Devi has two totally contrasting forms--1.An alluring vision that promises fulfilment of legitimate desire. 2. Terrifying anger that is sharp in inflicting punishment.
Devi as Kamakshi highlights these two contrasting images. When we observe the icon of Kamakshi, we are drawn by her attractive smiling countenance, silks and ornaments and the captivating eyes that promise consummation of desire.
She holds in her hands the sugarcane bow that bestows fulfilment of youth’s dreams and the flower arrows of Kama that provoke desire. The five arrows of Kama aim at the five senses (touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste) that propel human beings. Devi holds these five provocations firmly under her control. Kama’s vehicle is the parrot and Kamakshi affirms her full support to Kama by holding a parrot firmly in one of her hands.
Kama is known as manasija, one who is primarily born from the mind. Man-matha means one who ‘churns up’ the minds of human beings throwing them into agitated states.
Kama is the son of Vishnu and is required for the propagation of the species. Anger (krodha) is enshrined in the third eye of Siva who is sharp in his destruction. Devi combines both these in her Kamakshi aspect.
Kamakshi holds in her right hand the gadha, which gives summary punishment for desires that are immoral and contrary to dharma. She upholds eternal moral principles that are true for all time and place (Rta).
These are not petty laws that deal with dress, local customs, or superficial mannerisms. Rta is the ever vigilant eye of Truth that judges our “intentions” hidden within our actions and words.
Kanchi Kamakshi
Kanchi is the sacred spot where the nabhi (navel) portion of Sati’s body fell when it was cut into pieces by Vishnu’s Chakra. The 51 places where Sati’s limbs fell
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