Significance of Divine mother
Synonyms: Goddess, Holy mother, Sacred mother, Divine feminine, Creator, Deity, Mother goddess
In Dutch: Goddelijke moeder; In German: Göttliche Mutter; In Finnish: Jumalallinen äiti; In Spanish: Madre divina
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Divine mother'
The Divine Mother in Hinduism, often embodied by Mahalakshmi, represents a nurturing, protective, and graceful aspect of divinity. She is vital for spiritual upliftment, prosperity, and is central to the feminine energy in creation and sustenance.
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The ultimate maternal figure representing divinity and grace.[1] (2) A term used to refer to the divine feminine presence exemplified by Lakshmi, whose closeness to the Lord emphasizes unity and divine love.[2] (3) A term used to refer to the Goddess as a nurturing and powerful figure in the spiritual context.[3] (4) A reference to a revered feminine figure, suggesting a deep connection to the divine and influential in achieving closeness with the Lord.[4] (5) The Goddess Shri, representing nurturing and protection, especially in relation to the devotees.[5]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Reference to celestial beings defeated by one of the manifestations of Shri Nrisimha.[6]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A revered figure in the text, believed to bestow help and guidance to those who worship her.[7] (2) Another title for the Goddess, emphasizing her maternal and protective qualities over her devotees.[8] (3) Refers to the feminine aspect of divinity, viewed as compassionate and nurturing, central in the worship of Gayatri.[9] (4) A term referring to the goddess who embodies auspiciousness and divine power.[10] (5) A term used for the Devi that emphasizes her maternal aspect and her role as a protector and benefactor.[11]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Deities that grace the mantras, helping them become spotless and capable of yielding perfection.[12] (2) Various forms of divine feminine energy associated with creation and nurturing, often linked to the earth and nature.[13] (3) Refers to goddesses like Kumari and Brahmani, who are invoked for blessings and guidance.[14] (4) A term referring to goddesses, who should be placed in the south during the installation of images.[15] (5) A reference to the goddesses who are worshipped alongside the Yoginis and other divine figures.[16]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Goddesses revered in Hinduism for their nurturing and protective qualities, representing various aspects of femininity.[17] (2) A collective term referring to a group of female deities that receive worship during the rite.[18] (3) A category that includes various female deities, such as Vaishnavi, regarded with reverence in the naming of Savitri.[19]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the nurturing aspect of the goddess as a protector and benefactor of the devotees.[20] (2) A revered feminine archetype that is to be ideally worshipped and installed properly across all directions.[21] (3) A reverential term for the feminine consort of a deity, recognized as the universe's primary nurturing force.[22]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A term referring to waters as nurturing figures, as mentioned by the Fire-god.[23] (2) A title referred to the Earth by the Devas, emphasizing her significance in the unfolding events.[24] (3) The medicinal herbs are considered divine mothers who are free from egoism and are worthy of honor from the worlds.[25]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) A title referring to Lalita, highlighting her sacred maternal role and authority in the cosmic order.[26] (2) A reference to the spiritual aspect of the goddess that is invoked through the mantras and represents an aspect of divine feminine energy.[27]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to Bhishma’s mother, Ganga, who appears to counsel him regarding the impending battle.[28]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Refers to various maternal deities who play nurturing and protective roles.[29]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) The revered figure representing the nurturing and protective aspects of femininity, often equated with creation and benevolence.[30]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The representation of the feminine divine in various Indian spiritual traditions, often depicted as the source of creation.[31] (2) An exalted representation of Shakti, embodying nurturing aspects of divinity and a central figure in Shakta devotion.[32] (3) A representation of the feminine aspect of divinity in Hinduism, viewed as nurturing, creatress, and sustainer of the universe.[33] (4) Refers to the transcendent aspect of the Mother, embodying compassion, life, and liberation.[34]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Goddesses associated with various aspects of spirituality and protection, included in the installation ceremonies.[35]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) Referring to the goddess worshipped by Shankara, symbolizing divine feminine energy and protection in the narrative.[36]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A group led by Narayani, gathering for a purpose related to the god Bhairava.[37]
The concept of Divine mother in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Divine Mother" embodies the feminine divine in various traditions, emphasizing nurturing, spiritual grace, and power. It symbolizes the essential role of feminine energy in human evolution, spiritual wisdom, and compassionate guidance across Hindu beliefs.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The spiritual representation of maternal figures, indicating the revered status of Amma and Devi in the context of the author's life.[38] (2) A representation of the divine feminine force that links the Supreme and Jiva, embodying grace and maternal qualities.[39] (3) A representation of higher spiritual power that the character King Aswapathy worships for benevolence.[40] (4) A portrayal of God as a nurturing female figure, embodying love and compassion.[41] (5) A term that represents a revered feminine divine figure in various religious contexts.[42]
From: Diaspora of Bhuta (Daiva) worshipping cult—India and Indonesia
(1) Refers to Devi, the female aspect of the divine in Hinduism, encapsulating the concept of absolute divinity.[43] (2) The supreme feminine principle adored by Shaktas, often represented in different forms.[44] (3) A representation of Shakti as the nurturing and overarching feminine force in the universe, symbolizing both power and compassion.[45]