Kamakhya

Kamakhya is a Tantric mother goddess closely identified with Kali, according to the Tantric texts (Kalikapurana Stotra, Yoginitantram) that are the basis for her worship at the temple. Her name means "She who is the form of desire," and resides at the Kamakhya temple in the form of a stone yoni (vulva). The temple in her honour exists in the Kamrup district of Assam state, India. The temple is one of the 51 holy Shakti Peethas related to Sati.

One of the most persistent mythologies concerning the origin of worship at the site is associated with the myth of Sati. The goddess Sati burned herself during the sacrificial fire at her father Daksha Prajapati's abode, because her father was scornful of her husband, the ascetic god Shiva. (This incident gave rise to the custom of sati in India [needs reference] ). According to one version of the story, Shiva threw the body of Sati over his shoulder, flew into a rage, and began his Dance of Death ("tandava") to bring about the destruction of the universe. The other Gods, afraid of their annihilation, implored Vishnu to pacify Shiva. Thus, wherever Shiva wandered while dancing, Vishnu followed. He dared not come close to the terrible Shiva, so he sent his discus Sudarshana to destroy the corpse of Sati. Pieces of her body fell until Shiva was left without a body to carry. Seeing this, Shiva sat down to do "Mahatapasya" (great penance).

There are supposedly 51 pieces of Sati scattered across the Indian subcontinent. Her "yoni" (vulva or womb) is said to have fallen on the spot where the Kamakhya Temple stands today, and hence the spot has a preeminent status among the Mother Goddess' temples.

Kamakhya, the Goddess/yoni, exists in the main shrine as a large cleft in the bedrock, covered by water flowing upward from an underground spring, generally covered by a red cloth, flowers, and red sindur powder. Kamakhya is an important Shakta pilgrimage site, attracting many visitors. Another name of this goddess is Sodashi.

ee also

Kamakhya Temple

Further reading

*"Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions" (ISBN 81-208-0379-5) by David Kinsley