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.
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Anumati is a lunar goddess and the beholder of the formal activity of nature. Her mount is a Blackbuck.
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Asvayujau is a goddess of good luck, joy, and happiness.
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Daruka is a forest deity and a demoness who became a goddess by Parvati’s blessings.
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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.
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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.
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Manisha is the goddess of the mind.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Lesser known forms of Durga
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Shabari Durga: A huntress form of Durga, associated with the Shivir tribe, who live in forests.
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Deepa Durga: She is associated with deepa, a lamp that is considered auspicious. She represents the single light that lights up the entire world.
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Shoolini Durga: She who resides in the Trishula (trident) of Shiva.
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Jatavedasi Durga: She is the goddess of fire ritual herself. She is depicted with a green complexion and four arms.
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Shantha Durga: She is the goddess of peace and bliss, and the one who mediates between Vishnu and Shiva. She has four hands, holding snakes in the upper two and the remaining two hands in Abhaya and Varada mudra.
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Asuri Durga: She is the goddess who wards off evil. She is depicted in a white complexion.
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Lavana Durga: She is the goddess of grace and beauty and she also recites in salt. She was worshipped by Shatrughan, brother of Lord Rama.
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Jwala Durga: She is the goddess of ritualistic fire and volcanic magma.
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Aparajita: She is a destroyer form of Durga, who can’t be defeated, as mentioned in Devi Mahatmyam.
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Chandika/ Chandi: "Chandika" widely popular in the eastern part of India, is an umbrella term for various forms of goddesses. Some notable forms of Chandi are:
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Mangal Chandi: She is also known as Mangala Chandika or Mangalchand and is a form of the goddess Chandi widely revered throughout Bengal. She has an elegant appearance and she is depicted with two hands in the Vardan and Abhaya mudras. She is seated on a vibrant red lotus, wearing red attire.
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Swarna Godhika Chandi: She is a manifestation of the goddess who appears as a golden monitor lizard in front of Nilambar, a Shiva disciple, born as Kalketu.
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Kamalekamini: Another form of the goddess Chandika mentioned in Bengali folklore is Kamalekamini. She is shown sitting on lotus flowers and holding two elephants in her hands. She is occasionally depicted swallowing the elephant alive.
