Kaumāri
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Kaumāri literally means ‘feminine aspect of Kumāra'.
File:Kaumāri.jpg
Kaumārī
Śakti or the Divine Mother is said to have seven aspects known as ‘Saptamātṛkās’. Kaumārī is one of these aspects. She is the Śakti or the feminine aspect of Kumāra and known as Saṇmukha, Subrahmaṇya, Kārttikeya, Skanda and by several other names.
Kaumārī is pictured as being red in complexion, draped in red garments and having six heads and twelve arms. She rides on a peacock. The twelve hands exhibit or hold:
- Varadamudrā - bestowal of boons
- Śakti - spear
- Patākā - banner
- Daṇḍa - staff
- Ghaṇṭā - bell
- Dhanus - bow
- Bāṇa - arrow
- Kamala - lotus
- Kukkuta - cock
- Kheṭaka - shield
- Paraśu - axe
- Pātra - bowl
She is one of the Śaktis or goddesses that emerged out of Durgā’s body during her fight with Śumbha, Niśumbha and their army.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore