Informative

Dus Mahavidyas: The Hidden Cosmic Powers of Divine Shakti

In Sanatan Dharma, the Divine Mother is not just worshipped in sweet and maternal forms, but also in her most powerful, fierce, and mystical manifestations. While the nine forms of Durga are widely worshipped during Navratri by householders, deeper spiritual seekers and Tantriks invoke the Das Mahavidyas – the Ten Great Wisdom Goddesses – who embody cosmic truths and spiritual mysteries.

These Mahavidyas are the ten supreme aspects of Adi Shakti, the source of all creation, preservation, and destruction. They are not merely deities but living cosmic forces that exist both within and outside us. They govern different energies in the body, control specific planets in Vedic astrology, and offer paths to siddhi, moksha, and protection.

During Navratri, while most devotees focus on Maa Durga’s gentle forms, Tantriks and sadhaks call upon the fierce Mahavidyas to gain blessings, spiritual elevation, and in some cases, supernatural powers. But this power must be handled with great responsibility. When misused, even divine grace can be withdrawn. Ego and pride lead to spiritual downfall. That is why sincere humility is the foundation of all Tantric sadhana.

Navratri’s first three nights are dedicated to the three divine shaktis – Maa Kali, Maa Lakshmi, and Maa Saraswati. These goddesses are also deeply connected to the Mahavidya tradition. For instance, Maa Kali is the first and foremost of the Mahavidyas. Saraswati manifests through Maa Matangi. Lakshmi takes her fiercest and most independent form as Maa Kamala.

When we read texts like the Durga Saptashati, we find that in times of great cosmic crises, when demons like Raktabeej arose, the Mother created ten divine shaktis from her own form. These are:

Kali, Tara, Shodashi (Tripura Sundari), Bhuvaneshwari, Bhairavi, Chhinnamasta, Dhumavati, Baglamukhi, Matangi, and Kamala.

If a sincere devotee worships even one of these goddesses during Navratri with love and pure intention, immense spiritual blessings can be received. Each Mahavidya holds the key to unlocking inner strength, healing, spiritual knowledge, and ultimate liberation.

Here are the Mahavidyas with their divine mantras in both English transliteration and Devanagari script.

Maa Kali – Goddess of Time, Destruction and Renewal

Worshipped for fierce protection, energy, and destruction of all negativity.

Mantra:

 Om Kreem Kalikaye Namah

 ॐ क्रीं कालिकायै नमः

Maa Tara – The Star and Divine Guide

 She is the cosmic savior, helping devotees overcome difficulties, fears, and inner chaos.

 Mantra:

 Om Streem Taraye Namah

 ॐ स्त्रीं तारायै नमः

Maa Tripura Sundari (Shodashi) – The Beautiful One of the Three Worlds

 She represents beauty, bliss, inner radiance, and the state of supreme balance.

 Mantra:

 Om Hreem Shodashyai Namah

 ॐ ह्रीं षोडश्यै नमः

 Alternate Mantra:

 Aim Hreem Shreem

 ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं

Maa Bhuvaneshwari – The Queen of the Cosmos

 She governs space, time, and worldly creation. Worship her for harmony, healing, and expansion.

 Mantra:

 Om Hreem Bhuvaneshwaryai Namah

 ॐ ह्रीं भुवनेश्वर्यै नमः

Maa Bhairavi – The Fierce Mother of Courage and Fire

 She embodies tapas, discipline, and intense transformation. Worship her to overcome fears and awaken willpower.

 Mantra:

 Om Hasreem Tripur Bhairavyai Namah

 ॐ हस्रीं त्रिपुर भैरव्यै नमः

Maa Chhinnamasta – The Self-Decapitated One

 She represents the power of inner sacrifice, Kundalini awakening, and letting go of ego.

 Mantra:

 Shri Kleem Hreem Aim Vajravairochaniye Hum Hum Phat Swaha

 श्री क्लीं ह्रीं ऐं वज्रवैरोचनीयै हुं हुं फट् स्वाहा

Maa Dhumavati – The Widow Goddess of Emptiness and Detachment

 She grants detachment, deep wisdom, and protection from illusions.

 Mantra:

 Dhoom Dhuma Dhumavati Tha:Th:

 धूम धुमा धूमावती ठः ठः

Maa Baglamukhi – The Stiller of Speech and Movement

 She paralyzes negativity, enemies, and is worshipped for victory in debates, legal matters, and protection.

 Mantra:

 Om Hreem Baglamukhaye Namah

 ॐ ह्रीं बगलामुख्यै नमः

Maa Matangi – Goddess of Speech and Inner Mastery

 She grants divine speech, artistic talent, and is the Tantric Saraswati.

 Mantra:

 Om Matangye Namah

 ॐ मातङ्ग्यै नमः

Maa Kamala – The Lotus Goddess of Prosperity and Purity

 She is the tantric form of Lakshmi, giver of both spiritual and material wealth.

 Mantra:

 Om Shri Mahalakshmaye Namah

 ॐ श्री महालक्ष्म्यै नमः

To invoke these powers, one doesn’t need to do complex rituals. What matters most is devotion, clarity of intention, and faith in the Mother. A mantra chanted with purity is more powerful than a thousand rituals done with pride. Still, guidance from a true Guru can help awaken the deeper secrets of these mantras and protect the sadhak from energetic imbalances.

The Mahavidyas are not to be feared. They are your own soul in different forms—Kali is your strength, Tara is your guide, Kamala is your grace, and Chhinnamasta is your transformation. Begin with love. Light a diya. Speak their name. They will come.

Jai Maa.