Approaching Hindu Goddesses Flashcards
what is the name of the tradition in South Asia for which we have the earliest tangible evidence?
Vedic tradition.
what are the Vedas?
they are a body of scriptures that were passed down orally, which describe the fire sacrifices, praise of deities, and religious rituals.
what are the Puranas?
they are old texts describing the beginning of the universe, the birth of certain deities, and legends about the deities.
what does the word sakti mean?
it means feminine power.
what does the word prakrti mean?
it means force of nature, it is the original form, the primary substance.
what does maya mean?
it refers to the power of illusion, the Goddess’s play
what does puja mean?
it refers to the things that are made to worship deities (ceremonial worship)
what does the word prasada mean?
it refers to ritual “leftovers”, receiving of an object that has been blessed by a deity
what does darsana mean?
it refers to the important and intimate two-way visual contact between the deity and the devotee.
what does vrata mean?
it refers to a ritual, which usually involves fasting and other modifications of behaviour (these are most frequently done by women)
what does it mean for something to be auspicious?
it refers to something that is life-producing.
how is Visnu usually portrayed?
Visnu is often depicted as having four arms, holding a lotus, a conch, a disk, and a club.
Visnu is often associated with royal splendour.
what are the ten incarnations (avataras) of Visnu?
- fish
- turtle
- boar
- half-man, half-lion
- young boy/dwarf
- parashurama (ram with the axe)
- rama
- krishna
- the buddha
- kalki (future incarnation)
why does Visnu takes form in the world?
Visnu takes form in the world when the world is in crisis to protect the dharma.
how is Siva usually represented?
Siva is usually depicted in a yogic posture, sitting on a fierce seat, such as a lion or tiger skin. snakes surround him and has a third eye on the forehead. somewhere on his body, there is often a painted moon.
what are the different forms of Siva?
- shiva linga
- giant column of light
- nataraja (lord of dance)
- bhairava (ferocious form)
- ardhanarishvara (lord who is half-female)
who is Sri?
Sri is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. she is Visnu’s consort.
who is Durga?
Durga is a warrior, she encompasses the power of multiple Gods.
who is Kali?
Also referred to as The Dark One, she is a fierce and blood-thirsty goddess.
who is Ganga?
Ganga is the river goddess.
who is Santoshi Maa?
Santoshi Maa is the goddess of satisfaction.
why did Jai Santoshi Maa become a cult classic?
The film was particulalry relevant to a female audience, as Santoshi Maa is satisfied with very few, and cheap, offferings.
Why is it that worshipping female deities has not translated into more gender equality?
Female bodies are seen as inherently evil, making it impossible to associate a goddess with a woman. Goddesses are not meant to be role models, they are meant to be divine exceptions.
