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Both the genesis and the assertion of life are derived from the goddess in Indian mythology. For the longest time, Indian religions have revered this concept and ideology, and this remains true to this day. In many Indian art depictions, goddesses were seen to take on the role of a mother.
The vajra, a double-headed thunderbolt with spiritual significance, or the damaru, a waisted drum known to belong to the Hindu God, Shiva, were ancient models for the female torso in the art of sculpture. Sculptors created a glorified version of the female form with a narrow waist and broad hips based on this. These icons are also used in Indian spiritual jewelry.
Common Visual Depictions of Indian Goddesses
These visual depictions are often seen in paintings, illustrations, sculptures and in jewelry as well. In jewelry, these icons are used as a form of protection or a symbol of spirituality and the pendants are shaped in these forms.
Devi
The powerful Goddess, Devi portrays the creative principle worshiped in the female form. She is Shakti, the all-encompassing energy, the power to be, the power of cause, cognition, will, and experience. She harnesses the power of all Gods and exercises power over their weapons in her many manifestations. With her, comes the origin of the world, creation, the mother. She is known as the Goddess of knowledge. There are many visual interpretations of Devi and her many forms. The most common depiction of her is as her main form of Durga. The visual images that are portrayed usually picture her defeating the buffalo demon, along with her mount, the lion. Just like Shiva, she assumes many forms and presents herself with beauty in some forms, or in horror as in the forms of Kali and Camuda.
Kali
Also recognized as the dark goddess, Kali is one of Goddess Devi’s manifestations. She is often represented as a fierce woman with four arms with a black or blue complexion. In her depictions, she stands on top of her husband, Lord Shiva, who lies under her feet. Her tongue is dripping with blood, to represent her fearless nature. Kali is known as the Goddess of death, she is a representation of the constant march of time towards the day of reckoning.
Lakshmi
Derived from the Sanskrit word, ‘laksya’, meaning an aim or goal, Goddess Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Lakshmi is usually portrayed with four arms and a golden complexion with a lotus bud in her hands as she stands on an enormous blossomed lotus. Goddess Lakshmi is also associated with beauty, purity and domesticity.
Saraswati
Goddess Saraswati is known as the Goddess of knowledge, art and music. She portrays the free flow of consciousness. She is the offspring of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. She is considered the mother of the Vedas. There are numerous Vedic chants done in her name called the Saraswati Vandana.
FAQs:
Q1. What is the symbol for Shakti?
Shakti, otherwise known as Mahadevi or the Great Goddess, is a sum of all other goddesses, manifesting in many forms, most popularly as Durga. Her symbols are the number six, charms and lotuses. On a more spiritual level, Shakti manifests within each and every one of us, giving us intelligence, will power and her divine energy during times of distress.
Q2. What are the symbols associated with Kali?
Kali, popularly known for her powers of destruction, is also a manifestation of the divine energy Shakti. The symbols used in association with her are honey, flowers, dance, iron, peacock feathers and swords.
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