List of Hindu Goddesses: Stories, Roles, Images, & Names
When we think about the position of women and how women are being treated in today’s world. It becomes important to look back to the examples of Hinduism and how it teaches us to strengthen our resolve to end violence against women. We raise voices against the objectification of women, challenge everyday misogyny, and demand strict legal measures for the wrongs done against women in our society. Earlier people used to worship a list of Hindu goddesses made of rocks, lumps of clay, and barks of trees. They also used to worship their vegetation as there were goddesses such as Kuladevis and Gramadevis, as in clan and settlement goddesses, and they are still a part of Indian tradition.
In today’s scenario, we can see how the world is becoming a ruthless place and especially harsh for women to survive. We should learn, seek power, and draw inspiration from the goddess for how each of them dealt with the challenges they faced and came out stronger. In Hindu mythology, you will find fascinating stories of different goddesses, their stories of survival along with a happy or sad ending. Even when there was a bad ending to a story, you can surely see their strength and resilience in fighting every challenge that was thrown at them, with courage. There is a list of Hindu goddesses that are being worshipped in different parts of India and all over the world, based on their power, position, and significance.
As Hindu women, we need to constantly remind ourselves of the symbolism of the goddess Durga with her ten arms, who embodies both motherly love and feminine rage and power. We strive to create a world where men and women will be treated equally. We should take inspiration from the ancient Hindu imagery of the “ardhha-narishwar” where the masculine and feminine are respected as two halves of one being, representing the perfect balance of nature. In this blog, we will look into the Hindu goddess list and their origin, as well as the significance they hold in modern times.
List of Hindu Goddesses
1. Durga: The Aadi Shakti
The Origin of Goddess Durga:
Devi Durga, a symbol of Shakti, is one of the most revered Hindu goddess Devi, also known as the protective mother of the universe. Once Lord Brahma offered a blessing to Mahisasura, saying that he cannot be killed by any man. He became overwhelmed with his newfound power and started wreaking havoc on heaven and earth, misusing his power against all beings and torturing the gods inhumanly.
1. Creation of Durga
Troubled by all this, most powerful Hindu gods combined their power to create a supreme weapon to kill Mahishasura, which took the form of Durga. Maa Durga is depicted with multiple arms, each of her ten arms carrying a weapon, gifted to her by different gods. Each of her weapons represents different powers and qualities of the Hindu goddess.
2. Symbolism of Durga’s Weapons
Her ten hands are adorned with ten weapons which include Trishul, Bow and Arrow, Lotus Flower, Sword, Sudharshan Chakra, thunderbolt, Couch shell, Club, Shield, and Hand in Abhaya Mudra. Her ten arms with ten weapons represent her ability to protect her devotees from all directions. She rides on a Lion, symbolizing her power and ability to overcome any obstacle. With all these weapons and their power, Durga was ready to defeat Mahishasura and save humanity as well as gods from his vices.
The Epic Battle between Durga and Mahishasura
During this battle, Durga fought Mahisashura for nine to ten days, with unmatched strength and valor. Each of the days represents the power to overcome obstacles and the victory of good over evil. On the tenth day, she defeated and killed Mahishasura, who thought a woman could not kill him. Mahishasur became famous when he was killed by the female deity, Durga. His defeat restored peace and order in the realm. This battle is popularly known as Mahalaya in Hindu culture.
Significance of Durga in Hinduism
Maa Durga represents female power and continues to be the source of strength and inspiration for millions of women in today’s world. In today’s world, women face a lot of injustice and there is still a lot of inequality prevalent, where we have to struggle to get the same position as a man. We should draw inspiration from the example of Ma Durga who destroyed the evil, that even the strongest of the Hindu gods could not and brought order out of the chaos in the realm. One of the biggest festivals in West Bengal is Durga Puja when the whole city lights up with decorations, colors, and art. Huge pandals, beautiful decorations of lights and flowers along with stunning idols of the deity fill the air with light and joy. On the last day, also known as Vijaya Dashami, the structures of the idols are immersed in rivers or Ganga, which represents Durga’s return to her family in heaven.
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2. Radha: The Queen of Worship
The Origin of Radha and her love for Krishna
whenever and wherever Krishna’s name is mentioned, there will always be Radha’s name associated with it. She is Krishna’s one true love. The pair is prayed by millions of people all over the world together in temples as well as in their homes. But if we think about what happened to Radha after Krishna got married to Rukmani, we need to look a bit deeper into that. Radha’s undying love for Krishna is celebrated for its depth and purity and is considered the greatest example of selfless devotion. Like many other Hindu goddess stories, her story starts with her dedication to her beloved Krishna and their inseparable bond. Whenever Lord Krishna is prayed, Radha’s name comes along with it. Radha’s love for Krishna was immeasurable. However, she had to surrender herself to Paramatma to be united with Krishna, as they could not get married. Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu was sent on earth to kill Asur Kansa, but due to some circumstances and in order to follow a dharma situation, he had to marry Rukmani. Radha was born in the village of Barsana, a town, which was only 28 miles away from the home of Krishna, Mathura.
Significance of Radha in Hinduism
Both Radha and Krishna are incomplete without each other. Even though they could not get married, they are bound spiritually as their divine union stands as a symbol of eternal love, devotion, and worship. The essence of their love and godly romance, captivates the hearts and minds of their followers across the world, setting a standard as to how you can love without expecting anything in return. Known for her immense devotion towards Krishna, it is the power of her selfless love and devotion that gave her the status of a goddess. One of the significant festivals dedicated to Radha is Radhastami, where her devotees, fast, sing songs of devotion, and participate in Rasa-Lila to immortalize the presence of Radha in our realm. Apart from that Krishna and Radha are worshipped together, as a divine couple. Devotees offer Gods Mantra seeking blessings from the divine pair. She is also one of the beautiful Hindu goddesses, and nurtures her devotees like a mother, showering blessings of immortal love and union.
Radha Names – Vrindavaneshwari
3. Kamadhenu: The Divine Bovine of Abundance
Who is Kamadhenu?
In Hindu mythology, Kamadhenu is one of the goddesses that represents abundance and prosperity. The Kamadhenu cow also known as the “cow of plenty” is a goddess of Hinduism, who fulfills your wishes and brings positive energy to the family. It is believed that she selflessly grants divine blessings to her devotees, which makes her an epitome of proprietary, purity and divinity. Her nature of nurturing and providing for her followers, without expecting anything in return makes her the embodiment of all gods and goddesses.
What Does Kamdhenu Symbolize?
Kamdhenu is said to have the power to grant wishes of all kinds, be it material or spiritual, she fulfils them all. This makes her an entity that can bring prosperity and happiness, representing health, wealth, and a spiritual awakening. She symbolizes righteousness and has a close connection to the spiritual realm. Kamdhenu brings balance and harmony to the world as people believe that worshipping her can bring peace and negative influence from one’s life. Kamdhenu can bring fulfilment to the deepest wishes of her disciples. Every part of her body is believed to be divine and sacred as it represents different gods and goddesses. Her horns represent Lord Shiva, her ears Lord Agni, and her eyes are said to have been bestowed by the Sun and Moon.
The Mythological Importance of Kamdhenu
Her deity represents the body of a cow with the head of a woman. Her divine nature and role are depicted by her head, as it symbolizes her mother-like nature, which is why she is also known as Gomatha. Kamdhenu has many unique natures which impressed the gods of her divine presence, deciding to sacrifice their lives upon her practices and devotion. This is why Gomatha rewards people who do selfless acts and services and follow higher principles. Cows are considered sacred in Hinduism because of Kamdhenu. She was created during the process of Samudra Manthan by the deities Asuras and Devas, thus she has many deities inside her. Kamadhenu stands as the mother of all cows and cattle and is worshiped on Mother Earth as her milk nourishes and feeds humans on Earth.
4. Sita: Goddess of Courage and Purity
The Incarnation of Devi Sita
Sita is the epitome of devotion as a wife, daughter, and mother and is acknowledged for her purity, dedication, and sacrifice. The legend about Devi Sita’s birth is known to all. Her miraculous appearance in a furrow, where her father found her while plowing the field makes her divine and supernatural. Since she did not emerge from her mother’s womb, she is known as the daughter of Bhoomi Devi or Mother Earth.
Sita’s Role in Ramayana
Sita was the main female character in the Ramayana, purity, devotion, and strength personified. She was born to the king Janaka and was discovered in a furrow of a plowed field – indicating her divine birth. She marries Lord Rama after he wins her by lifting and stringing the mighty bow of Shiva. The pivotal point of her life comes with the exile for 14 years with Rama and his brother Lakshmana. She was later abducted by the demon king Ravana and taken to Lanka. Though Ravana tries to use force to win her over, Sita stands firm in her devotion to Rama and shows great courage and resilience.
Sita has to undergo an Agni Pariksha by fire after being rescued from Ravana by Rama. This Hindu goddess later chooses to return to Mother Earth when her honour is questioned, demonstrating her dignity and lifelong self-respect.
Sita and her Significance in our Hindu Tales
Devi Sita’s legend is a tale of Love, Sacrifice, Strength, and Courage that made her a symbol of selfless love, devotion, and women empowerment. Sita Navami is celebrated as the anniversary of Sita Mata, on Navami Tithi. Sita and Rama are worshipped in temples as well as in the homes of people to seek blessings of a happy home, prosperity, and wealth. The virtues of these Hindu goddesses, give us strength to face adversity with courage, stay true to our values, and never lose hope in the face of challenges.
5. Kali: Mahakali
Origin of Ma Kali
The most powerful depiction of Shakti, a deity with severed body parts in her hands is recognized for her fearsome appearance, as the destroyer of evil and negativity. Maha Kali is the only goddess who is depicted in black skin, with a protruding tongue and four arms, holding a sword in one and a severed head in the other. She is also another avatar of Devi Parvati, hence, there is a spiritual meaning underlying her fierce exterior. After Shiva inhaled the blue poison and saved everyone. Parvati took the blue poison herself, to become the fearsome Kali, whom Shiva tasked to defeat the demon Daruka and his army. As Daruka could only be killed by a woman, Parvati helped Shiva to bring peace but after transforming herself into a different avatar. After defeating and destroying the demon army and drinking their blood preventing them from being reborn, Ma Kali started her Tandav Nritya, which terrified Shiva. To stop Ma Kali from killing anyone and everyone in her path, Shiva himself laid down on her path and as soon as Maa Kali stepped on him, she paused and realized her mistake. As an avatar of Parvati, she stepped on her husband, which was considered to be a sin, which is why she has a protruding tongue, acknowledging that she was at fault.
Significance of Mahakali
The severed heads that Ma Kali wears around her waist, signifies the death of ego and false sense of self, binding people with a spiritual awakening, as material possessions are unimportant. Her fearsome appearance represents spiritual growth and realization of one’s true nature. Her protruding tongue symbolizes the power to understand one’s mistakes, her hunger for truth, and her thirst for the blood of evil. Ma Kali is seen as one of the most powerful Hindu gods, worshipped by people for spiritual awakening and overcoming negative tendencies. Diwali is celebrated all over India and in many parts of the world as the celebration of Light and the defeat of evil.
Ma Kali Names – Shyama, Mahashakti
6. Saraswati: Preserver of Knowledge and Wisdom
Goddess of Divine Wisdom
She is considered the goddess of art and knowledge all over India, worshipped by students, professionals, writers, and poets, for gaining more knowledge and intellect. She is the goddess of wisdom, music, and art and represents four Vedas, mind, intellect, alertness, and ego. She is one of the main Hindu goddesses worshipped all over India, along with Lakshmi and Parvati. She is depicted holding a sitar, with scriptures in one hand and flowers in the other. The rosary she holds in one hand represents unbroken concentration, while the left hand is adorned with Veda scriptures. In Indian art, she is depicted as one of the most beautiful Hindu goddess and is associated with the colour white. Maa Saraswati symbolizes purity, wisdom, and truth that persists above all. Her name “saras” showcases her ability to bring fluidity in life, order in chaos, and calm your inner being. The inventor of Sanskrit, she remains the champion of art, education, creativity, and music. Lord Brahma is said to be the creator of Saraswati, who blessed her with vast knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment.
Role in Saving the World from Shiva’s Anger
In Hindu mythology, there is a narrative that Devi Saraswati saved the world from the destructive anger of Lord Shiva, which if unleashed could have caused cosmic devastation. Saraswati knew the danger from Lord Shiva’s third eye and took the form of a river to swallow the fiery stream of destruction from Lord Shiva’s Third eye. After she averted this danger from Shiva, she also had to protect the universe from the terrifying beast of doom, created by Shiva’s rage. Through her divine power and wisdom, she subdued the deadly creature, restoring peace and balance in the realm. Her role as the protector of cosmic order, who disdains superficiality and brings enlightenment to your inner wisdom makes her the savior of humanity.
Ma Saraswati’s Symbolism and Blessings
Dressed in a white saree and seated upon a white lotus, she spreads knowledge and more learning. In Hindu Mythology, she is often shown riding her mount, a white swan, which further represents her ability to discriminate between good and evil, dedication and falsity. The veena that she holds symbolizes the harmony that should always prevail between one’s heart and mind. The books that she holds are symbols of truth and purity, emphasizing that spiritual knowledge can prevent the darkness of ignorance and hence can lead to an elegant and simple way of living. The white lotus, which grows in muddy waters but remains untouched by them, showcases the importance of remaining untouched even when surrounded by negative influences. Every year from February to March, Indians celebrate Basant Panchami, and Bengalis Celebrate Saraswati Puja to seek blessings of knowledge and wisdom from the goddess Hinduism. Hindus mostly associate the color yellow with Maa Saraswati. Bengali girls can be found wearing yellow sarees on this day and offer Gods Aarti to worship the goddess who blesses us with science, arts, and crafts. For her worshippers, she will always remain a constant protector and a guide for those who seek truth, knowledge, and enlightenment.
7. Lakshmi: The Symbol of Prosperity
Who is Devi Lakshmi?
From the Hindu goddesses list she is one of the Hindu goddesses who is revered all over India. She is associated with wealth, fortune, beauty, fertility, and prosperity and is the embodiment of Illusion or Maya. The story of the churning of the Milky Ocean, where the gods fought the demons to gain immortality, is also the story that tells the rebirth of Lakshmi. Indra, the warrior god, has been the savior of the universe against evil, with Ma Lakhsmi beside him, ensuring success and fortune. One day a wise sage gifted a garland of flowers to Indra, who out of arrogance threw it on the floor, which greatly upsets Lakshmi. She defied such acts of arrogance and entered the Milky Ocean leaving the world of Gods.
The world eventually became a darker place, without the presence of Ma Lakshmi’s fortune and the asuras began to torture the gods, who started losing their power. Indra approached Vishnu for a way to bring Ma Lakshmi back, who suggested that they should churn the Milky Ocean to regain Lakhsmi and her blessings. The gods churned the ocean that included a potion of immortality and elixir of life, for 1,000 years before anything rose to the surface. Finally, when the treasures began to rise to the surface, Lakshmi was among one of the treasures standing on a lotus flower. This was Lakshmi’s return to the world of gods and rebirth as she helped them defeat the demons and chased them away. This example demonstrates that you should never take your success for granted and be arrogant, as it can get away from you as easily as it comes. It also teaches us that Ma Lakshmi brings good fortune and success to them who seek her blessings sincerely and work hard for it.
The Legend of Ma Lakshmi
Lakshmi is one of the most celebrated goddesses on the Hindu goddesses list. Myths claim that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity in Hinduism, forms an important consort to Lord Vishnu. Lakshmi embodies both material and spiritual prosperity, allowing the balance and harmony of the world. She was born from a lotus because she had been born during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by gods and demons and chose Vishnu as her partner. They, therefore, take care of and preserve the universe.
This Hindu goddess is worshipped for abundance and has showered blessings on those who live with integrity and devotion. The first incarnation was in Ramayana as Sita, representing devotion and virtue; another embodiment was made in Mahabharata as Draupadi, who was dharma incarnate through testing. Another feature of the worship of Lakshmi during Diwali and the other festivals is that it brings into focus the aspects of her expression: thanksgiving and the pursuit of wealth as well as dharma. Stories about her teach that real richness comes through hard work, generosity, and following moral principles. Ma Lakshmi can also be found in many Hindu temples, where you can visit and offer your prayers, perform Laxmi ji ki aartis, chant mantras and seek blessings at any time of the year.
Lakshmi Names – Vishnupriya, Mahalakshmi
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