Ambika (goddess)

For other uses, see Ambika.

Ambika (Sanskrit: अम्बिका, IAST: Ambikā) is generally an epithet or form of Mahadevi, the supreme goddess of Hinduism. In Shaktism, she is revered as Adi Parashakti, the mother of the universe and all beings. She is often identified with various incarnations such as Chandi, Durga, Bhagavati, Lalitambika, Bhavani and many others.^[1] In her iconography, she is typically depicted with eight arms holding multiple weapons.

Ambika
Mother Goddess, Mother of the Universe and all Beings
Painting of Ambika by Raja Ravi Varma
Affiliation	Mahadevi
Abode	Manidvipa
Weapon	Discus, Conch Shell, Trident, Mace, Bow, Sword, Lotus Flower
Mount	Lion or Tiger
Texts	Markendeya Purana, Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana
Consort	Shiva

Legend

According to the Devi Mahatmya, after the asura Mahishasura was slain by Durga, the divinities embarked on a pilgrimage to the Himalayas and sang a hymn of praise in honor of the supreme goddess. Meanwhile, Goddess Parvati had come to the source of the Ganges to bathe and observed the hymn. She asked the divinites to whom the hymn was dedicated. Before they could respond, she shed her outer corporeal form, revealing her true and auspicious form, who is then named Ambika.^[2]

Manifestations and aspects

In the Devi Bhagavata Purana, Ambika is described to be the lineal progenitor of all other goddesses. She is worshipped with many forms and names. Her form or incarnation depends on her mood.

• Bhadrakali is one of the fiercest forms of Ambika, the destroyer of the yajna of Daksha.
• Chandi is an epithet of Durga, considered to be the power of Ambika; she is black in color and rides on a lion, the slayer of the demon Mahishasura.
• The Mahavidyas are the ten aspects of Shakti. In Tantra, all are important different aspects of Mahakali.
• The 52 Shakti Pithas are sacred sites associated with Sati, a form of Mahadevi in Shaktism.
• The Navadurga, the nine forms of the goddess Durga.
• The Matrikas, a group of seven mother-goddesses.
• Meenakshi, a regional form of Parvati.
• Kamakshi, goddess of love and devotion.
• Akilandeswari, found in coastal regions of India, is a goddess associated with water.^[3]
• Annapurna, the goddess of nourishment and form of Parvati.
• The yoginis, the 64 forms or aspects of Mahadevi.

See also

• Ambika (Jainism) - Yakshi of the 22nd Tirthankara Neminatha, portrayed with children in sculpture.