Maa Chhinnamasta holds the sixth position among the Ten Mahavidyas. According to religious beliefs, she symbolizes strength, courage, and self-sacrifice, and belongs to the powerful and fierce goddesses of Tantrism. Jogyotacharya Shailendra Pandey emphasizes the special significance of worshipping Maa Chhinnamasta, but believes that her intense Tantric practice is not suitable for everyone.
If a person worships Maa Chhinnamasta, it is crucial to know the associated rules. Below is an explanation of the meaning of worship and recommendations for observing the rules during rituals.
What does Maa Chhinnamasta look like?
Maa Chhinnamasta is considered the sixth Mahavidya. In her depictions, she is shown holding her own severed head in her hand. Three streams of blood flow from her body. There is a belief that one of these streams enters the goddess's own mouth, and the other two enter the mouths of her attendants. These three streams are seen as the confluence of Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna nadis. In some places, Maa Chhinnamasta is also known as Chintpurani Mata.
What should be noted when worshipping Maa Chhinnamasta?
According to Jogyotacharya Shailendra Pandey, the complex Tantric practice of Maa Chhinnamasta should not be performed alone; guidance from an experienced guru is required for this. Nevertheless, devotees can worship the goddess with complete devotion, meditate on her, and chant mantras.
When should Maa Chhinnamasta be worshipped?
According to religious beliefs, worshipping Maa Chhinnamasta during Navaratri is auspicious. Some people also worship her during Diwali, full moon, new moon, and on Fridays. Red flowers must be offered to the goddess during worship.
The mythological story of Maa Chhinnamasta
According to religious legends, once Maa Parvati went to bathe in the Mandakini river with her two friends. At that moment, both friends felt very hungry. They asked Maa Parvati for food, but the goddess was absorbed in playing in the water and did not pay attention to them. When their hunger became unbearable, they appealed to Maa, saying that the goddess could do anything to satisfy her children's hunger, even giving her own blood.
According to this story, upon hearing the words of her friends, Maa Parvati cut off her own head. After this, three streams of blood flowed from her body. Two streams entered the mouths of her friends, and the third stream satisfied the goddess's own hunger. It is believed that after this incident, the image of Maa Parvati came to be known as Maa Chhinnamasta.