Three well-known forms of Devi are Durgaa, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The metaphysical interpretation of these three forms are given below:
DURGAA
- The word ‘Durgaa’ literally means ‘that which is inaccessible’.
- Within each individual roams the buffalo of ignorance, with its attendant ‘kleshas’ or flaws of ignorance, egoism, attachments, dislikes and fear of death.
- These qualities are all indicative of impure tendencies and materialistic nature.
- The worship of Durgaa Devi signifies one’s efforts at conquering negative elements within. It asserts the dominance of the higher self over the lower self.
- Durgaa Devi signifies ‘icchaa shakti’- the power of will.
LAKSHMI
- Lakshmi Maataa signifies the sustaining force. She blesses one with prosperity.
- For the individual who has acquired such wealth, the concept of prosperity undergoes a change as his focus shifts from material prosperity to spiritual affluence.
- Wealth is then defined in terms of how little one’s needs are.
- Lakshmi Devi is representative of ‘gyaan shakti’- the power of knowledge.
SARASWATI
- By the worship of Saraswati Devi one’s consciousness is lifted to a heightened state of awareness, far beyond the impure and worldly conditions of the mind.
- One receives the light of wisdom.
- Such knowledge dispels the darkness of ignorance and frees one from the almost endless cycle of birth and death.
- Saraswati Devi signifies ‘kriya shakti’- the power of activity.
With this realization, one’s individual ego identifies with the Cosmic Ego as one perceives the Supreme Power everywhere, in everyone and in everything. The experience of ‘Yaa Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Sarva Rupena Sangsthita’ becomes a living reality.
