Chandi Path (DP)

The great Goddess Mahamaya, instinct in every bit of the entire universe and its controller, has illimitable power and energy. The Mother Goddess of the world is also the presiding deity of the entire creation. The worship of her various incarnations enhances the worshippers’ power and the wicked receive due punishment. The invocation of the Nava-Durgas (the nine forms of Mother Durga) bestows on the devotee great rewards and fulfils all his or her wishes. According to the Hatha- Yoga, the nine openings of the human body are believed to be the nine power centres of this Goddess.

The eight arms of the Mahadevi (Great Goddess) represent the five basic elements (Pancha Mahabhoota) and the three basic attributes (viz. the Satrvika, Rajasika and Taamasika) of nature. The Great Goddess’s every incarnation is linked with the Tantra Shasrra, which also reveals her supreme glory.

According to the Shiv Purana, the ten incarnations of Lord Shiv had these incarnations of the goddess. Their names along with Lord Shiv’s names are listed below:

(1) In Lord Mahadeva’s (Shiv’s) Mahakaal incarnation she is’ associated as Mahakali.
(2) In Lord Mahadeva’s Taarkeshwara incarnation she IS associated as Bhagawati Taara.
(3) In Lord Mahadeva’s Bhuvanesh incarnation she IS associated as Bhagawati Bhuvaneshwari.
(4) In Lord Mahadeva’s Shodash incarnation she is associated as Shodashi.
(5) In Mahadeva’s Bhairava incarnation she is associated as Bhairavi.
(6) In Mahadeva’s Chhinnamastaka incarnation she is associated as Chhinnamasta.