Significance of Mahadevi
Mahadevi refers to the Great Goddess, symbolizing supreme divine feminine energy and power in Hindu belief. She is venerated as a central figure embodying strength, universal motherliness, and divine essence. Associated with divine play and Yogamaya, Mahadevi also carries titles that reflect her significant status and impact in spiritual realms. Recognized as the source of all wisdom in Shaktism, Mahadevi plays a crucial role in various Hindu traditions, illustrating her revered position across texts, including the Purana and Kavya.
Synonyms: Goddess, Divine mother, Great goddess, Devi, Shakti, Durga, Parvati, Kali
In Dutch: Mahadevi; In Finnish: Mahadevi
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Mahadevi'
Mahadevi in Hinduism embodies the Great Goddess symbolizing divine feminine energy, wisdom, and power. She presides over deities, signifies auspiciousness, and represents universal motherliness, highlighting her revered status and significance in spiritual contexts.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A title of the Devi reflecting her supreme status and power in the spiritual realm.[1] (2) The Great Goddess who occupies the seat composed of the five elements and presides over all deities.[2] (3) Revered as the Great Goddess, symbolizing the highest form of divine feminine energy in the text.[3] (4) The Great Goddess, embodying strength, power, and universal motherliness in her divine essence.[4] (5) The great goddess, representing supreme feminine power and divinity in Hindu belief.[5]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the great goddess, highlighting the supreme form of divine feminine energy.[6] (2) A highly resplendent goddess known all over the earth, also referred to as Balatibaladaityaghni.[7]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) The great goddess whose narrative is associated with auspiciousness and blessings.[8] (2) Another epithet for the goddess, indicating her supreme and divine status.[9]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The deity from whom Vishnu and Brahma were created as part of Brahma's creation.[10]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The supreme goddess, a form of Shakti representing divine feminine energy.[11]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) A title bestowed upon Queen Yashomati, reflecting her important role and status.[12] (2) A title granted to Yashomati, signifying her high status and honor among other queens.[13]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) The great goddess representing the divine feminine and the source of all wisdom in tantras.[14]
The concept of Mahadevi in local and regional sources
Mahadevi represents the Great Goddess in Hindu traditions, symbolizing divine feminine power and encompassing various goddesses and aspects of femininity, thus reflecting the importance of the feminine in spiritual and cultural contexts.
From: Diaspora of Bhuta (Daiva) worshipping cult—India and Indonesia
(1) The concept of the Great Goddess, embodying divine feminine power in various Hindu traditions.[15]