Devi and Her Aspects

Sri Ramakrishna says that there can be as many spiritual paths as there are spiritual aspirants. Extending this further, we can accept as its corollary that there can be as many gods as there are devotees. As long as the central fact, viz., that these gods are the doorways leading to the one Godhead, is not forgotten, polytheism, pantheism, henotheism or 'any-theism' is acceptable. The bewildering variety of the Hindu gods should be viewed from this angle.

An unbiased, if not reverent, study of the Hindu gods and goddesses can convince anyone of the rich symbology they represent. Contemplating on them symbolical significance will help us to be raised to more profound levels of spiritual experience.

In this booklet a humble attempt has been made to unravel the symbolism of Devi and her various aspects. We earnestly hope that it will provide the readers with a basic knowledge of these deities and rouse their curiosity to know about the other deities of the Hindu pantheon also.

Readers who may be interested in a more comprehensive study of the deities of the Hindu pantheon are advised to go through my book, Hindu Gods and Goddess, published by the Sri Ramakrishna Math, Madras.

Contents:

Introduction
Sarasvati
Lakshmi
Samudramathana (Churning of the Ocean)
Aspect of Lakshmi
Eight Saktis of Vishnu
Alaksmi
Parvati
Aspect of Parvati 
   Sapta-Matrkas
Dasamahavidyas
Durga
Kali
Lalita
Other aspects of Parvati

Of Related Interest:

Shakti: Power and Femininity in Indian Art

A Kali in Every Woman: Motherhood and the Dark Goddess Archetype

Wisdom Goddesses : Mahavidyas and the Assertion of Femininity in Indian Thought

Every Woman a Goddess: The Ideals of Indian Art

Parvati the Love Goddess: Tales of Marriage and Devotion in Art and Mythology

Durga : Narrative Art of an 'Independent' Warrior Goddess

Lakshmi and Saraswati - Tales in Mythology and Art

Mother Goddess as Kali - The Feminine Force in Indian Art