Significance of Tefnut

Tefnut, in Indian history, is recognized as an Egyptian Goddess associated with moisture and rain. She is often represented with a lioness's head, a symbol of her dominance over essential elements that sustain life. Tefnut embodies the significance of water and rain in agriculture and fertility, reflecting her integral role in the ancient Egyptian belief system concerning nature and sustenance.

Synonyms: Rain, Dew, Humidity, Fertility, Sky goddess

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

The concept of Tefnut in local and regional sources

History Books

Tefnut, an Egyptian goddess symbolizing moisture and rain, embodies the vital elements for life. Often depicted with a lioness’s head, she represents the nurturing aspects of nature essential for sustenance and growth.

Classical concept of 'Tefnut'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Tefnut in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) Tefnut is the female counterpart of Shu, and because Ptah absorbed Shu, Sekhet absorbed Tefnut, showing the interconnectedness of these deities according to the text.[1] (2) Tefnut is a being that was emitted, similar to Shu, and represents another divine entity or aspect emerging during creation.[2] (3) Tefnut represents rain, dew, and moisture, and she is the female counterpart of Shu, and she was produced by Tem and Kheperȧ.[3]

From: Legends Of The Gods

(1) Tefnut is a goddess summoned by Ra, playing a role in the divine assembly called to address the complaints of men and women.[4] (2) Tefnut is a god who was emitted from Neb-er-tcher, and along with Shu, contributed to the transformation of the one god into three.[5] (3) This is one of the entities that were emitted and spat out, alongside Shu, by a singular being. It rejoiced from out of the inert watery mass.[6]

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) Tefnut is among the great godlike rulers in Annu, mentioned with Tmu, Shu, Osiris, and Thoth within the chapter.[7] (2) Tefnut, known as 'lady of heaven', is identified as one of the deities seated among the twelve gods during the heart weighing scene.[8] (3) Tefnut, the third member of the company of the gods of Annu, was the daughter of Ra, twin-sister of Shu, representing moisture and sunlight, and in the pyramid texts, carrying away thirst from the deceased.[9]

From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World

(1) Tefnut represented the dew that fell from the tree of dawn, giving moisture and water, but in another character, she is fierce as fire and portrayed as a lioness.[10]

From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians

(1) This entity is seated on a specific entity's head, hurling flames of fire against enemies and making them to be destroyed utterly.[11]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.