दस महाविद्या
The ten great learnings are related with Sati, Shiva and Parvati, all synonymous of the same Shakti (power). She is also known as Nav Durga, Chamunda, Vishnupriya etc and is worshipped. The origin of this ten great knowledge is as follows.
Daksha Prajapati, the father of Sati, once performed a religious sacrifice (Yagya) in which he invited all the deities and sages, except his own Son-in-law lord Shiva, because of his jealousy towards him.
Sati wanted to be present at that occasion but Lord Shiva refused to give permission, thinking it was improper for her to go without the invitation. But she was unmoved:
. She said "I will certainly got to the Yagya performed by Daksha Prajapati, I would either get the fortune of that religious sacrifice for my dearest, deity of the deities, husband or else I would destroy that religious sacrifice itself."
Sati's eyes became red. She looked at Lord Shiva violently, her lips began to flutter, and her complexion became dark. The fire of her anger made her appearance look frightened and violent.
Such an appearance of Sati was frightening even for Lord Shiva. Her appearance, which had the blaze and radiance of crores of mid-noon-suns, made her so fearful that he just ran away.
To stop Lord Shiva from running away in all the possible ten directions, Sati manifested herself in to ten different forms. These ten Shaktis (powers) of Sati are known as the ten great knowledge's.
They are:-
1) KALI
2) TARA
3) CHHINNAMASTA
4) SHODASHI
5) BHUVANESHWARI
6) TRIPURA - BHAIRAVI
7) DHUMAVATI
8) BAGLAMUKHI
9) MATANGI
10) KAMALA
Among all the ten great learning’s, Kali is the main. All the other nine are nothing but the violent and somber appearances of Kali. These ten appearances of Mahakali are called the ten great learning’s. These are considered as the powers of Lord Shiva, the Lord of all the knowledge’s. Though these ten great learning’s are worshipped in many other forms and appearance, but these ten forms mentioned above are the main.
The method of worship of all these ten forms is different. KALI, TARA, CHHINNAMASTA, BAGALAMUKHI AND DHOOMAVATI are apparently violent but in reality they are most merciful, where as BHUVANESHWARI, SHODASHI, TRIPUR, BHAIRAVI, MATANGI and KAMALA are the somber appearances. These ten great learnings are the most valuable wealth of the Sadhakas (accomplishers), which give infinite accomplishments and also are capable of introducing the infinity to them.
KALI
Goddess Kali holds the primary position among all the ten great learnings. There is a tale mentioned in the Kalika-Purana. Once the deities went to the Himalayas and eulogized the personifications of the illusions of the world (Mahamaya). According to the Purana this place was the hermitage of Sage Matang. Pleased by them, Bhagavati appeared in the form of Matang's mistress and asked as to whom were they eulogizing.
Instantly a divine appearance manifested from the body of that mistress, which was as dark as a Mountain in complexion. This divine appearance herself answered on behalf of the deities that these deities are eulogizing me.
Since the complexion of that divine appearance was black like a collyrium she was given the name of KALI.
Though the worship of Kali requires proper initiation yet one can attain her blessings by other means also. Goddess Kali is pleased by chanting mantras, doing worship and a sacrifice or burnt offering etc. either on the image, or by the help of Yantras (mystical diagrams) or by any other way shown by an able teacher (Guru).
If goddess Kali is pleased then all the aspirations of man gets fulfilled and he is saved from the dangerous calamities.
CRYPTIC MANTRA - 'KRING'
KRING KRING KRING HRING HRING HRING HOONG HOONG DAKSHINE KALIKE KRING KRING KLIM HRING HRING HRING HOONG HOONG PHAT SWAHA.
Meditation - KALI DAKSHINKALI CHA KRISHNARUPA PARATMIKA
MUNDAMALI VISHALAKSHI SRISHTI SANHARKARIKA
Worship - Normally, wishes and aspirations get fulfilled if either the cryptic mantra or the other mantras are chanted for 1,25,000 times (one lakh and twenty five thousand), with full faith and devotion. The chanting of the mantras can be raised according to the requirement.
Before chanting the mantras the Kali Yantra should be properly worshipped.
TARA
Though Tara & Kali are same yet their complexions are different. Kali complexion is dark whereas Tara complexion is blue. Tara killed the demon 'Hayagreeva'. She has Lord Shiva lying under her feet like a corpse. Her bluish complexion's beauty is magnified manifold by her three eyes, which appear like a blue lotus flowers. In her four hands she has a scissors, a head (skull), a lotus flower and an axe. She wears tiger's skin on her body, and has a necklace of skulls around her neck. She is considered to be very violent in nature, but her eagerness to shower blessings on the devotee is infallible too. So she is the most merciful.
Tara or Ugratara is worshipped for the attainment of powers of speech, pleasures and even salvation. She is also worshipped for the destruction of enemies. Tara is worshipped in the night and is an another appearance of Shakti. She is considered to be the ruler and presider of miraculous effects and accomplishments.
Method of Worship
Meditation –
MATARNNEELA SARASWATI PRANAMATAN SAUBHAGYA SAMPATPRADE PRATYALIDHAPADASTHITE SHAVAHRIDI SMITANNAMBHORUHE PHULLENDEE VAR LOCHANE TRINAYANE KARTI KAPALOTPALE KHADGANCHADADHATI TVAMEVA SHARANANTVAMISHVARIMASHRAYE
Cryptic Mantra - 'TRIM"
AIM OM HRIM KRIM HOOM PHAT
Method - The chanting of the above cryptic mantra or the mantra for 1,25,000 times with devotion and worshipping the mystical diagram (Yantra) gives accomplishment of the desired object.
CHHINNAMASTA
The tale about the manifestation of goddess Chhinnamasta is as follows, Once, goddess Bhagwati-Bhawani, went to have a bath in the river Mandakini, with her two companion Jaya and Vijaya.
After having their bath all of them became hungry. The complexion of goddess Bhagawati turned dark because of sheer hunger. Jaya and Vijaya asked for something to eat. Goddess Bhagawati told both of them to wait for some time. After sometime they demanded for food again. They were again told by goddess Bhagawati to wait.
Unable to control their hunger Jaya and Vijaya said very politely to Bhagawati that "Mother, give food to her hungry children as soon as it is demanded."
Bhagavati was very pleased by their innocence, she severed her head by her own hand and held the severed head in her left hand, three streams of blood started to ooze out from the neck.
All of them, satisfied their hunger by drinking the blood from the three streams of blood respectively.
She is called Chhinnamasta because of her severed head.
Goddess Chhinnamasta is a symbol of the perception of secrecy. She stands on the seat of white lotus. In her navel 'Yoni Chakra' are situated. The directions itself are her apparel. Her two companions symbolizes the two qualities of TARA (dark) and Raja (medium). She is alive even though her head is severed from her body.
This severed head is symbolic of introverted nature of accomplishment.
Method of worship: -
Meditation-
PRATYALIDHAPADA KABANDHA VIGALADRAKTAMPIBANTI
MUDA SAISHA YA PRALAYE SAMASTA BHUVANAM BHOKTUM
KSHAMA TAMASI | SHAKTI SAPI PARATPARATARA
BHAWAWATI NAMNAPARA DAKINI DHYEYA
DHYANAPARAIH SADA SAVINAYAM BHAKTESHTA BHUTIPRADA
Cryptic Mantra - 'HOONG"
SHRING HRING KLING AING VAJRA VAIROCHANIYE HOONG HOONG PHAT SWAHA
Method: - The above mentioned cryptic mantra or the mantra should be chanted for 1,25,000 for the accomplishment of any desire.
Before starting the Japa the Yantra must be worshiped.
SHODASHI
She is called Shodashi because she possesses all the sixteen Supernatural powers (Kala). Goddess Shodashi is the most enchanting beauty of all the ten great learnings.
Shodashi, who has the mantra consisting of sixteen letters, has organs glowing like a rising sun. She has four hands and three eyes. She is seated on the lotus, which is placed on the body of Shiva who is lying in a peaceful posture.
She has a noose, a hook, a bow and an arrow in each of her hands. Eveready to shower blessings on her devotees, her appearance is completely Somber & gentle and her heart is full of compassion.
A devotee who takes her refuge achieves great divinity like the deities. In fact her splendors are indescribable. Even the Vedas are incapable of describing her greatness. Being pleased with her devotee she gives more than he demands.
Method of Worship:
Meditation -
BALARKKAMANDALABHASHAM CHATURBAHUMTRILOCHANAM |
PASHANKUSHA SHARANSHCHAPANDHARAYANTIM SHIVAMBHAJE
Cryptic Mantra - 'HRING"
Mantra - HRING KAEL LA HRING HASA KAHALA HRING SAKALA HRING
Method - Any desire is fulfilled if the above mentioned cryptic mantra or the Mantra is chanted for 1,25,000 times. The number of the chanting can be increased if the complexity of the task demands that
The following Yantra too should be properly worshipped
BHUVANESHWARI
The presiding of Mani-dwipa (name of a place) as described in Devi Bhagawat is an embodiment of the Mantra 'Hrillekha' (HRIM), Shakti and Maha Laxmi and also a companion of Lord Shiva in all of his divine activities and is called Goddess Bhuvaneshwari.
Goddess Bhuvaneshwari is the preeminent and a nurturer of the whole humanity. Her appearance is Somber and her complexion is red. She blesses her devotee by making him fearless and also help him in the accomplishment of all the powers. In the scriptures her greatness has been described in detail.
The Cryptic Mantra 'Hrim' contains the form of goddess Bhuvaneshwari. This mantra has been called as Pranav (OM) in Devi Bhagawat. A devotee who chants this cryptic mantra and methodically performs 'Homa' (burnt offering), feeds the Brahmins with complete faith and devotion himself attains divinity.
Sada Shiva is the cause behind the evolution of this creation and his powers lies in goddess Bhuvaneshwari. Her ambrosia nurtures the whole world.
Her complexion is red like a rising Sun and has three eyes. She possesses moon in her crown. Her soft smile gives information about her favor and kindness. A hook and a noose in her hand show her controlling power.
WORSHIP:
Meditation :
UDYADDIN DYUTI MINDU KIRITANTUNGA KUCHANNAYANTRAYA YUKTAM SMERAMUKHIM TVARADANKUSHA PASHA BHITIKARAM PRABHAJE BHUVANESHIM
Cryptic Mantra - 'HRING"
Method : The above mentioned mantra should be chanted for 1,25,000 times along with the worship of the Yantra for the fulfillment of any desire or accomplishment of any task. The mantra's chanting could be increased according to the complexity of the task. YANTRA
TRIPURA - BHAIRAVI
The methods for the worship of Tripura-Bhairavi have been described in the sacred texts for the attainment of victory over the sensual desires and all round development.
Tripura-Bhairavi who is also called Kala-Bhairavi is the presiding goddess of this decaying-world. Her complexion is red like the thousands of rising-sun, wears silken apparel and has a garland of heads around her neck. Her lips are marked with blood. She has three eyes and possesses a moon in her crown. She has a garland in her hand and is an embodiment of knowledge, fearlessness and boons. There is a soft smile on her lips.
Worship:
Meditation -
UDDYADBHANU SAHASRA KANTIM ARUNAKSHOUMAM SHIROMALIKAM
RAKTALIPTA PAYODHARAM JAPAVATIM VIDYAMBHITIM VARAM
HASTABJAIR DHADHATIM TRINETRA VILASAO VAKTRAR AVINDASHRIYAM
DEVIMBADDHA HIMANSHU RATNA MUKUTAM VANDE SAMANDASMITAM
Cryptic Mantra - 'HRING"
Mantra - 'HASAIN HASA KARIMHA SAIN
Method - Any desire gets fulfilled by the chanting of above-mentioned mantra for 1,25,000 times and by worshipping the Yantra. The chanting can be increased depending upon the complexity of the task.
DHUMAVATI
There is a narration regarding goddess Dhumavati that once goddess Parvati being tormented by great hunger requested Lord Shiva to satisfy her hunger. But Lord Shiva did not respond. When he did not respond even after her repeated request than she swallowed Lord Shiva himself. Smoke came out from her appearance. Lord Shiva told her that from now onwards her enchanting appearance of Bhagta would be known as 'Dhuma or Dhumavati'.
Goddess Dhumavati's appearance resembles that of an old woman terrifying, always tormented by great thirst and hunger and is considered to posses’ great powers.
Worship :
Meditation -
VIVARNNA CHANCHALA DUSHTA DIRGHA CHA MALINAMBARA
VIMUKTA KUNTALA RUKSHA VIDHAVA VIRALADWIJA
KAKADHVAJARATHARUDHA VILAMBITA PAYODHARA
SHURPPA HASTATIRUKSHAKSHA DHUT HASTA VARANVITA
PRAVRIDHDAGHONATU BHRISHANKUTILA KUTILEKSHANA
KSHUTPIPASARDDITA NITYAMBHAYADA KALAHASPADA
Cryptic Mantra - 'DHUNG'
Mantra - 'DHUNG DHUND DHUMAVATI THHAH THHAH'
Method - The above given mantra if chanted meditatively for 1,25,000 times fulfills all kind of aspirations. The number of chanting can be increased depending upon the complexity of the task.
BAGLAMUKHI
The worship of Baglamukhi who is also famous as 'Pitambara Vidya' (yellow Color is prominently used in her worship) for protection against the enemies and to defeat them, to get victory in the legal matters, to acquire wealth, to clear away the debts and to attain power of oratory etc.
In her worship yellow clothes, garland made of turmeric; yellow seat and yellow flowers are used. She is the presiding goddess who has a desire of annihilating the demons in her individual form and carries on the destruction of commodities according to the wishes of the almighty God.
She has her abode amidst the ocean of ambrosia where her canopy decorated with diamonds is situated and her throne is decorated with the jewels.
Her complexion is yellow, wears yellow apparels, ornaments and a garlands, which is also of yellow color. In her one hand is a tongue of an enemy and in the other hand she holds a mace.
There is a tale regarding her manifestation. In the 'Satyuga' period once the whole world was threatened by a terrific cyclone. Lord Vishnu being concerned about the safety of the whole humanity went near to Haridra (reservoir) situated in Saurashtra, to please Goddess Bhagawati by his penance.
Shri Vidya (Baglamukhi) appeared before him, manifesting from the water of Haridra wearing yellow apparels. She controlled the powerful current of the threatening flood and destructive nature.
Goddess Bagla helps the almighty god by punishing and controlling those negative powers that try to trespass the natural flow, She controls our speech knowledge and movement. She is capable of giving powers (Siddhis) and fulfilling all the wishes of her devotee like a 'Kalpa-Taru'.
Worship :
Meditation -
MADHYESUDHABDHI MANIMANDAPARATNAVEDI SINHASANOPARIGATAMPARI PITA VARNNAM PITAMBARA BHARAN MALYA VIBHUSHITANGIDEVINNAMAMI DHRITMUGDAR VAIRIJIHVAM JIHAGRAMADAYA KARENA DEVIM VAMENA SHATRUNPARI PIDYANTIM GADABHICHHATEN CHA DAKSHINENA PITAMBARADHYANDVIBHUJANNAMAMI
Cryptic Mantra - 'HRING"
Mantra -
HLING BAGALAMUKHI SARVVADUSHTANAM VVACHANMUKHAM
STAMBHAYA JIHVAKINLAYA KILAYA BUDDHIMNASHAYA HLING SWAHA
Method - The above-mentioned cryptic mantra or the mantra if chanted for 1,25,000 time is capable of fulfilling any desire. The numbers of chanting can be increased depending upon the complexity of the task. The devotee should worship the Yantra also.
MATANGI
Lord Shiva is also known as Matang. His Shakti (power) is called Matangi. Her complexion is dark and possesses a moon on her forehead. The three-eyed goddess is seated on the crown decorated with jewels. Her luster is like a blue lotus and is destroyer of the demons (forest) like a fire. In each of her four hands, she has a noose, a mace, an axe and a hook. She is a destroyer of the demons by enchanting them first with her beauty and a fulfiller of every desire of her devotees.
She is worshipped for the attainment of great powers, power of speech, happiness in family life etc.
Worship :
Meditation -
SHYAMANGIN SHASHISHEKHARANTRINAYANAM RATNASINHASANSTHITAM
VEDAIRVABAHU DANDAIRASI KHETAKA PASHANKUSHADHARAM
Mantra - 'OM HRING KLING HOONG MATANGAYAIPHAT SWAHA'.
Method - The above given mantra if chanted for 1,25,000 times helps in the accomplishment of any task. A devotee should also worship the following Yantra.
KAMALA
Goddess Kamla is the personified energy of Lord Vishnu and a companion in all the divine activities of MahaVishnu. Her worship in reality is the worship of Shakti (Power) the root cause of the existence of this world.
Without her blessings a man's life becomes full of misfortune and miseries. Not only the humans but also the deities, the demons, the Gandharvas (Supernatural celestial beings) are eager to have her favors and blessings.
She has her seat on the lotus flower and possesses a golden luster in her appearance. Four elephants as white as the snow of Himalayas surround her on four sides, holding vessels full of gold in their trunks. Goddess Kamala has four hands, there are lotus flowers in each of her two hands, and her two remaining hands are in the posture of giving boons and blessings. She has a crown on her head and her apparel are silken.
Her worship gives victory, splendors, wealth etc. On the spiritual ground, worship of all these ten great learnings is considered the means for attainment of salvation and almighty god.
Worship:-
Meditation -
KANTYA KANCHANASANNIBHAM HIMGIRIPRAKHYAISHCHATURBHIGAJAIH
HASTOTKSHIPTA HIRANMAYAMRITAGHATAIRASICHYA MANASHRIYAM
VIBHRANAVARAMABJAYUGMAMBHAYAM HASTAISKIRI TOJJVALAM
KSHOUMABADDHANITAMBA BIMBALALITAM VANDERAVINDA STHITAM
Mantra -
‘ AING HRING SHRING KLING HSAOUH JAGATPRASUTYAI HOONG PHAT SWAHA '
Cryptic Mantra - 'SHRING'
Method - The chanting of the above mantra for 1,25,000 times helps to fulfill any desire and to accomplish any task. The following Yantra should also be worshipped.