Hindu Goddesses hold a special place in the Hindu Religion.
In fact, India is one of those countries where feminine energy is worshiped in the form of Hindu Goddesses.
They are considered The Supreme Deity which is responsible for the creation, protection, and destruction of the Universe.
They are also known as “Devi” which is the feminine form of the Supreme Energy.
Today, we take a look at the Hindu Goddesses which are popular in the Hindu Religion.
The concept of Goddesses was first popularized in the Vedas. Goddesses such as Usha and Saraswati have been mentioned and worshiped in the hymns of Vedas.
So, the worship of Goddesses or Hindu Devi began in the ancient era which has continued into the modern era.
Moreover, the Puranas – religious texts of the Hindus – are filled with praises for the Hindu Goddesses. In Devi Mahatmya, we go on to witness Hindu Goddesses in their full glory, wherein they are manifested as the ultimate truth and supreme power.
Hindu Goddesses are often seen relieving devotees of their problems. They go on to bless them with health, wealth, and prosperity. In fact, the Devi worship has inspired the “Shaktism” tradition of Hinduism. It has become a major tradition along with Shaivism, and Vaishnavism.
The followers of Shaktism consider Devi or Shakti to be the Supreme Deity. Moreover, Devi worship is an important aspect of Hinduism wherein Hindus consider Shakti – the Hindu Goddesses – to be their major Deity along with Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, and Surya (the Sun God).
Hindu Goddesses are highly revered and powerful. They play a central role in the protection of Universe. Even the Devas – the masculine representatives of the supreme power – are seen approaching them for help in times of distress and problems.
There have been various incarnations of the Hindu Goddesses. Prominent among them include Sita, Ganga, Tulsi, and Radha.
Plus, there are numerous festivals which honor the Hindu Goddesses.
Some of the most important festivals linked to Hindu Goddesses are Navratri, Diwali, and Gauri Pujan. In Navratri, Hindus worship the different aspects of Goddess Durga.
Diwali is linked to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, whereas In Gauri Pujan, Goddess Parvati is worshiped.
So, let’s witness this Hindu Goddesses List and find out what are the popular and prominent Hindu Goddesses Names in the Hindu Religion.
Hindu Goddesses are not only powerful but are also supreme.
Table of Contents
Popular Hindu Goddesses
10. Radha
Radha is considered as the greatest companion and devotee of Lord Krishna. Radha is also known as Radharani or Radhika.
Although Radha is not a reincarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, she has attained to Godhood due to her enormous love and devotion towards Lord Krishna.
Radha and Krishna are considered incomplete with each other.
Radha has become a household name in the Hindu Families so much so that people chant the name of Radha before Lord Krishna.
A popular poetic hymn in Hindu goes, “Radhe Radhe Japoo Chale Aaye Gain Bihari,” meaning – Chant the name of Radha and Lord Krishna will come to bless you. Moreover, some chant the sacred mantra – “Radhe Krishna Radhe Krishna” which again goes on to show the importance of Radha.
The Bhagwat Purana is filled with stories showing the immense love and devotion of Radha towards Lord Krishna. It goes on to show the longing of each devotee to be united with the Supreme Lord. It is because of her devotion that Radha has attained the status of Goddess and is worshiped by a large number of devotees.
9. Tulsi
Tulsi is a Hindu Goddess which is worshiped in the form of a basil plant. The plant has medicinal and mythological importance in Hinduism.
The story of Tulsi is related to Vrinda and Jalandhar.
Vrinda was the wife of demon king Jalandhar who was very powerful and threatened the existence of the Devas. He rose to power because of the ardent devotion of Vrinda towards Lord Vishnu.
All the Devas requested Lord Vishnu to save them from the wrath and cruelty of Jalandhar. So, Lord Vishnu took the appearance of Jalandhar and approached Vrinda.
This destroyed the powers of Jalandhar and Devas overcame the resilience of Jalandhar.
When Vrinda realized that it was Lord Vishnu who disguised himself in the form of Jalandhar, she cursed him to be born as a stone in the form of Shaligram.
Vrinda eventually threw herself into the pyre and was reborn as Tulsi. Lord Vishnu had blessed Vrinda that she would be worshiped by the devotees in the form of Tulsi.
8. Kamadhenu
Kamadhenu has a special place in the Hindu mythology. She is considered as the mother of all cows and goddess of plenty.
Goddess Kamadhenu is capable of fulfilling the truest wishes of her devotees. She is often depicted as a cow with the head of a woman. It is believed that Goddess Kamadhenu contains various deities inside her. By worshipping Kamadhenu, devotees get the blessings of all the deities and Devas.
Hindus consider cows as pious because of Goddess Kamadhenu. In fact, Kamadhenu emerged in the process of Samudra Manthan when the Devas and the Asuras churned the great oceans.
Every part of Kamadhenu body has special significance. For example, her four legs represent the four Vedas. Her horns symbolize the Gods, and the humps represent the Himalayas.
Goddess Kamadhenu is considered sacred by all the Hindus and is worshiped with great devotion.
7. Sita
Sita is considered as the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. She is also known by the name of Janaki as she is the daughter of Janak, the king of Janakpur.
It is believed that Sita evolved from Bhoomi and was discovered by his father, Janak. That’s why she is also called the daughter of mother earth.
Sita was married to Lord Ram and was extremely devoted to him. She is one of the central characters in the epic Ramayan.
When Lord Ram was given exile, Sita chooses to accompany his husband along with Laxman.
As events unfolded, Sita was abducted by the demon king Ravana and was flown to Lanka. Lord Ram eventually killed Ravana and saved Sita.
She is known for feminine power and pious virtues in Hinduism. Sita has been a figure of devotion and resilience in the Hindu Religion.
6. Ganga
Ganga is one of the popular Goddess in Hindu mythology.
Ganga flows as a river through the Himalayas and down to the plains of India.
It is believed that Ganga waters have magical powers of washing away the sins and negativity of people.
In fact, Ganga is worshiped by millions of Hindus all over the world. People from all parts of the world come to Ganga and take a holy dip. The world famous Kumbh Mela is organized on the Ghats of river Ganga in Allahabad, India.
Ganga is the daughter of Parvat Raj Himalaya and sister to Goddess Parvati.
She descended from heaven to wash the sins of humankind at the request of Lord Shiva.
It is believed that Lord Shiva held the waters of Ganga in his hairs as Mother Earth was incapable of bearing the force of its water when Ganga descended onto the Earth.
5. Saraswati
Saraswati Mata is the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge, Learning, and Music. She endows human beings with the powers of wisdom, speech, and learning. In fact, Goddess Saraswati represents wisdom and pure consciousness. She is also known as Sharada. Goddess Saraswati is the consort of Lord Brahma.
Many believe that she is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. She is often portrayed sitting on a swan. She holds Veena, a musical instrument, and Vedas in her hands. She is considered as the Mother of the Holy Vedas. Hindus observe Saraswati Puja on the day of Vasant Panchami.
4. Kali
Hindu Goddess Kali represents the fierce form of Shakti in the Hindu tradition. She is often known as a destroyer or the one who liberates the soul from all evils. She is an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
In fact, Goddess Durga took the form of Kali to defeat the demon named Raktbeej who had a boon that each drop of his blood would evolve into a powerful demon. Thus, Kali is portrayed as a fierce, angry Goddess with the garland of skulls, a knife, and a bowl in her hands.
During the war with Raktbeej, Goddess Kali became very aggressive and destructive. So, to calm her, Lord Shiva lay down under her feet. When Goddess Kali realized that she had put her foot on Lord Shiva, she bit her tongue realizing her mistake.
3. Lakshmi
Hindu Goddess Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth, prosperity, abundance, and fertility. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi emerged during the Samudra Manthan when Asuras and Devas churned the mighty oceans.
She is worshiped during the festival of Diwali. Every Hindu worships Goddess Lakshmi. She has a golden complexion and holds a lotus bud which is a symbol of purity, beauty, and fertility.
2. Gayatri Devi
Gayatri Devi is the Hindu Goddess of knowledge, purity, wealth and prosperity. She is considered as the Mother of the Holy Vedas. Some recognize her as the mother of all Gods and the culmination of Lakshmi, Kali, and Saraswati. Goddess Gayatri is the five faced Goddess and controls the essential life forces which govern our actions.
She is portrayed seated on a red lotus which signifies wealth. She is accompanied by a white swan. The famous Gayatri Mantra represents the Supreme Lord.
“Aum Bhoor Bhuwah Swaha, Tat Savitur Varenyam,
Bhargo Devasaya Dheemahi, Dhiyo Yo Naha Prachodayat”
1. Durga
Hindu Goddess Durga is perhaps the most popular manifestations of Shakti or Supreme Feminine Energy. She is known by different names such as Amba, Bhavani, Chandika, Gauri, Sherawali, Vaishno Devi or as Mahisasura Mardini.
Goddess Durga is worshiped during Navratri which in itself is a very important Hindu festival. The nine incarnations of Goddess Durga are worshiped during the Navratri festival.
Goddess Durga is portrayed riding on a lion with multiple hands and holding different weapons including the Trishul. She is the destroyer of the evil forces and blesses devotees with health, wealth, prosperity, and long life.
Other popular Hindu Devi names include Parvati, Tara, Bhuvaneshwari, Dhumavati, Chinnamasta, Maya, Aditi, and the Yamuna.
Goddess Shailputri: She is worshiped on the first day of Navratri
Goddess Brahmacharini: She is worshipped on the second day of Navratri
Goddess Chandraghanta: This incarnation of Goddess Durga is worshipped on the Third Day of Navratri
Goddess Kushmanda: Worshiped on the fourth day of Navratri
Goddess Skanda Mata: The worship is performed on the Fifth day of Navratri
Goddess Katyani: Worshiped on the sixth day of Navratri
Goddess Kalratri is worshiped on the seventh day of Navratri
Goddess Maha Gauri is worshiped on the eighth day of Navratri
Goddess Siddhidatri: She is worshiped on the Ninth day of Navratri.
Hindu Goddesses are the divine representation of the cosmos. Each Hindu Goddess or Devi represent a unique aspect of Shakti. They protect and preserve the Universe.
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