In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Kubjarūpā (कुब्जरूपा) refers to one having a “bent form” and is used to describe the Goddess, according to Tantric texts such as the Kubjikāmata-tantra, the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—Accordingly, “After the great soul Bhairava had praised the Great Goddess in this way, the Supreme Goddess broke open the Liṅga and emerged (from it). She was (dark) like blue collyrium, her form bent (kubjarūpā) and her belly (large like a) wolf. Her mouth, with projecting teeth, was slightly open and her hair (was tied) up (in the) barbarian style (barbara). Of many forms, she was both beautiful and deformed. Her left hand extended, Vāmadevī (the Goddess of the Left) spoke”.

Note: Various reasons are given in the sources for her being ‘bent’. Some of these relate to her personal mythic identity. From this perspective, we are told a little further on in the text that she is bent with bashfulness (lajjā) when she sees Bhairava. [...] Her bent condition relates also to her metaphysical identity as Kuṇḍalinī. Commonly represented as a coiled, sleeping serpent symbolizing latent potency, Kuṇḍalinī is regularly referred to in all Śaiva Tantric traditions as having a ‘crooked shape’ (kuṭilākārā). [...] Kubjikā is not coiled around the Liṅga, as Kuṇḍalinī is represented in the later Tantras, she is ‘bent over’ within the Liṅga in the body of the deity. As such it contains the entire universe and, within it, the goddess pervades it.

context information

Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Kubja, Rupa.

Full-text: Lajja, Kutilakara, Shyama, Ankurakara, Ankura, Barbara, Karala.

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