From the goddess of learning and music to the goddess of wealth, Hinduism worships an assortment of gods and goddesses that represent many aspects of everyday living. In this article, you are introduced to a few goddesses, including Sati , the Hindu goddess of marital happiness and longevity.
Sati
As the Hindu goddess of marital happiness and longevity, Hindu women who wish to maintain the livelihood of their husbands often worship Sati. Reading Hindu mythology, you will find that Sati is responsible for luring Shiva from isolation so that she may participate in the creativity of the world. Because of this goddess, we have the Act of Sati, which is a funeral practice that sees a recently widowed woman voluntarily set herself on fire by throwing herself on her husband’s funeral pyre. This final act is seen as a way to display their ever-lasting loyalty and devotion to their companion. Today, the practice is quite rare and outlawed in modern India.
Lakshmi
As the goddess of wealth, people who have a family usually worship Lakshmi in hopes of receiving good health and prosperity for their loved ones. If one is looking to succeed in any outside pursuits, such as striking up a new business deal, praying to Lakshmi is seen as a way to increase their chances of accomplishing what they wish to receive. Often shown as standing in a lotus throne, holding lotus buds, she serves as a symbol for beauty and fertility.
Sarasvati
During the early part of 1300 BC, it is believed that the goddess of learning and music, Sarasvati, was first recognized. In the beginning, she was known as Vach, who was seen as both speech itself and the goddess of speech. In later years, when she was viewed as transforming into the goddess of learning and music, Sarasvati was given a new name and became associated with traveling by way of a swan. In Hinduism, she is thought to be the consort of the god Brahma. Some of her devotees include students of all ages, especially young children who are just starting out in their studies. For those who sing or play instruments, she is a scared goddess.
Dayini
The first appearances of female deities in Hinduism came in the form of dayani, who was gentle in nature and fulfilled the desires of the devoted. This figure watches out for those who show adoration, bestowing upon them fortune, wealth, and success. In the Hindu religion, dayinis take on many different forms. Their presence was even felt around the 5th century BC when they were acknowledged in Buddhist and Jain faiths.
When studying the Hindu faith, you will find that there are many different gods and goddesses that followers of the religion worship, including the goddesses:
- Dhumavati , the smoky form of Shakti and also known as the “eternal widow,” Dhumavati is considered the Divine Mother, but has a reputation as someone that is unpleasant to look at and quite feared. A flag associated with the goddess shows a black crow, which serves as a symbol for black magic and darkness.
- Ganga , Known as the River Goddess Ganga/Ganges, Hindu mythology views this goddess as attached to one of the most sacred rivers in the world.
- Radha , In Hindu mythology, Radha (also known as Srimati Radharani in the northern parts of India) is worshipped at temples and is seen as the embodiment of love.