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Other Goddesses

Hinduism encompasses a diverse range of goddesses who are worshipped independently, beyond mainstream practices and traditions. Some are venerated secretly in various Dakshinachara (Tantric sects that do not engage in heterodox practices), where their descriptions are often undisclosed. Over time, many goddesses have lost their prominence or significance within their traditions. Below are some notable goddesses.

  • Anumati is a lunar goddess and the beholder of the formal activity of nature. Her mount is a Blackbuck.

  • Asvayujau is a goddess of good luck, joy, and happiness.

  • Daruka is a forest deity and a demoness who became a goddess by Parvati’s blessings.

  • Ekadashi was born out of Lord Vishnu on Utpanna Ekadashi day to annihilate Demon Mur who intended to kill sleeping Lord Vishnu. Goddess Ekadashi is considered one of the Shaktis of Lord Vishnu and hence has the protective powers of Lord Vishnu.

  • Lajja Gauri is a goddess associated with fertility and sexuality, Her name means “modesty”. She is depicted with a lotus head and sitting in a squatting position with her legs open.

  • Manisha is the goddess of the mind.

  • Para, Para Para, and Apara: They are the three forms of Shakti Kashmir Shaivism. These three goddesses reside on prongs of Shiva’s Trident. Para resides in the middle prong of the Trident. She has a white complexion and is regarded in the highest form. Parapara resides in the left prong. She is shown as wild and terrifying. She is depicted in a red complexion and wearing a garland of skulls. Apara resides in the right prong and is also wild and terrifying, wearing a garland of skulls. Her complexion is black.

  • Para-Shatka is a group of six goddesses mentioned in  Manthanabhairava Tantra. They are Tisraavvaa, Aghoranaayikaa, Ghoraa, Ghorataraavaa, Yakshiini, Khanjini. Yakshiini is often replaced with Candaakshi in some accounts. 

  • Purneshvari was a popularly worshipped mother goddess during the Pala period in eastern India, revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. A sculpture of her found in Monghyr District, Bihar, has four arms and is seated on a double-lotus throne with one pendant foot resting on a lotus stem.

  • Tvarita is tantric form Manasa. She is depicted with a single head or with nine heads and multiple arms carrying an umbrella made of Peacock feathers and various attributes. She is adorned with peacock feathers.

  • Vartali Devi is a tantric goddess of mind and emotions, worshipped in the Kaulantak Peeth in Himachal Pradesh. She has four forms, represented by her four different complexions. They are Rakta Vartali, Peet Vartali, Neel Vartali and Shyama Vartali.

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