The Ten Mahavidyas
Meet the ten forms of the Divine Mother honoured in our Puja and learn about Adi Maa's place at the centre of our celebration.
An Introduction
The word Mahavidya is often understood as “great wisdom” or “great knowledge”. The Dasha Mahavidyas are ten forms of the Divine Mother honoured in Shakta traditions. Each has a distinct name, appearance and meaning. Some are shown as gentle and graceful; others appear fierce or unusual. Together, they offer different ways of understanding the power, wisdom and presence of the Divine Mother.
In our celebration, the first Mahavidya is worshipped as Maa Shabashivam Kali. The other forms introduced here are Maa Tara, Maa Shodashi (Shoroshi), Maa Bhuvaneshwari, Maa Bhairavi, Maa Chhinnamasta, Maa Dhumavati, Maa Bagalamukhi (Bogola), Maa Matangi and Maa Kamala (Komola). Kumari Puja is also performed on the night of Dasamahavidya Puja. Names, images and interpretations may differ across traditions; the descriptions below offer a simple introduction for visitors of all ages.
Power, time and transformation
At our Puja, Maa Shabashivam Kali is honoured as the first of the ten Mahavidyas. Kali is a deeply revered form of the Divine Mother, especially in Bengal, and is often shown in a powerful, fierce form. In Shakta traditions, this imagery expresses the force of Shakti and the power of transformation. We use the full name Maa Shabashivam Kali for the form worshipped in our celebration.
The guide through difficulty
Maa Tara is often described as a guide who helps devotees cross difficulties and move towards spiritual freedom. In the Mahavidya tradition, she is connected with wisdom and protection. Some images of Maa Tara may resemble images of Maa Kali, but Tara has her own identity, stories and place in worship.
Beauty of the three worlds
Maa Shoroshi, also known as Shodashi or Tripura Sundari, is associated with beauty and grace across the three worlds. She holds an important place in Sri Vidya traditions. Her name and imagery point to divine beauty and fullness. Her appearance is shown in different ways across religious texts, artworks and traditions.
The Lady of the Worlds
Maa Bhuvaneshwari is associated with the worlds and the universe. She is often understood as a form of the Divine Mother whose presence embraces all creation. Traditional descriptions also connect her with knowledge and the elements that make up the physical world. Her name reminds us of the vastness of the universe and the Goddess's place within it.
The fierce and formidable Goddess
Maa Bhairavi is a fierce and powerful form of the Divine Mother. Her name is linked with Bhairava, a formidable form of Shiva. Her traditional imagery speaks to themes of change, endings and mortality. Though her appearance can be intense, she is approached with reverence in Shakta traditions.
A striking and powerful form
Maa Chhinnamasta is one of the most striking forms among the Mahavidyas. In traditional images, she holds her own severed head, with streams of blood shown flowing from her neck. This intense image has been interpreted in connection with life-force, self-offering and the close relationship between life and death. Its meaning is complex, and explanations differ across traditions.
Wisdom in life's difficult moments
Maa Dhumavati has a unique place among the ten Mahavidyas. In some traditional images, she appears as an elderly widow. Her form is associated with difficult parts of life—such as loss, loneliness and uncertainty—that people may prefer not to speak about. In the Mahavidya tradition, she is treated with reverence and reminds us that wisdom is not found only in happiness, beauty or prosperity; it can also come from facing life's hardships. Different traditions interpret her symbolism in different ways.
The power to still or restrain
Maa Bagalamukhi, known in Bengali as Maa Bogola, is associated with the power to still or restrain harmful actions and speech. In traditional images, she is shown holding an opponent's tongue, symbolising the power to stop damaging words or disruptive forces.
Wisdom, speech, music and the arts
Maa Matangi is associated with speech, music, learning, knowledge and the arts. She is sometimes compared with Saraswati, though she has her own identity in Mahavidya traditions. Her stories and imagery also explore social boundaries and ideas of purity. She reminds us that wisdom and creativity can be understood in more ways than conventional learning alone.
The lotus and abundance
Maa Kamala, known in Bengali as Maa Komola, is associated with the lotus, prosperity, well-being and abundance. She shares some visual features with Maa Lakshmi, including the lotus as a symbol of beauty and auspiciousness. Within the group of ten Mahavidyas, Maa Kamala has her own distinct place and meaning.
At the Centre
At the centre of our Puja, Adi Maa is placed and worshipped alongside the ten Mahavidyas. This is an important part of how Dasamahavidya Puja is observed in Chetla. The arrangement describes our local celebration; other traditions may arrange or understand the forms differently.
The Wider Celebration
Shyama Maa has a special place in the wider celebration and in the history of our community. In 2026, we celebrate the 112th year of Shyama Puja. After her immersion, the worship of the ten Mahavidyas continues, with their idols remaining alongside Adi Maa. Kumari Puja is performed during the night-long Dasamahavidya observance, which also includes homa/yajna and concludes with morning rites. The final immersion takes place on Chhath Puja, connecting these two parts of our local festival.
