Mahadevi

This article is about the Supreme Goddess in Hinduism. For the common term for a Hindu goddess, see Devi. For the divine feminine energy, see Shakti. For the concept of Shaivism, see Parashakti. For article about a Sanskrit astronomical table text titled Mahadevi, see Mahadevi (astronomy book).

Mahadevi
  • The Supreme Mother Goddess
  • Goddess of Power
  • Primordial Goddess
  • Para Brahman (the Ultimate Reality) in Shaktism
An 18th-century painting of Mahadevi from Bikaner, Rajasthan
Devanagariमहादेवी
Sanskrit transliterationMahādevī
Affiliation
AbodeManidvipa
MantraŌm āim hrīm śrīm klīm
WeaponDevi Chakra, Pasha, Ankusha, Trishula (trident)
SymbolHreem, Om, Sri Yantra
MountLion
TextsDevi Mahatmya, Devi-Bhagavata Purana, Markandeya Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Kalika Purana, Lakshmi Tantra, Lalita Sahasranama, Soundarya Lahari, Shiva Purana, Shakta Upanishads such as the Devi Upanishad
FestivalsNavaratri, Durga Puja, Vasanta Panchami, Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja, Durga Ashtami, Lalita Jayanti, Adi-Puram

Mahadevi (Sanskrit: महादेवी, IAST: Mahādevī), also referred to as Devi, Mahamaya and Adi Parashakti, is the supreme goddess in Hinduism. According to the goddess-centric sect Shaktism, all Hindu gods and goddesses are regarded as manifestations of this great goddess, who is considered to be the ultimate reality or Para Brahman.

Mahadevi is mentioned as the Mulaprakriti (Primordial Goddess) in Shakta texts, having five primary forms—Parvati, Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Gayatri and Radha—collectively referred to as Panchaprakriti. Besides these, Goddess Tripura Sundari is often identified with the supreme goddess Mahadevi in Shaktism. Shaktas also worship her as Durga, whilst acknowledging her to have other forms. Author Helen T. Boursier says: "In Hindu philosophy, both Lakshmi (primary goddess in Vaishnavism) and Parvati (primary goddess of Shaivism) are identified as manifestations of this great goddess—Mahadevi—and the Shakti or divine power".

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