Importance of new Durgas and ten Mahavidyas
Along with the new Durgas, ten Mahavidyas have also been given special importance. They are classified into two major clans: Kali Kul and Sri Kul. Kali Kul includes mother Kali, mother Tara and mother Bhuvaneshwari, while Shri Kul comes in mother Bagalamukhi, mother Kamala, mother Chinnamasta, Maa Tripur Sundari, Maa Tripur Bhairavi, mother Matangi and Maa Dhumavati. The time of special worship of these new Durga and Mahavidyas is Navratri, which are four times a year – Magh, Chaitra, Ashada, and Ashwin are made. Navratri, which comes in Magh and Ashada, is called Gupta Navratri.
Power of ten Mahavidyas
- Maa Kali: The power of Mahakaleshwar, which conquers opponents.
- Maa Tara: Goddess of Tantrikas, whose worship leads to economic progress and salvation.
- Mother Tripura Sundari: Provides wealth, opulence, enjoyment and salvation.
- Maa Bhuvaneshwari: Children pave the way for the attainment of happiness.
- Mother Chinnamasta: She fulfills all wishes.
- Mother Tripura Bhairavi: Free the organism from the bondage.
- Maa Dhumavati: Widows are worshiped not by married women, but by women.
- Mother Bagalamukhi: Gives freedom from fear and speech.
- Maa Matangi: The householder brings happiness in life.
- Mother Kamala: She blesses the attainment of wealth and children.
Glory of Gupta Navratri
The sage Shringi did the work of spreading the glory of Gupta Navratri to the common people. Once the sage Shringi was discussing religion with his devotees in the ashram, when an unhappy woman came to him. She told that due to her husband’s unique tasks, there is discord in the house. Rishi Shringi described him as the glory of Gupta Navratri and suggested to worship ten Mahavidyas. He said that it will definitely benefit him. Since then, the Gupta Navratri started getting circulated in the householders. The practice of this Navratri is kept secret, hence it is called Gupta Navratri.
Penetration
The Gupta Navratri and the worship of ten Mahavidyas have made an important place in Indian culture. This practice not only provides mental and physical pleasure to the devotees, but also brings balance and prosperity in life.
