GODDESS/GOD DESCRIPTIONS
Ganesha
Ganesha is the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati. He is the first god worshipped at the beginning of any new project or phase. He initiates one into spirituality. The first 8 beads on the mala are dedicated to Ganesha. He is the remover of all obstacles. He is known for his laughter, whimsy and benevolence. He gives grounding energy.
Durgha
Durgha is the embodiment of feminine power in action and represents the dynamic transformative power of Parvati. Seen riding a tiger or lion, Durgha's many arms hold the weapons given her by male gods to lead the vanquishing of evil forces in the world. As a warrior goddess, she destroys illusion and challenges mankind from its complacency.
Hanuman
Hanuman, the monkey god, is the messenger of the gods. Is the symbol of absolute devotion and allegiance and dedication of purpose. He is known for his great learning and asceticism, and for being able to accomplish impossible feats.
Kali
Kali, represents feminine energy in its most decisive aspect. She is protective and nurturing. She represents the great womb of time. Time forces all things to grow and develop. Kali symbolizes transformation. She is the exemplary Dakini Goddess (thought to be the “first”) because she best represents ultimate truth. She is the most terrifying looking of the goddesses as she dances on her husband Shiva. She is the goddess of destruction. She annihilates so that life can start anew in a higher form. Kali teaches that if we give up attachments to the events of our lives, we gain mastery over time and experience unmanifest time, the eternal.
Laksmi
Laksmi is worshipped as the supreme goddess, providing for the health and welfare of the family. She is often surrounded by lotus flowers and elephants. Her help is sought to provide wealth and prosperity.
Parvati
Parvati is the wife of Shiva and a powerful deity in her own right. It is said that Shiva's strength comes from Parvati. In her many aspects, she symbolizes Shakti, divine feminine energy. Parvati is the mother of Ganesha the protector of pregnant women.
Saraswati
Saraswati is the beautiful goddess draped in white or yellow robes and riding upon a snow-white swan. She carries a book, prayer beads, an veena(musical instrument), or a lute. She is the goddess of learning, art, dance, and music. Her special concern is for children and school.
Shiva
Shiva, lord of music and king of the dance, Nataraj. His movements are the energy that drives the universe. He is revered as the perfect blend of all opposites: creator and destroyer of all existence, a protector who wards off evil. He is a dedicated husband and has a deep love, passion and fidelity for his wife Parvati.
Shrinath Ji
Shrinathji's, an incarnation of Lord Krishna as a seven year old child, known for lifting the Govardhana mountain with his little finger. His form is black and he captures all sins and releases one of all life's miseries. He is the form of bliss manifestation, his presence charges the world with a sacredness and holy enlightenment. He empowers souls with grace. Shrinath is here for granting us the highest joy and bliss if we can put aside the mind and join him in total and complete devotion.
Vishnu
Vishnu is the all pervading, preserver of the world, and the most worshipped of the Hindu gods. His main purpose is to ensure the triumph of good against evil. His most famous incarnations were Krishna and Rama.
Vishnu’s hands and feet
Vishnu’s hands and feet (Symbol), as with the hands and feet of all Deities in the religions in India, they are seen as a blessing from that god.
Symbol of OM
Symbol of OM. “Associated eternally with the triple universe (earth, sky and heaven)”. OM is the mother of Mantras.. In Hinduism, the universe was created with the sound of OM.. It is also a symbol of the three Vedas: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. All Sounds are contained within the sound of OM. It is also referred to as the sound of the soundless absolute.
Shakti
Shakti – “Power”, the dynamic or creative principle of existence. Linked with feminine quality. Shiva in the masculine aspect, without Shakti, cannot affect or create anything. Also known as the personification of the feminine form of the divine and creation.
The Dakini Goddesses or Seven Sisters
Seven Sisters - Seven legendary priestesses bearing this name are said to have founded the major oracle shrines of the ancient world. They are pillars of wisdom, protectors, and guides through the seven spheres of the afterlife. Their star was used as a defense against outsiders’ penetration of secrets. (See Dakini Goddesses and the Ten Mahavidyas)
The Dakini Goddesses, also known as The Ten Mahavidyas or Seven Sisters. Depending on what you read, there are between 7 and 10 Goddesses, each ruled under Kali, who is the most distinguishable, best known, and the first. Each has distinct individual traits. The reason for the discrepancy in the number is that a few of the goddesses look very similar and therefore have been lost in some interpretations. These seven to ten goddesses include: Kali, Tara, Tripura-sundari, Bhuvanesvar, Chinnamasta, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi, and Kamala (Sri Lakshmi).
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