Mar 20 • 05:22 UTC 🇮🇳 India Aaj Tak (Hindi)

Neither Durga nor Kali... Who is the greatest and the first goddess among goddesses?

The article explores the significance of the goddess Adya as the foremost figure in Hindu mythology during the Chaitra Navratri festival.

The article discusses the ongoing Chaitra Navratri festival, focusing on the second day dedicated to the worship of the goddess in her Brahmacharini form, emphasizing the importance of celibacy and penance. It highlights the common confusion surrounding the names and forms of goddesses in Hindu tradition, with the article raising the question of who is the greatest and the first goddess when many names signify different aspects of the same divine power.

In answering this question, the article references ancient texts and scriptures from Shakta traditions, particularly the Markandeya Purana, which identifies Adya as the primary and most significant goddess among all deities. This name is symbolic of beginnings, and she represents the primordial force at the creation of the universe. Furthermore, the article illustrates the different names of goddesses like Durga and Kali, explaining their origins and associated myths, and how they contribute to the larger narrative of feminine divinity in Hinduism.

This exploration not only seeks to clarify the confusion around the goddess's identity but also emphasizes the rich tapestry of goddess worship in Hindu culture, suggesting that these different forms express various dimensions of a single divine principle. The implications of understanding Adya as the first goddess could reshape perspectives on feminine power and its representation in contemporary spiritual practices during Navratri and beyond.

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