“Yoginis: Sacred feminine divinity and enlightenment”, Bharat Voice, May 25, 2023:
In stark contrast to the Abrahamic occidental worldview Dharmic indigenous cultures have always been worshipping different manifestations of the feminine. In Bhāratam this started as the worship of Grama Devis (Village tutelary goddess) & Kul Devis (family lineage goddess). The Belan Valley in Uttar Pradesh has been identified as an ancient mother goddess figurine.
The Kaimur hills show evidence of circular rubble platforms & worshipping of triangular stones as icons of the female principle. The Vedic period informs about goddesses like Sinivali, Ida, Aditi, Raka, and Usha.
Tattiriya Aranyaka provides instances of Durga-Gayatri. In Mahabharata Arjuna & Yuddhisthir recite Durga strota. Harivamsha mentions Durga as Aarya Narayani Tribhuvaneshvari, Shri Ratri Katyayani & Kaushiki. Sonkh sculpture in Mathura (UP) represents Durga as Mahishasurmardini. Kalika Puran mentions celebration of popular festival Durga Pooja. Udaygiri Ellora & Badami caves show evidence of Shakti worship.
Read the full article at Bharatvoice.in