FOLK 029 Lecture 24: Hinduism
Document Summary
An estimated fifty million hindus worship some form of the goddess, whose great power is called shaktix. The term devi can be used to refer generally to the goddess in all her forms, understood as the supreme divine mother, the totality of all energy in the cosmos . Manifestation of devi in the shakta tradition, serene, beautiful face, ten arms bearing weapons, with which she vanquishes demons who threaten dharma, translated as duty or virtue. A manifestation of the goddess devi in a fierce form. Representations characterized by dripping blood, girdle of severed heads, necklace of skulls or heads symbolizing her triumph over evil. Destroyer of evil, symbol of spiritual transformation. Embodies wealth, generosity, good fortune, beauty, charm. Fair skinned, lots of ornamentation, common iconography: one hand is offering wealth. Four hands are sometimes spoken of as representing the four goals of life; dharma (principle of order, religion), kama (desire), artha (meaning), and moksha (release from rebirth)
