Dasa Mahavidya | 10 Mahavidya | Ten Mahavidya |

 A Look at the Origins of Tantric Symbolism with The 10 Mahavidyas

In Hinduism, the Mahavidyas (IAST: Mahāvidyā, lit. Great Wisdoms) are 10 manifestations of the Divine Mother, also known as Kali or Devi. Given their Tantric nature, the Mahavidyas are typically recognized as

Kali:

"Devourer of Time," the most powerful manifestation of Brahman (Supreme Deity in Kalikula systems).

Tara: 

The Goddess Who Saves, or Who Leads and Guards. Neel Saraswati, the ultimate wisdom that leads to salvation, is what she offers.

Tripura Sundari (Shodashi): 

The "Tantric Parvati" or the "Moksha Mukta," the Goddess Who is "Beautiful in the Three Worlds" (the highest deity in the Srikula systems).

Bhuvaneshvari: 

The Cosmos is the Goddess's body, or the Goddess as Mother of the World.

Bhairavi:

 She is a fierce and frightening manifestation of the Goddess, and she is quite similar to Kali in nature.

Chhinnamasta: 

The Goddess Who Cut Off Her Own Head.

Dhumavati: 

The Goddess of Death, often known as the Widow Goddess

Bagalamukhi:  

 Bagalamukhi is also known as Devi of Stambhana (स्तम्भन), which means one who has the power to paralyze.  She is worshipped for her capturing and paralyzing power

Matangi: 

the "Tantric Saraswati," or prime minister of Lalita (in Srikula traditions).

Kamala: 

Known as the "Tantric Lakshmi," or Lotus Goddess.

In the practice of Hinduism and Tantra, the Mahavidyas serve as objects of meditation and rituals, guiding the practitioner toward spiritual liberation. Each goddess provides a path to self-realization, revealing the truth of the universe and the soul.