Significance of Mahamaya
Mahamaya is a multifaceted concept across various religious traditions. In Jainism, she is linked to the church's founder. In South Asia, she symbolizes the emotional impact of Buddha's death on his loved ones, while in Tibetan Buddhism, she relates to the Bodhisattva's mother and is associated with certain Tantric teachings. In Vaishnavism, Mahamaya embodies the illusory energy connected to Shri Krishna, influencing perception and reality. Lastly, in Shaktism and other traditions, she is revered as a powerful goddess representing creation, illusion, and divine feminine energy.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mahamaya'
Mahamaya in Buddhism symbolizes the nurturing aspect of motherhood, representing the source of life and cosmic illusion, and plays a crucial role in the spiritual development and teachings of the Bodhisattva.
From: The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The mother of prince Dighavu, representing a lineage of nobility and illustrating the importance of familial connections in the narrative.[1] (2) The identity of the mother of the Bodhisatta in this story, emphasizing her significant role.[2] (3) The mother of the Buddhist figure, representing nurturing and the source of life.[3]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) One of the tantras studied by the boy, contributing to his spiritual education.[4] (2) A particular cycle of teachings in Tantric Buddhism, which mar pa was initiated into.[5] (3) The mother of the Bodhisattva in whose womb he was conceived for his earthly life.[6]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) A Yi-dam form of Brahma, depicted as a gentle deity with four heads and representing cosmic illusion.[7] (2) A combination of significant Buddhist figures.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Mahamaya'
Mahamaya in Hinduism symbolizes the supreme feminine energy, representing creation, preservation, and illusion. She's invoked as the divine mother for protection, granting desires, and embodies the cosmic power that governs existence and the material world.
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The name of the seed Mantra that was silently repeated during meditation.[9] (2) The divine presence that dwells in Kamakhya, representing the essence of all ritual and spiritual practices.[10] (3) The form of the Goddess who is worshipped to gain peace and is noted for removing fears from her devotees.[11] (4) The divine illusion or magical power of the Goddess, which enchants and distracts the two Daityas during the battle.[12] (5) The primordial force known as the cause of bondage and release for all beings, associated with the equilibrium of the three Gunas.[13]
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) The divine form taken by Shrimata, who answered the prayers of the Brahmanas and provided them with protection.[14] (2) The goddess associated with the divine feminine energy that grants powerful requests related to childbirth and blessings.[15] (3) The creator, sustainer, and destroyer of worldly bondage, whom Shivasharman failed to meditate upon.[16] (4) The Supreme Power that is responsible for the creation of individual Purushas and their subsequent unions with Pradhanas.[17] (5) A divine aspect that, when worshipped, frees the devotee from Visnumaya and grants access to the greatest region.[18]
From: The Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A title for Devi that emphasizes her powerful, transformative nature.[19] (2) The divine energy or illusion that was cast by Vishnu that contributed to the defeat of the demons.[20] (3) The supreme form of a goddess embodying great illusion and creativity.[21] (4) The goddess worshiped by King Suratha and Vaishya Samadhi, also known as Devi, who grants blessings and answers to her devotees.[22] (5) The goddess created by the combined energies of the gods for the purpose of defeating Mahishasura.[23]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) The supreme aspect of Maya that pervades and influences the universe, invoked for protection and guidance.[24] (2) Another title for the goddess, emphasizing her great illusionary power and divine femininity.[25]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) A powerful goddess who intervenes with her arrows to aid the Shaktis against the Daityas.[26] (2) The greater illusion or power that the Daityas believe will prevail in battle.[27]
From: The Agni Purana
(1) A form of the goddess invoked for protection and destruction against enemies.[28]
From: The Markandeya Purana
(1) The goddess whose glories are extolled in the Devi-mahatmya section of the Markandeya Purana, representing the unity of divine energies.[29]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The universal mother who encompasses the entire universe and operates under the guidance of the Lord, representing illusion and material nature.[30] (2) The material energy associated with sense enjoyment, which often obscures the truth of the spiritual realm.[31] (3) The mother of the universe who awards various miseries to living entities engaged in material enjoyment.[32] (4) Mahamaya is a term used to refer to Vishnu-maya, who is regarded as worshipable due to the influence of worshiping Vishnu.[33] (5) An expansion related to the events described, involved in the exchange with Krishna.[34]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The powerful divine energy or potency of Shri Krishna that functions to create, maintain, and destroy the world.[35] (2) The great illusion or divine energy that creates the material world and can delude the living entities.[36] (3) The great illusory potency that manifests the material world, showing its temporary nature.[37] (4) The great illusory potency associated with Shri Krishna that affects perception and reality.[38]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) the illusion-generating potency which is responsible for the manifestation of the material world.[39] (2) The aspect of divine power responsible for the creation of the material world, associated with ignorance.[40]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) The name used for the Goddess Varahi, indicating her great illusion and power.[41]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) Another name for Mulaprakriti, denoting its role as the power wielded by God Parabrahman.[42]
Jain concept of 'Mahamaya'
In Jainism, Mahamaya is interpreted as the founder of the church, receiving homage from Varuna before his departure, highlighting her significant spiritual role and authority within the religion.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Referenced as the founder of the church to whom Varuna sends his obeisance before passing away.[43]
The concept of 'Mahamaya' in local and regional sources
Mahamaya signifies both the queen grieving for Buddha, showcasing deep personal sorrow, and a goddess revered for her divine power and beauty, highlighting her dual role in personal and spiritual contexts.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The queen who wept for Buddha, illustrating the personal impact of his death on loved ones.[44]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The goddess being worshipped, symbolizing divine power and beauty.[45]