The Goddesses Beyond Scriptures

The goddess has many forms व्यापिनी विविधाकारां विद्याविद्या–स्वरूपिणी... (from Lalita Sahasranama). Our scriptures describe many different appearances and qualities of the goddess. On top of that, geography, society, culture, and traditions add even more variety. So, even within one religion or community, each of us may imagine the goddess differently. Behind these images are unique stories and backgrounds.

Most Nepalese villages are under the protection of a local village goddess. It’s rare to find a village or even a neighborhood without its own goddess shrine. Throughout Nepal, famous temples and sacred sites dedicated to goddesses are found far and wide.

We live surrounded, cared for, and protected by goddesses in stone statues with vermilion, flags, prayers, dreams, rituals, and offerings. These goddess shrines are the most common sacred spaces in our society, from barns to homes. Our love and faith for these goddesses are deep and beyond words. They live not just in grand temples but also in forests, hills, trees, rivers, and land.

We trust these goddesses deeply, often beyond scriptures. Sometimes they speak through shamans or appear in dreams. Their language with humans is unique and mysterious.

Local goddesses often differ from those in scriptures, showing many forms and personalities depending on tradition and place. As a child, I remember our forest goddess giving messages through birds at night. Though I don’t hear that voice now, the memory brings back a mix of love and fear from childhood. Some goddesses known from films or stories still inspire devotion in many homes today.

Our strongest mental image of ‘Devi’ (Goddess) is very diverse. We see their forms in our mothers, wives, and daughters. A wise teacher seems like Saraswati, an angry woman like Durga, a caring mother like Annapurna. Even young girls worshipped during festivals are seen as goddesses until the ritual is over.

Poet Bhupi Sherchan said, “‘यो मेरो चोकमा देवताले बनाएका मानिस र मानिसले बनाएका देवता, यी दुवै थरीको निवास छ ।"  Even if sadness exists among people, our gods and goddesses remain alive and active.

Temples have been restored and added to across the country, keeping goddess worship vibrant. Images of gods and humans mixing are everywhere now.

Stories and symbols play a big role in shaping our idea of goddesses, supported by chants, art, media, and traditions. These images are not just fixed pictures but lively symbols growing in our minds.

From childhood stories of goddess Sita’s struggles to visions of powerful Durga, our mental images shift and grow. The goddess appears in many colors and forms -some white, some golden, some fiery red- each person imagining her uniquely.

Durga worship during Dashain is a major festival. The Durga Saptashati text tells the story of Goddess Durga defeating powerful demons to protect the world. It’s one of the most widely read religious texts in Nepali homes after the Gita and Swasthani.

Durga Saptashati describes her many forms and her victories over evil, symbolizing power and protection. This goddess story is a celebration of strength and faith that continues deep in Nepalese culture. 😊

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