Mahavidyas
The Mahavidyas are a group of ten goddesses, consisting of:
- Kali
- Tara
- Sodashi
- Bhuvaneshvari
- Chinnamasta
- Bhairavi
- Dhumawati
- Bagalamukhi
- Matangi
- Kamala
The term Mahavidya can be translated as "supreme wisdom".
The Mahavidyas as a group of goddesses display some unique features. Firstly, the group includes goddesses such as Kali & Lakshmi who are very popular in their own right, but also includes goddesses such as Bagalamukhi who are more obscure. Secondly, the Mahavidya goddesses are independent from male gods - and, as David Kinsley notes, tend to be portrayed as dominating (even humiliating) men. Thirdly, the Mahavidyas are very much associated with liminality, polluting substances, death and aggressive female sexuality. The Mahavidyas are also associated with the acquisition of magical powers, (siddhi). Unlike other Hindu goddesses, the Mahavidyas have no association with geographical locales. Also, they have only a weak connection with notions of motherhood or growth, and only a tenuous status as consorts to a male god. Again, as Kinsley notes, when they are depicted in relation to Siva, he is subordinate to them. Although the Mahavidyas are said to be indulgent to their devotees, conferring boons to the favoured, they are primarily fierce in nature.
Although worship of the Mahavidyas does take place in a temple setting, they are primarily tantric goddesses.
Reference
Tantric Visions of the Divine Feminine