CHINNAMASTA - Dasa Mahavidya series

Devi Chinnamasta  is the sixth Mahavidya. Her name translates to 'she whose head is severed'. The story goes, once Parvati was bathing accompanied by her attendants, Jaya & Vijaya. Jaya & Vijaya asked Parvati for some food. Parvati promised to provide food once they reach home. Both of them kept asking for food again & again. Then, Parvati tore her own head using her nails & fed her attendants the jet spray of blood that came out of her head.
Chinnamasta is depicted as a sixteen year old girl, having the complexion of red hibiscus flower. She holds a scimitar in one hand & her severed head in the other. She wears a snake as Yagnopavita, meaning she possesses Brahmavidya. Chinnamasta is associated with self-realization, awakening of the kundalini & the concept of life & death. Her consort is Lord Kabandha, form of Shiva.

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