form 43 acute triangles, in which resides the miraculous and divine power hidden among oneself. Shri Chakra is the place of worship of 98 leading powers that regulate and control the activities of the entire universe.

The lotus Goddess Kamla, giver of wealth, money & happiness

Tenth in Mahavidyas, she is the goddess who is so full of her graceful aspect, Kamlatmika.

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Goddess Kamla

The Lotus Goddess, Tantric Lakshmi or Maha Lakshmi

'Lord Vishnu' is the Vairabh of Goddess Kamla, it's prime, identified as 'Matasya' of Vishnu's Twenty four incarnations and belong from Soft or 'Somya' category.

Goddess Kamla or Kamlatmika

Tenth and last in Dus Maha-Vidya 'Kamla' means one related to lotus, a beautiful Goddess. She is also well known as Tantric Lakshmi and associated with Wealth, Prosperity, Good Luck and Fertility. Because of these natural properties of her, she is well known among all Hinduism. Lotus is strongly associated with her, she adore with Lotuses, eyes seems like Lotuses, surrounded by Lotuses, seated on lotus. Saubhagya Lakshmi, who surrounded and adored with lotuses and elephant (symbolized as royalty), with her another name, She is also famous as Shri, but the central or main Shri is Goddess Shri Vidya, Tripur Sundari. She is closely related with purity and hygiene, complete with her auspicious, benign and desirable qualities. She is entirely opposed to Goddess Dhumavati or Alakshmi regarding her features. So it is compulsory to be neat and clean, hygienic and to take care of purity, if somebody wishes to gain wealth and prosperity. She resides only in auspicious places. Her role among Mahavidyas (Wisdom Power) forms minor part of her worship. She is an ancient and extremely popular Goddess in Hindu religion and is worshiped by Gods, Human, Yakshas and Demons. She is closely related to Lotus, she sits and sleeps on lotus, this is because of the purity and auspiciousness of Lotus. In Hindu and Buddhist iconography, lotus consider as highly auspicious because of Lotus is rooted in the mud, which is dirty and unhinge, but its blossoms are untouched by the mud and remain sanctified. Her association with Lotus symbolizes a certain perfection.

Origin of Goddess Kamla

It is associated with the tale of Samudra Manthan or Churning of Ocean. Once Gods and Demons gathered together to churned the Ocean, to obtain the different gem's, which make powerful to both Gods and Demons. Among those gems, 'Amrit', nectar or elixir is the most significant. During this process of Churning they got eighteen types of gems, in which seventeenth is she or Goddess Kamlatmika and give to Lord Vishnu and those who married. Still she is only Kamlatmika not 'Shri or Lakshmi', the prime 'Shri' is only one, who is well known as Sri Vidya, Tripur Sundari. She worship Shri Vidya, Tripur Sundari to get oneness of her, as a result her faith and worship, she became happier and satisfied and give a post in Mahavidya's and awarded with the name of 'Shri and Lakshmi' and bless to get famous by this name. She represents the force of Satwa Guna, as she is Vaishnavi Shakti (those who follow the pat of truth and purity) and associated with Lord Vishnu.

She is well known by her eight main forms as :
1. Saubhagya Lakshmi, Vhairav : Narayan
2. Maha Lakshmi, Vhairab : Vasudev.
3. Tri Shakti Lakshmi :
4. Samrajya Lakshmi, Vhairav : Hari
5. Sidha Lakshmi
6. Sri Vidya, Lakshmi (Goddess Sri Vidya Tripur Sundari)
7. Raj Lakshmi (Goddess Kubjika)
8. Dhyna Lakshmi (Goddess Annapurna)

With these eight forms she creates the family of Asta Laksmi.

She is strongly associated with Kuber (the God in charge of a treasury) and Indra (King of all Gods). Kuber who is the charge of treasury, protect and giver of the wealth, which given by Goddess Lakshmi. Indira Who is the Kings of Gods, Rain and Heaven, his kingdom is adorned with all luxurious items, Wealth, Prosperity and delight, where the royal authority and fertility are central, Goddess Lakshmi is the giver of all these royalty. On Kartik Amavasya (new moon day of Kartik month in Hindu calendar), also known as Deepavali (festival of lights), she is worshiped in each and every home of the Hindus, except the Bengali, Assamese and Odiyan Community. In these communities, She is worshiped on the full moon day of Aswin (Month of Hindu calendar). Lakshmi or Kamla is symbolized through three themes in the society. The first is prosperity and wealth, second is fertility and crops and third is being blessed with good luck.

Goddess Sri Lakshmi Kamla

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Lord Vishnu is the Bhairav and husband of Goddess 'Shri Lakshmi'

So, she is totally associated with the natural properties of 'Satwa Guna' (force of truth and pure). She is highly associated with Kingship precious metal, gems and jewelries or we can say all precious things, like Gold, Silver, different Gems like 'Pukhraj, Panna, Diamond' etc. Kingship represents the royal authorities prosper and she is the embodiment of royal authority. In three worlds (World, Heaven, Hades) where she is absent, its weakness, poorness, misery in the form of her sister 'Niriti or Alakshmi or Dhumavati'. Merchant's specially worship her in her shops and homes on the festival of Diwali, becuase she is also related with business, Business is success if earning is good and good earning is only possible with her bless. She is most popular among Hindu deities and worship in every home for property, fertility and wealthiness or richness, but her worship in the from of 'Kamla' is only reserved with Tantra. In here in Tantra, she is also bestow prosperity, good luck and wealth. Mostly in Indian sub continent, where the society is belong to 'Satwa Guna' except in east India, She worshiped on the day of 'Dipavali or Diwali'. As the Goddess of, who gives wealth, prosperity, good luck and every happiness and lights. People decorated their homes, shops etc. with lights and from evening to the end of night, they mostly try to lighten everywhere. 'Dipavali' is also called as the festival of lights. She is strongly associated with light, she resides only in lighten only and her sister Alakshmi in darkness.

About her physical appearance; She is beautiful, have a smiling face and charming with golden complexion. She is being bathed by the groups of Elephants, with nectar over golden pots. She holds lotus in her two hands and makes a gesture of giving boon and assurances by her other two hands. She wear a golden sparkling crown with precious gems and wear a beautiful silk Saree, adorned with various valuable embellishments and Kaustiva Mani (a precious gem, take by lord Vishnu at the churning of ocean). She seated on Lotus in Ocean and surrounded by lotuses. She is with three lotus type eyes and holds bright moon disc in her forehead.

Matangi, The exiled Goddess, Arises from the Leftover food.

She who, fulfilled with the Knowledge of Music, Black Magic and Fine Arts, Tantric Goddess.

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Maa or Goddess Matangi

Maa-Matangi, Ninth in Dus-Mahavidya

'Dakshinamurti Shiva' is the Vairabh of Goddess Matangi, identified as 'Buddha' of Vishnu's Twenty-four incarnations and belong from Soft or 'Somya' category.

Maatangi, the exiled or lower-cast Goddess

Maatangi, the exiled or lower-cast goddess, also called "Chandalini" (wife of Chandal or Dome, those who are burning dead bodies in Cremation Ground), is a Goddess belonging to lowest caste and tirbal traditions in Hinduism. But, she is considered as a Tantric Goddess, chief of speech or power of the spoken words, Fine Arts, Black Magic and Music and all Siddha-Vidyas (accomplished knowledge) or perfect and supreme knowledge. She is also associated with forest, birds and animals, wilderness and hinting. She is consider as a daughter of Matang Muni or Sage Matang and who makes married life happier and wealthfull. She also allies with those who prefer polluted or leftover food, which has already been eaten by someone else. Virtually she arises from the leftover food or "Uchistha" of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Offering of her should be polluted or Uchistha of devotee or worshiper, it should be in the state of being rotten, having eaten or not washed. She is worshiped by Lord Vishnu in ancient era, as a result he is with good-luck, happier, glowing and higher position. No fasting is required, it is a reversed protocol against the usual worship of Gods in Hinduism. She is strongly related to magical powers, specially the supernatural power related to drawing up control over others or enemies by speech or talking. Goddess Matangi is also associated with the tribal society and nature. She is also worshiped in Buddhism, not from the beginning of Buddhism, but later they realized the Goddess Matangi as Matagiri. She came to be known as one who has great magical power, as in a tale of "Prakriti". She is also known as Uchhista, Saam Mohini, Laghu Shyama, Raj Matangi, Vasya Matanig, Chanda Matangi, Karna Matangi, Shadamnayasadhya, Sumukhi Matangi. Rati, Priti, Manobhava, Kriya, Shudha, Anang Kusuma, Anang Madana and Madana lasa is her eight powers.

Physical appearance of Goddess Matangi

She is of dark blue complexion with a disc of half moon on her forehead. She bears three eyes, is seated on a jeweled throne and is adorned with jewel ornaments. She wears the garland of Gunja seeds (a type of red seed with the top portion coated black). Her glow is like the color of blue lotus, she is sixteen years old with her breasts round and firm and a thin waist, her clothes are red and she mostly wears red colored ornaments. She has the power to calm the huge bands of demons. She holds a human skull and a Veena (a musical instrument) in her upper and lower right hands and a sword and depicting the gesture of assurance in her upper and lower left hands respectively. She is seated on Lotus, sometimes on a corpse or on an alter. Her eyes are shown as intoxicated and she represents the sixty-four types of arts, flanked by the two parrots.

Origin of Goddess Matangi

Shakti-Sangam Tantra (a text book dedicated to Goddess), once upon a time Lord Vishnu and his wife Goddess Lakshmi went to visit Lord Shiva and Parvati (reincarnation of Sati, Shiva's second wife) in Kailash Mountain and gave them masterly food to eat. While eating, some pieces dropped on the ground, and from those droplets a maiden arose endowed with fair qualities.She prayed to give her leftover food to which Hinduism gives the name uchistha (polluted food). All the four gods gave her their leftover food or Prasad (food prepared to be offered to and tasted by the deities). Lord Shiva gave his blessings to the maiden as, "those who would worship you, their desire would be fulfilled and would be able to control their enemies or foes. From that time, that maiden came to be known as Uchistha-Matangani".

Goddess Matangi

According to Pranatosini-Tantra, once, Goddess Parvati sat on the lap of Lord Shiva and expressed her desire that she wanted to go to her maternal home or Himalayaraj's (father of Parvati) home to visit her parents. But, Lord Shiva did not want to leave her. As she urged continually, he finally allowed her to go but upon a condition that she would have to come back as soon as possible. Parvati's mother sent a crane to bring her home. After a few days, Lord Shiva found him self distraught without her. Lord Shiva disguised himself as an ornament maker and seller and went to Himalayaraj's home to sell his merchandise. He sold ornaments to Parvati and with an objective to test her faithfulness, asked for sexual relation as a mode of payment. Parvati was ready to curse the merchant but then, through her supernatural power, she realized that it washer husband Lord Shiva. She agreed to the proposal but was not ready to do it immediately. After a few days, Parvati disguised herself as a huntress and went to Lord Shiva, who was preparing for his evening prayer. Parvati was wearing red clothes, her body appeared spindly, and she stood with wide eyes and large breasts. Lord Shiva admired her and enquired about her identity.She replied that she was the daughter of a Chandal (people who do the work of burning corpse in cremation ground).She added that she had come there to do a penance. To this, Lord Shiva replied that he was the one who gave accomplishment to those who do penance. Saying this, he held her hands, kissed her and prepared to love her. For this he changed himself as a Chandal. After he had made love, Parvati urged Lord Shiva for a boon, which Lord Shiva granted at once. As he was in love with Chandalani, (a daughter of Chandala or Dome) this form would last forever and would be known as 'Uchistta-Chandalani'.

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More aobut Goddess Matangi

She is also associated with corpse and cremation ground and holds a human skull or skull bowl in her one hand. Mostly Gods and Goddess who are associated with Magical Powers, is related to cremation ground, human skull or human skull bowl, bones etc. She is also known as the name of Tantric Saraswati and Tantric Ganesha. She and Uchhista Ganesha, both are related with uncleaned element. In Shre Vidya tradition, She is the counselor of Rajrajeswari and chariot driver of Tripur-Sundari. She is depicted as a masterful, fearful Tantric deity, who is outside the pale of the traditional society; who wields magical powers; who is pleased with the offering of leftovers and polluted things; and who enjoys sex. In Nepali Hinduism traditional, she preference for pollution as food, sex, dress etc., lives in the area where the lower cast, represents the inner purity which is most significant and the faith in devotees or Sadhakas heart.

Goddess Bagalamukhi, The Paralyzer in three Worlds or Tribhuwan.

Pitambara Devi, she who appears yellowish, power to cause Paralysis, transfix, immobilize related to the victory over all types of enemies.

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Maa Bagalamukhi

Goddess Bagalamukhi or Pitambara, Eighth in Dus Mahavidya

Mritunjay Shiva (Who protects us from various causes of death) is the Vairabh of Goddess Bagalamukhi, identified as Kurma of Vishnu's Twenty four incarnations and belong from Aggressive or Ugra category.

Goddess Bagalamukhi, Yellow goddess and the Paralyzer

Bagalamukhi is a compound of two words, one is 'Bagala' and the other is 'Mukhi'. The word Bagala means the cause of distortion or it also indicates the bird Vaka or Vagula or Crane which has an ability to stand absolutely still while hunting and Mukhi means face or head. This manifestation of Goddess is specially associated with the power of Paralyze in three worlds (World, Heaven and Hades) or the giving of Siddhi or accomplishment of Stambhana (transfix, immobilize or paralyzes). By the name of Pitambara she is also very well known and famous; it means, one who appears Yellowish and likes things or offerings which are yellow in color; even worship of her is done with yellow colored materials and the worshiper also has to wear yellow clothes. She is worshoped in two forms, Dakshinamnayatmak and Urdhwamnay, In the form 'Dakshinamnayatmak' she have two hands and in the form of Urdhwamna, she have four hands. The five bhutas (elements) of creation or Universe is implemented by different colors and shape, thus the Earth is indicated by the color Yellow. She is very strongly related to supernatural and magical powers. She gives all types of Siddhis (Magical power with accomplishments) and Ridhis (Mystical Powers), specially the ability to attract others or to solidify and she is also able to give Vak Siddhi (A Supernatural power through which whatever spoken, comes true), Stambhan Siddhi (A Supernatural power, which has the ability to paralyze everything) and Maran Siddhi (A Supernatural power, used to kill enemies). Most importantly, it is believed that her worshiper, will be able to control or win over enemies and turn them deaf and dumb, to win court cases, to make planetary positions favorable, to acquire wealth, and so on. She is also compared to the Brahma Astra (the missile of Lord Brahma, a weapon used by god). She is also associated with sexual desire to attract anybody. To sum it up all, she bestows upon success in attraction related with desire and all sorts of supernatural powers.

Physical appearance of Goddess Bagalamukhi

There is a bower in the middle of the ocean, along with a chancel, on which ,there is a throne of lion and Goddess Bagalamukhi is seated on that throne. She has an yellowish complexion, she is dressed in yellow clothings, yellow ornaments and a yellow flower garland. She wear a garland of 'Champa' flowers and different kind of jewelleries with presious gems. She pulls out the tongue of her enemy from his mouth with her left hand and raises an Indian club in her right hand; she also bears three eyes.

Origin of Goddess Bagalamukhi

As described in Swatantra Tantra (a text book of Tantra associated with freedom) once upon a time in Satya Yuga (First phase after creation of Universe), a cosmic storm threatened to destroy the Universe. Many of the creators of the Universe and people were killed in that storm. Lord Vishnu, who is noted as the sustain-er of the Universe, went near a holy pond named Haridrakhya or Turmeric, a yellow color pond, in the state of Saurashtra and prayed to Tripur-Sundari or Shri Vidhya to find a solution to this problem and started meditating. Devi Tripur Sundari or Sri Vidya, become happier and satisfied with Lord Vishnu's meditation and starts playing in that turmeric pond. As a result, strong dashing rays come out form that yellow pond and spread over in every direction, which control that pacified storm and save the Universe from destruction. That's rays which saves the Universe is become famous as Pitambara Devi, as she appeared from the lake of turmeric, which is yellow (peet) in color. That's divine, strong and powerful rays is also called Brahmastra (a weapon use to paralyze), no one in three worlds is able to stands, when the weapon is detonated. As she is also knon as Brahmastra Rupini or form of weapon Brahmastra.

Origin refrence of Goddess Bagalamukhi or Pitambara Devi, in Prantoshini Tantra

The second myth is related to her eating up of Lord Shiva. Once Sati or Parvati, the spouse of Lord Shiva sat near him in Kailash Mansarovar (name of the mountain in the Himalayas where Lord Shiva resides with his family and followers). She was extremely hungry and her body racked with pain. She urged Lord Shiva to give her something to eat, as she was famished. Lord Shiva, told her to be patient and to wait for sometime, after which he would give her whatever she wanted to eat. Saying this, he went back to continue with his meditation. She appealed again and again, urged her husband to provide her with some food to eat, but Shiva again told her to wait for a while. After urging for a long time, she lost her patience as she felt that she would starve to death. Lord Shiva was also not paying proper attention towards her asking for food. Soon she became indignant and put Shiva himself inside her mouth and gulped him down. After a little while, Lord Shiva persuaded her to disgorge him, as smoke began to rise from Parvati's body. She appeared with smoke covering her entire body; this smoke was her Maya or Magical Power of illusion. Then Lord Shiva came out of her body and shouted, O Devil! You are a woman without a husband, it's called widow. She must remove her ornaments and marks of married women. That woman,who you left her husband by swallowing or before she ate, she is a Baglamukhi and the smoke come from her is known as Dhumavati.

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More about Goddess Bagalamukhi

Accoring to Kubjita Tantra her name Vagala represent different Goddess and incarnation of her. VA represents Goddess Varuni, GA represents Siddhida, LA represents Earth. Due to her incarnation is related to Lord Vishnu and he indicates the property of Satwa Guna, mainly she symbolized to Vaishnava's a set in Hinduism, She is quite Vaishnavi female follow the rules of Satwa Guna. But in some circumstances, she is associated with Tamsi Guna also like, the power of attraction, different magical powers etc. She is first worshiped by lord Brahma the creator, then he preaching to this Shakti to Sankadik Muni those, we the entire people of today's and earlier community got birthed. She also represents the hidden power, like the death hidden in life. She bestow the power or attracting others and infuse in them sexual desire. She is strongly associated with the magical powers and used in fulfillment of both good and bad desires. she is the controller of vital breath or Pranayama, controller of tongue as speech and taste and mind.

In her physical appearance, she is seated on the corpse as well and wrenching the tongue of the Demon. She want to symbolise with wrenching of tongue, is she removes the impurities and wrong from speach, because the tongue is the organ of speach. She help us to get rid of issues like facing any kind of fraud case in court or wrong obligation. She is the Goddess of truth, as she protects who are in the way of truth. She is also associated with the corpse, cremation ground and Sava Sadhana, as same as Kali, Tara, Chinnamasta, Dhumavati, Tripur Bhairavi.

Goddess Bagalamukhi