Devi

Devi ( Sanskrit, f, देवी, Devi, "Goddess ") is a Hindu goddess. She plays particularly in Shaktism as Shakti a role and is regarded as Mahadevi ( Great Goddess ) as the only goddess who unites all other goddesses, because all goddesses appear thus only as forms of Devis different natures. Their shapes are many and varied, it appears as Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Durga, Kali, Gauri and Parvati or as the Mahavidyas.

The first written source that is reported by Devi as the supreme being and Allgöttin a Purana of the 6th century, the Devi Mahatmya ( " praise the goddess "). In the Lalita - Sahasranama Goddess ( Vishvadika ) appears under many names, such as " root of life " ( Jagatikanda ), "She who transcends the universe " or ", which equals nothing" ( Nirupama )

Devi is regarded as creator and ruler of the universe, it is the creative aspect of the Absolute (Brahman ) and universal mother. So it is called " Mata ," Mother. Devi is seen as an active force ( Shakti ), which manifests itself as the universe. She is very basis and root of existence and existence itself, and as such acts as Maya. It is regarded as the highest reality and in this form is an active, creative and transcendent force. In some cults and myths she dominates the male gods, this is considered as superior and as the highest manifestation of the Absolute as absolute reality and absolute truth. In these myths Devi is the primal force, obtained from the male gods instructions for creation or destruction.

In " Devi - Bhagavata Purana " it is described as Allgöttin as follows: "It is only your strength, creates with the Brahma, Vishnu and receives the destroyed with Shiva at the end of the universe again. Therefore, they would be powerless without your intervention and for this reason you're alone creator, preserver and destroyer of the world. "

Devi in mythology

Devis central role in mythology is the creator and the queen of the universe. It is usually described as a beautiful young woman sitting on a throne in the highest heaven, and is surrounded by thousands of subordinates. In a myth the feet of the throne of Devi are the four male Hindu gods, as in most myths they appear as Devis creatures. As Queen of the innumerable universes and innumerable Brahmas, Shivas and Vishnu that emerge from it, Devis function is scooping, obtaining and destroying. It is said that the world would be destroyed if Devi closes her eyes and Give life again when she opens her eyes. Although she is the queen of the universe, Devi also takes an active role in this one, by protecting the world, maintains the cosmic order and gives their creatures shelter and food. Despite its function as a great mother she often appears as a warrior. In this form it is identified by Durga.

In addition to their military and benevolent forms of Devi also appears in terrible forms. In Devi Bhagavata Purana, the Devi gods want to see in their cosmic form, whereupon they freeze in terror, because Devi appears with thousands of heads, thousands of eyes and thousands of feet. Your body is covered by a devouring flame and her eyes emit light that is brighter than a thousand suns. Your teeth grind up the universe and cause terrible noise, which is why the gods back away in horror.