It is difficult to establish a definitive answer for how many Goddesses are in Hinduism, due to how vast and varied Hinduism is as a practice, as well as its ancient roots. As a result, there is no completely exact number, as varied Hindu sects and practices may mention different Goddesses depending both on regional traditions and individual family devotion. As such, it is difficult to agree on the exact amount of Hindu Goddesses that exist.
Many experts believe that there are at least 333 millions Gods and Goddesses in Hinduism, and this likely includes Goddesses. Some people trace this number to the Jagat, which is the Sanskrit word for an infinite universe. They argue that, since the universe is infinite, and thus contains an infinite amount of energy, it requires an infinite number of Deities to fuel it.
The 10 main Hindu Goddesses are called the Dasha Mahavidyas, or the Ten Wisdom Goddesses. These ten goddesses all play central roles in various Hindu texts and yet they can all be traced back to the goddess Shakti. These 10 goddesses are Kali, Tara, Tripura Sundari, Bhuvanesvari, Bhairavi, Chinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi and Kamala. Each one of these goddesses have a distinct energy, and it is believed that to worship the Dasha Mahavidyas is to call upon the strength of all of Hinduism’s feminine divinities.
Goddesses of Creation
There are many goddesses associated with Creation, including the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati, who is often seen with a stringed instrument. There is also Bhudevi, the Goddess of Earth and Lakshmi, the Goddess of abundance and prosperity. Savitri is another goddess associated with Creation and she is often seen riding the sun with her husband. Additionally, the warrior Goddess Durga, who symbolises strength and courage and is depicted riding a lion, is an important deity in Hinduism.
Goddesses of Destruction
Kali is an oft-cited example of a goddess of destruction. As an example of her strength, the battle of existence raged on for thousands of years, until Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism, requested Kali to intervene. She then cut off the heads of the asuras and brought peace to the universe. Kali is also renowned for her massive mystical power, and also her fearsome appearance.
Local Goddesses
In addition to the main goddesses in Hinduism, there are countless local goddesses with whom devout Hindu practitioners can have an intimate spiritual connection. These local goddesses are usually specific for the region and each come with their own mythological stories and cultural traditions. These goddesses can have specific moments of worship and offerings; for example, many Hindu households will make offerings to a particular deity for the wellbeing of their families and close relatives.
Symbiosis Between Goddesses
This vast variation in goddesses, from the 10 major goddesses, to local goddesses, demonstrate the symbiosis between the Goddesses in Hinduism. While individual goddesses are distinct and bring specific inspirations and powers, they can also be relative to one another, as explained by the story of the ten Major Goddesses, who all ultimately descend from the same Goddess- Shakti. This symbiosis between goddesses also allows Hindus to make sense of their complex religious traditions, as they may refer back to a single, overarching goddess.
Understanding Goddesses in Hinduism
It is believed that to truly understand goddesses in Hinduism, practitioners should introspect and navigate their inner spiritual journey. Through this process of course correction, through analyzing various texts associated with Hinduism, such as the Mahabharata and Upanishads, practitioners can gain a better knowledge of the goddesses, as well as of their own spiritual journey. Most texts associated with Hinduism highlight the significance of the goddesses, discussing their importance and powers. It is thought that through meditating on different goddesses, practitioners can access their energies, as well as the energies of the goddesses themselves.
Universal Stability
The purpose of many Hindu goddesses is to ensure universal stability and security. These goddesses can provide protection and favour, but also introduce chaos in their divine interventions. It is believed that these goddesses are the vessels that drive the divine order of the universe, acting both to promote spiritual balance and create unexpected events.
Hindu Art
The significance of Hindu goddesses can also be found in Hindu art. There are many forms of art that are representative of the stature of the goddesses, such as sculptures and paintings. These depictions of gods and goddesses serve as a reminder of their importance in the Hindu faith, and provide physical symbols for the veneration of these entities.
