singular sanskrit mother called sanskrit singular group hindu depicted usually depicted called sanskrit seven mothers mothers south india worship prevalent assume paramount significance goddess oriented sect described assisting great goddess fight demons scholars consider connected worship warrior god early references described having qualities described dangerous come play protective role later mythology wild characteristics persist accounts represent aspect nature destructive force aspect 6th century encyclopedia says mothers different major hindu gods corresponding names associated gods energies originally believed seven stars star cluster popular seventh century standard feature goddess temples ninth century onwards origins development according existent early period valley civilization seals rows seven feminine deities cited evidence theory hindu text known speaks group seven mothers control preparation earliest clear description appears layers epic dated 1st century believes description rooted group seven females depicted valley seals assumed people locally example described book art indian asia seven seven mother locally fifth century incorporated mainstream orthodox deities david proposes non non orthodox local village mainstream cites reasons assertion description dark colour speaking foreign languages living peripheral areas association non god father non attributes suggests maybe inspired concept associated portrayed contrast valley origins theory notes cult female principle major aspect religion concept integral religion cult seven divine mothers integral religion inspiration earlier connected later times associated sect period 1st 3rd century images appear stone images merged belief lit destroyers children worship related conception birth diseases protection children tradition included worship infant considered related children worship images emphasize maternal destructive characteristics weapons appear group develop standard complex representation following period period 3rd 6th century folk images important villages diverse folk soldiers like acknowledged rulers images carved royal monuments order strengthen loyalty adherence armed forces kings second half fifth century model elevated position foster mothers cluster folk court fourth century rock cut shrine solely devoted western dynasty kings built hindu temples carvings memorials containing details evidence sculptures pronounced 8th 10th century period 8th 12th century claimed popular practice link south indian royal family lineage northern kingdom ancient times period 11th 13th century continued figure deity sculptures period early fifth century praise powers defeat enemies relevant texts exact number specified gradually number names increasingly seven identified albeit references indicate sixteen chamberlain cites number found valley today seven possibly reflects localization grouped seven rest indian eighth added represent cardinal directions city valley ninth added set represent center features described hindu scriptures epic like describe described given sanskrit sanskrit power creator god depicted yellow colour heads depicted arms like holds water pot lotus stalk book bell seated identified swan mount vehicle shown seated lotus banner wears ornaments distinguished basket shaped crown called sanskrit power god described seated eagle man having arms holds lotus bow sword arms blessing hand gesture fear hand gesture like heavily adorned ornaments like etc cylindrical crown called sanskrit power god known known names derived names depicted seated bull hands white eyed goddess holds drum drinking vessel axe skull bowl adorned crescent moon formed hair sanskrit known sanskrit power lord heaven seated charging elephant depicted dark skinned arms depicted having like thousand eyes armed lotus stalk adorned variety ornaments wears sanskrit known power god war rides arms holds spear axe power silver coins bow depicted headed like wears cylindrical crown sanskrit described power headed form god death head human body rides ram buffalo holds rod punishment sword carries bell tail bow wears crown called ornaments sanskrit known power identified similar appearance habit identification explicit black coloured described wearing severed heads holding drum sword drinking vessel riding standing corpse man described having eyes terrifying face sunken belly sanskrit power lion man form woman lion throws stars disarray shaking lion unanimously accepted texts features seventh eighth disputed omitted list sculpture caves omitted names seventh eighth created flames emerging mouth eighth called added lists mentions characterized elephant head ability remove obstacles like legends texts related origin contain references asserts antiquity according story appear bodies gods having form approached identified form ornaments vehicle god possessed form slaughter demon army battlefield described assistants having sinister characteristics battle dance drunk victim blood description repeated little variation mentions gods addition making group according episode created help slaughtered demon army version described blood demon given epithet text demon challenges single combat says different forms arise different parts male gods described named male deities created seven combat demon ability duplicate drop blood falls wounded drink blood help defeat demon battle begin destruction starting gods demons peoples world man lion incarnation creates host thirty calm terrible fire breathing commanded protect world instead destroying mankind end episode terrible form images place battle took place story relates emotions like pride anger etc created distracted mind goddess loses concentration described lovely act battlefield beings created enlisted listed demons ghosts dangerous beings text offer prayer protection infant god krishna 6th 10th century mentions group sixteen types mentioned apart introduces mothers world term chapter kind creatures said reside places benefit children text describes created gods like mothers describe help kill demons sage described mothers named established saving king direct sage perform worship interpreted circular shrine established mountains meat ritual sacrifice narrates different chapters birth warrior god son association adopted mothers version king gods sends called mothers world kill seeing instead follow maternal instincts raise chapter version mentioned later absorption indigenous initiated standardized group seven powers gods mentioned accounts birth ferocious emerge struck accepted mothers stole children characteristic account mentions great mothers group wives great accused real mothers abandoned husbands request adopt mothers agrees grants great permission children long younger years act identified associated mentions characteristics host serve ninety named text says exist describes young cheerful fair having dangerous features like long nails large teeth said fight like battles terror minds enemies speak different foreign lives inaccessible places away human settlements like crossroads caves mountains springs forests grounds notable lists goddess tried kill infant krishna incarnation poisoned breast milk consequently killed krishna depictions description generally awesome frightening ferocious seven mothers described fatal serve threats described living trees crossroads caves funeral grounds terrible beautiful portrayal depicted differently mothers armed weapons wear ornaments ride carry banners corresponding male deities generally carved relief rectangular stone slab order flanked male figures terrible form son sides right left considered depicted main door temple mainly region respective mounts forming pedestal occupied couple earliest instance portrayal images away 12th century sanskrit author mentions worship work panels appear near cave depicted caves caves sixth century cave cave terrific aspect entirely depicted elegant tender beautiful grand depicted child lap depicted human head usual cave cave child eighth century temple cave dedicated period appear southern boundary temple influence rose fertility area upper parts body sculptures stressed depictions accompanied left time death presence form skeleton indicate darker aspect nature flanked treasurer gods sits middle group post art like 6th century caves accompanied son associations confused group eighty sanskrit literature represented goddess engaged fighting demons principal identified described born common tradition mid- 11th century circle alternatively eighty evolve group instead seven joined form cluster considered associated resulting troupe eighty times considered daughters occupy important place chief temples india temple near rise cult analogous rise cult sums way growing importance millennium brought greater prominence distributed cult far wide primitive cult revived account increasing influenced cult seven mothers script characters sanskrit term denote features scripts combination considerable variation precise interpretation term author denotes single character entire collection characters alphabet matrix tool particular considered erroneous sound represented character traditions identify script divine according number determined structure alphabet group contains groups seven mother correspond seven groups group added mother obtained hold mothers sounds language mothers identified fourteen plus making number sixteen letters including alphabet described believed infused power divine mother considered subtle form letters letters combined syllables combined sentences elements composed believed power derives fact letters alphabet fact forms goddess given account follows represent written letter believed possess magical powers worship india according appeared south india eighth century temples dedicated exclusively ninth century onwards demoted status deities entourage images moved corners temple complexes guardian deities small village south indian temples temple district called district important worship stood temple dedicated replaced present temple india located wilderness usually near lakes rivers seven stones believed kill prayers women says cult seven mothers found india pregnant women nursing mothers worship angry women barren strike fatal ensure health happiness children prominent temple located near river images women new moon day represented rice flour images nuts ceremonial offerings fruit flower function city individual buddhism considered grandmother feared disease act temples seats built considered powerful places worship usually open air closed structures followers form stone statues natural stones god houses towns villages represented brass images brass images town placed respective year like discussed legends considered representing vice pilgrimage free oneself primarily dedicated subordinate deities theoretically located outer boundaries city said form protective city assisted certain compass point temples like ones dedicated circle stones believed city guarding directions mary says guard compass points regarded sky paired aspects sculpted temple roofs worship described king built court believed seen dance night king ordered cost custom continues day festival celebrated animal sacrifices valley central village goddess city town identified guardians directions places lands blood sacrifice associate human qualities mastered visiting sets worship 7th century sanskrit author mentions text mentions use special ritual cure ailing king text describes young nobles king burning lamps temple dedicated mention ritual offerings food crossroads offerings include flowers clothes meat wine works like unknown date author discuss worship letters alphabet process worship lit installation mothers described involves installation powers letters alphabet body feeling deity different parts body like head face legs reciting specialized form combines installation powerful set letters seed goddess stone inscriptions worship found king identified evidence worship fifth century sixth century deals construction shrine attended female demons rituals daily worship like ritual offering grain said reside second line frequently aligned explains primary function groups letters alphabet states issue originate rituals goals worship recommends worship setting stage dance performances declares chapter best deities cities villages towns shields generally occasions planets guardians directions night goddess north facing placed northern temple complex temples found earliest dating fourth century evidence impressive indian circular mentioned religious texts existing rectangular nature pal speculates earlier circular open sky trees material replaced stone rectangular mentions powers gods group seven liberation particularly kings powers domination personal spiritual renewal ultimate goal powers control rule desires important banners carved outside caves banners called sisters lists swan bull elephant skeleton attributes king installing banners believed acted king conferred power conquer rule


hindu epic sanskrit literally star queen wife monkey king widowed queen brother described daughter monkey physician later sources rises ocean marries bears son named presumed dead battle demon brother king returns regains brother accusing challenges duel advises accept alliance hero avatar god dies arrow shot behest later adaptations emphasize vernacular versions casts curse power versions returns throne spends time fails act promise assist recovering kidnapped wife queen chief diplomat instrumental brother destroy retribution perceived incident mentioned passing references mother queen story moves climatic battle retrieve intelligence presence mind courage devotion husband praised revered women names believed sin birth early life addressed daughter physician verses added book describe principal created deities described sons king gods sun god respectively described daughter guru gods 12th century tamil telugu state rose ocean milk gods demons acquire life drama tradition gods tire request help starts rises ocean gifted according puppet tradition daughter wife siblings include sister called consort demon king brothers states adaptations present relationship states given reward helping gods tamil folk tale tells emerged rises given common wife reference fighting unnamed woman believes including versions portray originally wife thai says gods respectively grabs marries dance tradition tells married initially appropriated versions born marriage goes fight demon cave instructs close door cave blood flows cave implying killed milk flows indicates dead year combat dying demon turns colour blood red believes dead closes opening cave interpreted marriage widow returns rejecting explanation wife retaliation act husband alive universally criticized commentators excuse taking wife believed widowed variant goes battle demon brother rulers cave similar dead gods crown king grant reward aiding dead brother returns instigated kingdom death wife kidnapped demon king brother forest searching meeting monkey warrior taken exiled forms alliance help order defeat regain wife return aid search agreed challenges wrestling contest unable distinguish fighters loses contest explains tells challenge time differentiate warning challenges combat suggests appearances normally return soon fight decisive defeat having heard growing friendship urges forgive crown prince diplomatic live peacefully begs act advice acknowledging love devotion argues warrior like refuse challenge despite promises kill crush pride retelling challenges going fight points found protector described like moon praised understands language creatures clarify statement warns alliance plotting death hands advisers advice suspects cheating leaves speaking harshly warns plans kill dismisses warning arguing man shoot duel leaves promising book work summarized mentioned significant event ignoring sound advice engages combat fighting shoots arrow fatally wounding news death reaches rushes sees running terror way advise palace king refuses says needs husband leading embracing dying death accepts death punishment seizing north indian manuscripts elaborate lament mentions hardships prefers death blames killing tells forged alliance helped recover power soon lose regains declares return earth curse appears north western indian manuscripts vernacular adaptations like curse reiterated apart usual curse separation additionally birth killed hunter kills krishna birth consoles telling look future son suggests consecrated king loss declares uncle alive breath confesses abandoning urges support declares thoroughly deciding subtle matters says right doubt believes turns requests care insulted advises follow advice dies death painful speech according lament significantly expanded added completely centuries south indian manuscripts later elaborate lament asks kill lead consoles saying accept destiny guarantees rights protected enjoy continued comfort tells wife hero hold personal sorrow death saying body soul eternal tells decay body questions asking body feel pleasure pain informs mind desires declares remain untouched life having heard sermon devoted previous birth free undergoes self realization discourse appears curtailed verses possibly borrowed text says body soul immortal listening bows gains supreme devotion version portrays trying stabilize kingdom death arms declares breath king begs faithful subjects follow brother rightful king aided funeral rites marriage death kingdom record formal marriage ritual like trial fire undergo undertake marry return following return dead lack description formal marriage suggests according critics relationship widow marriage simply appropriation references coronation king described heir apparent crown prince mentioned wife declares acquisition elder brother taking younger sister law wife universally condemned case elder brother widow marrying younger brother law social norm considers silence marriage signal non acceptance act concerned issue sexual relations loose exchange hands brothers mentions sexual pleasures women including criticizes marriage elder sister law like mother political marriage serves commentaries suggest right marry widowed says right animals marriage dead husband brother states belong young action taking husband death seen attempt secure kingdom rare instances like treats mother figure rainy season ends despair fears forgotten promise help trace recover sends remind monarch promise help irritated city kicks city gate threatens destroy monkey kingdom divine power unable tolerate breaking enjoying material sensual pleasures suffers agitated reaching inner chambers promise critical edition states voluntarily calm wrath adaptations north western indian manuscripts arrives south indian manuscripts portray drunk ignorant anger sending versions drunk half closed eyes manages described original different context described having habit visit state new pleasures love narrates says gained defends saying great sage tempted pleasure mere forest dwelling monkey past hardships pleasures informs told mighty king service reminds ally like defeat powerful foe informs summoned monkey commanders troops capital presents similar description sent calm condensed verse description says dispatched successful singing praises consort usual epithet moon signifies white clothes sign widow reminded widowed mother seeing praised begs pardon diplomatic intervention crisis commentary remembering destroys greatest sins orthodox remember daily morning prayer considered ideal woman emulated belong rest author heroine describes woman treated like equal opinion presents woman intensely loved respected husband regard great counsel commanding tone author book women substance describes woman unusual intelligence confidence devotion husband praised


marital status varies widely mythological stories issue subject considerable scholarly review patterns associations different identifiable pattern myths identifies unmarried pattern associates concepts intellect spiritual power prosperity qualities considered wives pattern connects goddess culture arts goddess luck prosperity region linked banana tree shown single consort servant sanskrit differences patterns understood looking regional variations india time periods patterns found traditions beliefs held differences preferred meditation form different traditional forms ranging young boy sanskrit deity unmarried according tradition unmarried pattern primarily popular southern india tradition linked hindu concepts relationship development spiritual power alludes tradition considered lifelong bachelor commentary version includes verse commentary verse says means woman term mean fearful contain descriptions flanked appear according require special rituals associated worship chapter performs worship honor causes appear offer accepts offerings variant incident gods giving presents case born mind given temple central shrine regional complex sacred area temple small enclosure containing image right left sides image stand northern india female figures said evidence pair pairing parallels interpretation relationships story brother compete right marry desirable daughters wins clever approach story adds time sons prosperity born acquisition profit born northern indian variants story sons said hindi discussing version comments depicted sitting feminine deities women like feminine nature having characters says descriptions accompanied followed mean present success wisdom far original conception marriage later development verse version names material spiritual success identifies owner prosperity wisdom discussing northern indian sources remarks figures given frequent depiction referred servants names represent benefits said owner similarly functions father profit pair similar prosperity paired figures usually called relationship vague owner wives form called described colored flanked unnamed wives word wives sanskrit specifically sanskrit wives distinct relationship spiritual obtained practice type later powers represented group young women surround painting shown section illustrates recent example form painting includes fans fly establish feminine figures cosmopolitan worship addressed attack demon fused single according speculates transformation represented depicted married father new goddess satisfaction hindi film movie script based sources fact cult developed figure cited lawrence evidence continuing evolution popular deity wisdom considered lord intelligence sanskrit word feminine variously translated intelligence wisdom intellect concept closely associated personality period stories develop showcase love intelligence names appears special list names says special importance end word mean fond marital context mean lover husband means fond intelligence husband association wisdom appears appears second verse version positioning beginning indicates importance commentary says means avatar interpretation widely known mentioned lists incarnations given main sections provides general interpretation simply meaning form eternal enlightenment named motif distinct type image shows single human looking sanskrit according oldest known depiction type dates sixth century consort lacks distinctive personality repertoire according appearance motif parallels emergence branches cult mentions specific cult set involving distinct forms thirty standard meditation forms appear include common form motif shows seated left hip holding bowl flat round turns trunk left order touch food forms image gesture modified erotic overtones variants form described traced different lists aspects forms specific female lists paired found goddess names etc names appear lists lists provide details personalities distinguishing forms concludes lists derived original set names earliest lists appears appears minor variations lists types type names forms given clear cut pairing named form second type found commentary gives names collectively group names provided collectively second group second type list poses problems separating properly connecting names pairs formation sanskrit compound words india contemporary poster art portrayed goddess culture art goddess luck prosperity grouped immediately responsible material welfare share control wisdom deities material spiritual success particularly associated identify person single consort consider distinct married association rarely tied tradition reasons variously offered relationship functional joint worship general business community conversely calcutta said brother associated banana tree spelled transformed goddess festival day red bordered white leaves placed decorated pedestal flowers paste sticks set right deities view new indicates role new bride wife different view represents considered mother know tradition consider association marital says intended serve symbolic summary types leaves form sacred complex priests carry ceremony tie bunch plants trunk tree grouping plants constitute plants beneficial medicinal properties according martin represent bride plant form connects plant symbol festival enactment return blood buffalo demon earth order world established vegetation links vegetation myth notes creator eighteen medicinal plants


ferocious aspect hindu divine mother considered form goddess music learning like speech music knowledge arts worship prescribed acquire supernatural powers especially gaining control enemies attracting people oneself acquiring mastery arts gaining supreme knowledge associated pollution periphery hindu society embodied popular form known described offered left partially eaten food hands food eating considered classical represented green colour carries sword club known form plays pictured descriptions details form deity describes popular forms goddess seated corpse wears red red jewellery seeds goddess described young sixteen year old maiden fully developed breasts carries skull sword hands offered describe blue colour crescent moon forehead eyes smiling face wears jewellery seated throne arms carries sword club waist slim breasts developed describes green colour crescent moon forehead long hair smiling expression eyes wears flowers ornaments little face renders beautiful horizontal skin thin vertical line fine hair seated altar flanked represents arts adds description plays wears shell flower flower paintings forehead according plays speaks describes armed dark breasts red powder crescent moon forehead carries bow flower arrows goddess described hold described love embodied song green associated deep knowledge colour presiding deity planet mercury intelligence depicted hands representing speech association music legends named ninth list contained prose similar list altogether scholar interprets goddess avatar list allusion story narrates creation daughter wife god feels insulted invited fire sacrifice insists going despite protests futile attempts convince enraged transforms including surround cardinal directions stands northwest similar legend replaces chief wife origin describes fellow war companions forms goddess narrates birth god wife visited second wife gave banquet fine foods eating deities dropped food ground arose beautiful maiden asked left overs deities granted left overs food sacred having consumed deity interpreted deity negative word explicitly connection decreed repeat worship material desires satisfied gain control foes declaring day maiden known narrates maternal house days asked permission reluctant agreed condition return days come agreed went father place stayed days went disguised seller sold shell ornaments order test fidelity disguised asked sex return disgusted curse seller realizes powers agrees grant sexual appropriate time evening returns disguised dressed red lean figure large breasts performs seductive dance lure told come replied gives fruit took hand kissed love changed recognized woman wife love making asked grant wish form female form love forever worship form worship considered tale found texts explicitly identified mentions practised thousands years gain power subdue beings finally goddess appeared eyes emitted rays produced goddess greenish known help fulfilled desire texts including describe daughter sage tale associated temple dedicated aspect appeared low area goddess obsessed ways purity practices like dwelling grounds company ghosts simply ignored words marriage wife bear abusive words husband cursed spend entire lifetime area considered consequently low area felt unhappy pleaded lord granted pilgrimage deemed complete worship associations associated pollution especially left partially eaten food considered offered left food legend described born described divine self left things patron left food offerings embodies forbidden social norms described association pollution mainly streams relation communities considered hindu society social groups deal deemed like collection waste meat processing working grounds context groups collectively called collect waste including human waste things live outside villages associated death pollution periphery hindu society associated forests tribal peoples lie outside conventional hindu society thousand hymn mentions describe dwelling walking knowing forest represents power spoken word expression thoughts mind relates power listening speech converting knowledge thought spoken word expressions inner thought knowledge like art music dance middle speech ideas translated spoken word highest role represents supreme word manifested speech encompasses knowledge scriptures described goddess learning speech knowledge talent called mistress sacred represents word guru serves spiritual guide described dwelling throat origin speech tip tongue associated channel called eye tip tongue according david description refers nature spoken word labels things stereotypes actual contact soul things goddess described helps person use words right way seek soul inner knowledge lie outside boundaries tradition regarded form goddess knowledge arts mainstream shares traits music depicted playing said sound energy flows channels body life force flows related rain clouds thunder rivers govern learning speech represents orthodox knowledge wild embodies extraordinary boundaries mainstream society especially inner knowledge associated elephant headed god knowledge obstacle removal related elephant learning regarded consort described minister goddess queen queens worship worship primarily prescribed acquire supernatural powers hymn asks grace control foes says meditation form ritual worship gives power control people attracted oneself especially regarded pollution offering left partially eaten food overcome ego worship described allow face forbidden pollution leading salvation allowing gain supernatural powers goals describes pleasing goddess result answering ear aim associated seed knowledge learning teaching longer syllables aim reverence gives control creatures repeated thousand times repeated thousand times offering flowers fire sacrifice repeated times offering water offering food priests sacred geometric physically constructed mentally envisioned worship offering certain items fire sacrifice particularly performed grounds river banks forests crossroads repeating said specific goals offering leaves said result salt gives power control gives power twigs bring wealth offering salt honey mixture grants power attract people rice flour bread prepared repeating said power attract women likewise said possible person slave feeding ashes crow stomach stuffed burnt ground repeating goddess partially eaten food recommended offered state having eaten washed remains food mouth hands offering hindu deities state taboo mainstream taboo broken worship offering goddess cloth stained blood gain ability attract mate blood considered hindu scriptures women kept away hindu worship temples community collect substances items related death bad luck animal heads clothes deceased offers special stones kept crossroads called dangerous offering getting rid pollution advises offerings meat fish cooked rice milk crossroads grounds dead night enemies gain poetic talent cat meat goat meat goddess said help achieve supreme knowledge text worship women criticizing rituals oneself worship typical hindu worship prescribed worship use worship initiated considered unfit deity thousand hymn hymn dedicated goddess reciting sanskrit alphabet chanting reading aloud scriptures performance music dance described acts worship


norse mythology old norse summer old norse winter seasons attested poetic compiled 13th century earlier traditional sources prose written 13th century given prose figure number poetic stanza poetic poem god disguised asks warm come stating arrived wise powers stanza responds wind cool called winter father mild father summer second half stanza missing early manuscripts later manuscripts feature addition shall till gods destruction prose chapter prose book king disguise asks evident difference summer winter figure high responds asking question knows answer states father pleasant father referred alternately derives ancestors cruel cold hearted additionally prose book referred given chapter including son comfort snakes growth men exemplified excerpt given work valley fish mercy points snake mercy signifies summer given chapter son snake death storm season excerpts works uses son employs snake given examples given terms times chapter


hindu mythology spelled sage resided desert primary source account found hindu epic earliest version described disciple sage second version guru legends learned sage goes demanded guru wife fee teacher steal gods help retrieve realm said advised king revenge king responsible father death snake bite persons described seen universal form god krishna krishna blessed remembered rare clouds bring showers desert called clouds legend narrated hindu epic versions original narrated chapter book version named 14th book epic work called story 14th book uses version believed later retelling original account according chief disciples sage turn student left administrative duties wife period women urged fertility period wasted refused duty bound guru considered act immoral episode conveyed return pleased disciple blessed completed education asked guru fee teacher suggested ask wife gift desired guru wife refused desire fertility period asked king queen days wear religious fast fourth day set accomplish task way encountered giant riding huge sought giant asked eat drink animal ultimately complied informed guru acted likewise went king conveyed wish guru wife queen pay king asked meet wife chambers find queen informed queen appear person performed ritual performing met queen asked granted warned king divine guard met queen invited king food cold hair enraged sage cursed king lose sight turn king cursed children reconciled withdrew returning decided bath water tank left things bank river went bath time came disguise naked stole tried pursue reverted original form away hole ground reaching tried dig hole king gods saw process digging sent weapon thunder bolt help tunnel realm entered snake world started praising virtues snake king clan avail moved saw beautiful women weaving white black threads wheel fixed wall wheel turned young people horse rider stood near wheel praised functioning weaving process rider horse rider pleased praise rider asked state way help requested given power bring snakes control rider instructed blow horse suggested flames emerged parts horse body filled realm fire smoke terrified came hiding gave wondered reach guru hand guru wife prescribed time rider noting concern gave horse took reached sunset guru wife process casting curse arriving time narrated experience guru wife blessed explained significance sights seen women engaged weaving creating world creatures threads day night wheel year days boys seasons giant elephant life kept alive rider horse fire god explained friend helped journey handing taking leave guru went kingdom king resolved teach lesson caused trouble informed killed father advised perform snake sacrifice participated initiated king meant draw fire certain death chanting started falling fire found recited great draw fire mortal fear took shelter got tied throne protection realised taken refuge intensified ensure throne drawn fire freed snake throne escaped drop death fire young boy scriptures son sage intervened ensured stopped life saved tale narrated variation described belonged race lived desert disciple sage served years dear let completed education grew old time day collapsed carrying huge bundle daughter cried looking sight called guru tears eyes asked retained thousands disciples discharged training restored youth gave daughter marriage permitted leave wanted sage guru told meet wife wish suggested bring divine king wife king turned curse known met approached eat stopped explained duty bound return fulfilling obligation agreed directed wife refused brought token proof consent returning token gave queen warned gods try steal advised allow touch ground prevent snakes taking possession way tied travelling stopped climbed tree fruit tied branch fell ground snake immediately got hold vanished hill grief fell tree days dug hill stick snake retrieve earth began shake repeated strikes time riding saw futile efforts enable enter beautiful saw horse tail black white hair copper coloured muzzle eye colour flame forth horse told blow version horse fire god guru offered help retrieve followed directive horse flames smoke emerged horse dwellings snakes headed came surrendered asked pardoned returned narrated sequence events occurred meeting krishna narrates meeting god krishna krishna returning kingdom noticed wandering met krishna asked news krishna told devastation war agitated curse krishna bringing compromise cousins krishna explained necessity war restoration revealed form sage krishna krishna told ask asked krishna grant finding water krishna granted person divine vision krishna wandering desert sage hoping water thought krishna instead found naked asking drink covered mud surrounded dogs repeatedly requested drink refused disappeared krishna appeared scene complained improper send krishna explained requested willing finally relented told krishna offer provided sage refuse krishna agreed condition krishna informed refusal accept improper krishna promised providing water sage blessed rain clouds appear bidding bring rain showers desert clouds appear rarely desert rain clouds known clouds version event said test krishna appeared disguised hunter offered water rejected offer offered hunter displeased krishna appeared true form legends book narrates demon named lived sands desert world upset action performed dedicated pleased told king demon sage went king palace recounted prophecy sons went forest killed demon result known slayer narrates lived old age left pilgrimage travelled temples sage saw hunter named stealing golden plates temple tried kill sage informed sin murder live sin hearing hunter fell dead water holy hunter corpse restored attained advised went performed attained


sanskrit lion bird beast hindu mythology according sanskrit literature legged powerful lion elephant possessing ability clear valley jump later literature described legged deer scriptures god assumed avatar incarnation fierce man lion avatar sect form popularly known lord portrayal destroyed regard tale narrates assumed form ferocious bird animal combat buddhism appears tales previous birth appears emblem state government indian state university limited development character sanskrit literature initially described animal scared animals hills forest areas compare warriors later epic form exaggerated lion monster legs eyes living forest ate raw flesh mentioned residing mount monster ordinary beast lions tigers mount epic includes list edible animals animal group deer hare bear deer buffalo offered food dinner guests appears monkey king epic proper heroes demons names god defining ecological theme hindu medicine related jungle listed deer natives features explained legged animal size huge horns large goat incarnation literature associated god subdue fierce legend fighting man lion form brings fore overt rivalry sect sect blood letting aspect according roy encounter version tale piercing describes thousand armed lion faced hair wings feet portrays heads wings legs lion sharp claws long tail describes black colour feet downwards feet enormous body long face nose nails legs cluster long tail jumps high repeatedly making loud cry specifically defined texts described form bird golden colour wings red eyes legs form lion touching ground legs claws upwards animal tail body shown human face lion crown depicted giving overall frightening sight shows beneath legs lion faced human hands folded prayer gesture image depiction prescribed thirty arms arms right hold staff sword axe bone bow fire left hands display arrow flag type sword snake lotus flower skull cup hand form usher good luck cure diseases destroy enemies dynasty tamil particularly favourable beliefs sect said aspect got highlighted reign evident images earliest temple near built images temple built ruler iii image housed separate shrine sculpture temple temple district tamil seen legs body face lion tail human arms right upper hand holds axe held lower right hand deer upper left hand fire lower left hand shown temple rare image period black depicts exclusive small shrine man beast bird destroying man lion incarnation highlights hostility temple faced bird identified depiction carved scene chain destruction initially deer prey large followed lifted elephant lion attacking elephant lion shown representations myth form built substantially embellished wings represent denote female powers shown bird head head hindu scriptures great hindu epic narrates dog help sage assumes animal forms starting dog tiger elephant followed lion eventually assumed form fierce form wanted process change development result cursed original form dog epic relate views legend incarnation narrated hindu scriptures presents different version suit religious beliefs common refrain depictions combination huge animal bird beast enormous strength manifested purpose similar ferocious man lion legend linked gods assuming mythical animal forms subdue case assumed form demon king universe mentions wrath world fearing gods requested tackle initially brings forth terrifying forms order calm failed manifested human lion bird assumed form attacked seized terrifying rage bound skinned wear hide lion head mention murder assumed normal form retired duly praising came known considers mere threat world contrary brought perception permanently adopt fierce form detrimental role good deeds purpose assuming form ensure lion body discarded got united original divine form struck body pain body realised praised gives kill demons ends story gods fearing able control rage urging form form limbs given away discusses tale ending calm symbol avatar earth goddess sons created world necessitated form kill form requests destroy unable control form appears aid kills kills allowing energies fierce forms finally defeats views followers including scholars portrayal destroyed consider authoritative based reading texts legend legends discussed text called regional south indian scriptures took form literally mighty headed ferocious headed bird animal destroys mentions means soul form manifested capable granting salvation reference names literal meaning suggest praise lion killing animal scholar philosophy states interpreted ways interpretation means destroyer bounds ethics given commentator second interpretation given based sanskrit means destroy according refers arrow body shines aimed shines body reference refers mentioning lion killing animal instead interprets mean lord shines body self called body commentaries suggest refer avatar buddhist scriptures tales previous lives narration related birth forest legged deer story compassion deer shown king wanted hunt deer king trying hunt deer fell horse deer instead abandoning king fate rescued king deeply touched compassion shown deer stating hunting illegal activity country buddhism represented beast goat head horns lion horse body legs determination strength speed represented additionally horns claws eagle goat head replaced lion horse feet lion horns ram common feature representations horse body depicted mounts young level enlightenment throne symbolize perfection effort emblem government university limited industrial unit owned government adopted modifications appropriate emblem logo limited logo depicted form body lion head elephant represent virtues wisdom courage strength royal emblem adopted university logo logo displays flanked lion elephant stronger lion elephant defender lion


norse mythology old norse day day appears poetic compiled 13th century earlier traditional sources prose written 13th century sources stated son god associated bright horse draw day mankind depending manuscript variation prose adds son night earth appears common simply meaning day old norse works connections proposed similarly named figures mythology poetic mentioned poem stanza god disguised asks day comes night tides stanza responds day father night born new powers created count years men stanza horse stated drawing day mankind sleep curse hero asks gives memory drink drinking horn says prayer verse prayer features reference sons daughter hail day hail sons day night daughter hail eyes sitting victory hail hail hail earth words wisdom noble healing hands live poem appearance horse described son urged horse adorned precious shines horse prose prose book chapter figure high states son couple wife night described bright beautiful father people took mother gave horse receiving horse sky earth placed sky ride earth hours chapter prose book stated brother common appears chapter glad stated pulling forth day chapter stated words time scholar points manuscripts vary descriptions family relations words depending manuscript mother partner details oldest manuscript offers version wife mother manuscripts cast role wife mother argues version came accidentally writer shortened text similar results accident way poetic tradition theories related figure hero means suddenly day attested texts sources figure found poems compiled known poetic prologue prose mythical houses anglo saxon england proposed names family members sun light indicating potential god skies growth indicating possible goddess growth identified goddess suggested fertility god


sanskrit known sanskrit hindu goddess derived sanskrit time represents time change power creation preservation destruction mean black feminine sanskrit earliest appearance destroyer principally evil forces movements variously divine mother mother universe hindu beliefs additionally worship ultimate reality seen divine protector liberation great goddess ultimate reality portrayed standing dancing consort hindu god lies calm beneath india particularly tamil sri_lanka etymology feminine form black dark coloured shares meaning time time masculine extension time brings things end destroyer names include night death night destruction black appointed time depending context mean death distinct black associated popular etymology association seen passage depicting female figure carries away spirits slain warriors animals called thomas historian sanskrit goddess literature translates night death notes read proper description black feminine form epithet consort properly sanskrit confused common sanskrit word properly meaning terrible unrelated nominal frequent confusion comes interpreting terrible age great ages hindu goddess appearance described terrible fact goddess confused holds separate unrelated meaning origins hugh urban notes word appears early use proper appears section chapter verse explicitly goddess black tongue seven hindu god fire according david mentioned hindu tradition distinct goddess texts usually place periphery hindu society battlefield regarded closely associated known appearance battlefield sixth century demons attack goddess responds anger face turns dark appears forehead appearance black sunken eyes wearing tiger skin human heads immediately defeats demons later battle demon undefeated ability reproduce drop blood reaches ground countless clones appear battlefield eventually defeats blood reach ground eating numerous clones writes represents wrath embodied fury origin stories involve typically portrayed friendly goddess describes asking defeat demon received allow female kill merges body defeat armies gets control different version relationship addresses black greatly offended performs lose dark golden dark enraged creates relationship writes relation appears play opposite role destructive tendencies brings sphere soft urges moderate destructive aspects dance wife provoking encouraging mad habits calm legends appears called literally black night appears soldiers dreams finally appears amidst fighting attack son story involving band thieves thieves wanted human sacrifice chose monk victim young monk burned image took living form killed entire band thieves drinking blood slayer famous legend assistants wound demon ways variety weapons attempt destroy soon find worsened situation drop blood clone battlefield increasingly filled summons combat demons describes surface forehead fierce issued suddenly terrible armed sword bearing strange skull topped staff decorated clad tiger skin owing flesh mouth fearful tongue having deep reddish eyes filling regions sky falling great army foes dances corpses slain version story described power given epithet slayer demons identified like appearance habit forms portrayed forms popular armed form armed form forms described black colour depicted blue popular indian art eyes described red absolute rage hair shown small mouth tongue shown naked wearing skirt human arms human heads accompanied standing calm usually right foot forward symbolize popular right handed path opposed infamous left handed path armed form depicted shining like blue stone faces feet eyes head ornaments limbs association describes possessing dark perfectly beautiful riding lion armed holding sword blue hair body firm youthful spite seemingly terrible form considered loving hindu regarded mother universe terrible form seen great protector saint asked prefer worship mother replied trouble come running run trouble popular form classic depictions share features follows common armed image shows hand carrying variously sword severed head bowl skull cup catching blood severed head hands usually left holding sword severed head sword signifies divine knowledge human head signifies human ego slain divine knowledge order attain hands usually right blessing means initiated true heart saved guide consisting human heads variously number number repetition represents letters sanskrit alphabet believe sanskrit language letters represents form energy form generally seen mother language depicted naked covering maya pure consciousness bliss far shown dark supreme state permanent qualities continue exist universe ends believed concepts color light good bad apply sanskrit literally translated great considered greater form identified ultimate reality goddess signifying greatness prefix sanskrit variant great time interpreted death epithet god presiding goddess episode depicted universal form serves agent allows cosmic order restored depicted form having heads arms legs hands carrying implement vary different accounts represent power hindu gods identifying weapon ritual item given responsible powers deities possess line interpretation identical displaying heads headed image displayed arms signifying concept powers gods come grace popular form versions origin story lord death lives south heard fled terror worship said able overcome death refers gift given priest performing ritual guru gifts traditionally given right hand right hands traditionally depicted gestures blessing giving typically shown right foot chest depictions showing left foot chest depict pose shows conclusion episode control destroying demons fearing stop destroyed world think way lay battlefield step seeing consort foot realized gone far interpretations story attempting receive grace receiving foot chest meaning south south facing direction associated lord death grounds growing popularity worship form attributed noted leader 18th century author encyclopedia called appeared dream told particular form appear following day morning observed young woman making cow placing wall stood pose right foot forward sees watching embarrassed puts tongue teeth took previous worship grounds domestic setting steps left foot holds sword right hand terrible form mother ground followers believe spiritual discipline practised ground brings success quickly maternal time ocean poison emerged potential destroy world request gods lord drank save world death die severe pain effect poison child feed milk effect poison symbolism different interpretations symbolic meanings depiction depending approach views image symbolically physical form varied depictions different forms common shows arms hands showing aspects creation destruction right hands held blessing saying fear left hands hold severed head blood covered sword sword ignorance ego represented severed head interpretation tongue red tongue nature conquered white nature teeth represents qualities nature interpretations tongue include blood lust sticking tongue embarrassment gone far stepping chest shown standing right foot chest represents episode control battlefield destroy entire universe laying foot receive blessing calm shown smile face typically shown severed heads numbering symbolize letters sanskrit alphabet sound creation proceeds severed arms skirt represent taken mother nature means force time creation sun moon planets earth darkness created darkness dark appearance represents darkness born deep blue like sky ocean water blue goddess preservation mother preserve nature standing calm appearance represents preservation mother nature free long black hair represents nature freedom civilization eye signs sun moon fire visible represent driving forces nature thought dark goddess despite origins battle evolved fledged symbol mother nature creative aspects referred great loving mother goddess hindu tradition aspect mother goddess referred meaning mother millions worship considered general concept like sect worship closest way direct worship sanskrit means gentle forms worship sanskrit play important role study practice affirmed central nature reality male deities said recipient student wisdom form dominate texts rituals sources praised highest reality greatest deities says gods arise like bubbles sea arising passing away leaving original source unchanged declare greatest declare essence form passage praises dissolution things time reason called epithet lord thou thou art supreme thou thou art original form things thou art origin things thou art called assuming dissolution form dark thou having form art thou beginning power maya thou art beginning thou art figure conveys death destruction consuming aspects reality forbidden thing death ritual seeks confront transforms vehicle salvation clear work short praise describing ritual unto performed grounds ground naked hair thee makes offering thee thousand flowers seed effort lord earth tuesday midnight having makes offering devotion thee hair energy female companion ground great poet lord earth goes mounted elephant dated approximately 10th century ace clearly indicates terrible vicious slayer demons serves identified supreme mother universe associated elements union lord creates destroys worlds appearance takes different turn role ruler world object meditation contrast terrible aspects takes hints dimension described young beautiful gentle smile makes gestures right hands fear offer positive features exposed offer divine wrath goddess salvation fear appears symbol triumph death tradition central figure late medieval literature exception associated consort rarely pictured hindu legends figure beginning early eighteenth century tradition appearance habits change little approach display courage confronting grounds dead night despite terrible appearance contrast teachings adopting attitude child coming love cases goal reconciled death learn acceptance way things themes addressed work comments songs indifferent causes suffer brings desires goods ruin states behave like mother ignores pleas child asserts denied pleasures said refrain giving expected refusal enables reflect dimensions reality material world significant portion music features central theme known music night sung male vocalists today women taken form music finest singers especially festival eastern india celebrated new moon day month festival practice animal sacrifice common rare outside areas hindu temples takes place involves ritual goats chickens male water india practice common rituals eastern india temples animals killed generally led priests number specify ritual animal killed priest ear animal sacrificed order free animal cycle life death groups people animals continue protest animal sacrifice based court forbidding practice locations unique form worship form hand painted image deity known meaning deity drawn piece cloth worship western world academic study western enthusiasts noted shown histories cross cultural religious west indigenous forms adapt new environment rachel fell professor asian middle eastern cultures columbia_university author books noted evolving views west worship pointed variety writers found exciting figure reflection exploration notably participants new age spirituality attracted goddess worship symbol healing associated especially female power sexuality interpretations exhibit confusion stemming lack knowledge hindu history authors rarely draw materials written scholars hindu religious tradition hard import worship goddess culture religious associations learned imagined deep symbolic meanings embedded native culture available amended previous view writing cross cultural borrowing appropriate natural product religious borrowing ought self consciously enthusiasts ahead goddess power sex particularly early 1990s decided reconsider theological south asian descent perceive feminist new age interpretations goddess choosing informed moved indian view character


sanskrit sanskrit hindu mythology known sex changes man known woman called considered chief lunar dynasty indian kings known descendants versions tale exist usually described daughter son sibling founder solar dynasty versions born female changes male form divine grace soon birth mistakenly entering sacred grove adult cursed change gender month cursed woman woman married god planet mercury son lunar deity bore son called father lunar dynasty birth transformed man fathered sons praised sanskrit goddess speech described mother tale told indian epic poems birth according born eldest daughter mankind wife parents desired son prayed performed deities changed sex boy named referred texts variant parents children long time approached sage solution sage performed fire sacrifice dedicated attain son couple error ritual failure offer appropriate sacrifice instead sent daughter couple version couple deities transformed gender version transformation happens erroneous hymns son called according variant wished daughter wish performing sacrifice daughter born desired son appealed change gender daughter renamed accounts describe eldest youngest child child brothers notable founder solar dynasty son grandson according account found born female remained female born son born god shadow tale told chapter describing greatness horse sacrifice curse marriage grows king hunting forest accidentally forest sacred grove goddess consort god entering male beings including trees animals transformed females assumed form female goddess legend tells female disguised deer led grove order save husband king emphasize sex change deliberate act start lunar dynasty texts tell entire entourage horse changed according approached help laughed reduced curse allowed switch month male remember life female vice versa forest new form female god planet mercury son moon god noticed practising beauty caused fall love sight turned lit man ordered run away promising find mates married spent entire month making love morning remembered past month told killed rain stones convinced stay year month spent woman pleasure month man turned pious ways performed guidance ninth month gave birth grew king lunar dynasty advice father pleased horse sacrifice restored permanently legend credits restoring texts tell birth brothers horse sacrifice sage family priest pleased alternate month turning record birth end alternating gender condition fact describes mother father according account found born female married transformed male called cursed transformed female man versions tale wants live man desires woman king entered grove mountain woman wished remain woman serve goddess river told life woman curse sorrow sacred pool returned deep voiced later life descendants known lunar dynasty descent son moon god versions tale father mother curse end state male bore sons named known sons ruled kingdom father unable alternating gender sons called ruled country eastern regions including northern respectively assistance family priest regained control entire kingdom succeeded female father passed inheritance directly ignoring sons bore male ruled present day stayed says having returned ruled son ruled tells man governed kingdom woman remained indoors subjects disturbed sex changes respect attained adulthood left kingdom went forest sage told supreme goddess pleased goddess emerged female form praised goddess merged king soul gained salvation declare ascended heaven male female anatomy considered chief lunar dynasty solar dynasty brother sons marriage descendant sun son moon union solar lunar races recorded scriptures literature literature known signifies food goddess speech associated goddess knowledge mentioned number times hymns known mentioned described son instructor performing ritual sacrifices according commentator earth performed fire sacrifice order children emerged sacrifice claimed lived initiated race text goddess meal described daughter foot represented cow known sacrifice mentioned son text


sanskrit head severed spelled called ferocious aspect hindu divine mother easily identified unusual nude self goddess usually standing seated couple holds severed head hand jets blood bleeding neck drunk severed head goddess contradictions aspects life life considered symbol sexual self control embodiment sexual energy depending interpretation denotes death destruction life recreation goddess conveys spiritual self realization awakening spiritual energy legends emphasise self sacrifice coupled maternal element sexual dominance self destructive fury enjoys patronage individual temples found eastern india individual public worship lay rare remains popular deity world recognised closely related severed headed form buddhist goddess origins popular buddhism called severed head severed head form goddess ferocious form depicted similarly buddhist texts birth buddhist tale tells disciples sisters cut heads offered guru danced goddess appeared form danced story recalls princess previous incarnation cut head punishment king city citizens early decades 20th century scholar studied texts buddhist hindu late 16th century determined hindu buddhist goddess spite fact wears sacred thread added couple icon goddess called awakened attended hindu called accomplished accompanied called retain buddhist names concluded hindu originated buddhist 7th century view undisputed scholars attribute ancient hindu says goddess functions inherited hindu literature mentions elizabeth says origins clear known 9th century essentially agreeing view van goes associates david agrees buddhist origin theory sees influences according concept earlier 12th century ancient hindu depicted nude influenced development mainly depicted focus display sexual organs signifying sexual explain self theme rejoining motif appears tale goddess hindu inspired war goddess south indian hunting goddess described mother goddess nude wild awful appearance mentioned scriptures foe god ferocious wild goddess war victory linked points nude wild hindu mythology goddess displays shocking self motif legends references named fifth sixth hymns identifying fierce aspect supreme goddess says prominent depictions lists individual worship rare barely independent existence outside group god man lion incarnation described arisen similar list appears distinct set legends origin myths group explaining genesis individual goddess group story narrates creation including daughter wife god feels insulted invited fire sacrifice insists going despite protests futile attempts convince enraged assumes fierce form transforming surround cardinal directions stands right interpreted east west describes appearing rear west similar legends replace second wife chief wife origin uses stop leaving father house stops tired living leaving mentions war companions forms goddess individual goddess narrates tales birth legend attributed tells bathing river sexually excited turns black time female called extremely hungry food initially promises food return home goddess nails gives blood satisfy hunger later return home head version attributed narrated recounts consort identified reverse posture enraged seminal rose body rest tale similar earlier version river called day birth called seeing pale infuriated assumes form version forms oral legend tells goddess appeared aid gods god demon war gods prayed great goddess demons enraged goddess cut head drank blood appears synonym hymn oral legend relates ocean episode gods demons milk ocean acquire drank demons share beheaded prevent acquiring central themes mythology self sacrifice maternal aspect versions welfare world oral version described sexual dominance second version self destructive fury oral legend described late 16th century section 19th century section described red flower bright million usually depicted red orange black depicted nude posed generally hidden multi cobra jewellery waist covers depicted young slim described sixteen year old girl breasts adorned having single blue lotus near heart partially fully clothed goddess carries severed head skull bowl left hand legend mentions specific weapon holds knife like object right hand generally depicted arms goddess arms exist severed head sword appear hands remaining arms vary like object skull bowl collecting blood head blood stream neck severed head identified god tongue hair loose decorated flowers alternately images hair tied additionally described eyed jewel forehead tied snake crown severed head crescent moon head depicted wearing sacred thread severed heads bones gold pearl ornaments neck waist belt ornaments depicted wear snake neck streams blood spring neck entering mouth drunk female companions flank left right depicted nude hair eyed wearing sacred thread severed heads carrying skull bowl left hand knife right hold severed heads fair red depictions depicted blue grey depicted skeletons drinking blood severed head neck absent depictions right leg held straight left leg bent little stance stands fighting posture love deity couple symbol sexual lust wife engaged usually sex position generally blue white couple lotus inverted triangle background ground describes goddess sitting couple standing replaced divine couple krishna lotus beneath couple replaced couple omitted entirely goddess consort depicted lying beneath seated dogs drinking blood appear scene depicted standing lotus grass patch ground form goddess describes seated invisible form said realised trance representation goddess figures inverted triangle lotus found scholar van notes elements heroism terror terms couple main motifs offering severed head drinking blood couple popular similar yellow coloured severed head form buddhist goddess couple exclusive red skin tone symbolism associations goddess goddess contradictions subject object food dissolve listed hymn convey marvel fury names erotic peaceful contrary fierce nature appearance thousand hymn echoes fierce prime bliss names convey idea fierce appearance gentle worship fierce hindu like depict heads demons associated ritual self motif ritual head offering offering head order feed aspect goddess like goddess food goddess vegetables maternal aspect element self sacrifice symbol divine deity self sacrificing mother ideal indian woman sexuality power odds takes life force divine couple signifying aspect life like ornaments indicate youthful nude body erotic overtones like hindu gold symbol wealth fertility destruction transformation recreation scholars pal concept sacrifice renewal creation sacrifices blood drunk universe invocation calls sacrifice recipient sacrifice severed head treated offering signifies entire process cycle creation dissolution creation figure radical transformation great conveys universal message life sustained forms life destruction sacrifice necessary continuity creation goddess cosmic dissolution creation makes way new creation conveying idea transformation goddess said assume form destruction universe considered aspect goddess included family said represent transformation stands time hymn thousand hymn describe fierce nature wrath names describe served ghosts blood pleased human blood human flesh meat body hair flesh fierce head offering subsequent restoration head alluded blood stream drunk head interpreted life sheds skin dying skull head victory time fear death black denotes destruction depiction red orange denotes life drinking blood appears drinks world transforms energies interpretation blood seen negative light signifies life death sex image conveys eternal truth life feeds death death death ultimate destiny sex life turn decay die order feed life lotus couple life urge create life giving life force beheaded goddess blood flowing goddess conveys death loss life force flows mouths self realization awakening head celebrated mark identity source seed self represents removal maya illusion physical attachment false notions ignorance signifies obstacles emancipation wisdom self realization goddess denotes perception allows gain consciousness bonds physical attachment body mind self sacrifice interpretation suggests eyes represent sun moon fire links eye knowledge unlike hindu deities depicted facing generally looks prompting look icon understood representation awakening spiritual energy couple represent awakening corresponds bone spinal column flows central passage body hits head force blows head blood throat represents upward flowing breaking knots things person sad ignorant weak severed head consciousness blood streams represent flow resides symbol interpretation associates main subtle channels respectively flowing free goddess generally said location unite consciousness creation dissolution ability remain alive despite associated supernatural powers awakening earl compared india beheaded british preserving drinking blood control embodiment sexual desire standing couple literally sexual desire sexual intercourse interpreted symbol control sexual desire interpret goddess embodiment sexual energy names control convey control sexual energy triumphant stance love deity couple denotes victory desire cycle birth death rebirth images depicted sitting non fashion suggest couple giving sexual energy goddess images depicted associated interpretation names like goddess desire realm sexual desire appearance common seed krishna support interpretation tongue denotes sexual hunger inverted triangle found signifies feminine goddess prescribed centre inverted triangle signifies powers power action wisdom goddess called accessible symbolism associations nudity integrity names like victorious war celebrate slayer demons prowess battle hair denote rejection societal values rebellious freedom sensual aspect goddess patterns creative energy felt adopt represent trinity purity energy ignorance discussing group associated based lighter goddess mature sixteen year old conquered ego awakened described immature year olds sustained goddess blood liberated portrayals goddess hair tied like free flowing hair like young girls goddess treated figure authority power tied hair represent contrasting ideas controlled nature respectively association red connected fire element sun lotus signifies purity worship easily identified depicted group goddess temples individual cult widespread individual temples public worship rare important deity worship enjoys active worship eastern india individual worship mainly restricted heroic worship type world lack worship lay attributed ferocious nature reputation dangerous approach worship goals worship practitioners worship acquiring supernatural powers aim invoked attract women associates syllables denoting beauty light fire spiritual self realization destruction recommend use obtain wealth goal worship cast spells cause harm author worship soldiers embodies self control lust heroic self sacrifice benefit face death collective prayer emulate goals common worship poetic speech control foes removal obstacles ability sway kings ability attract conquest kings finally salvation modes worship texts details worship including forms image offerings wine meat fish grain mainstream offerings flowers light etc prescribed worship fire sacrifice repetition hymn praise hymn prescribed worship hymn compilation names hymn texts tell imagine red sun signifying triangle popular form imagined reside man goddess abstract terms advises woman woman lose husband son perfect worship left handed path declares worship involves having sexual intercourse woman wife tells adding fire sacrifices wine meat offerings night best time said fourth quarter evening midnight hymns likes blood offered blood sacrifices says brave souls follow worship goddess warns improper worship severe consequences person drink blood worship followed mentions fierce form trunk goddess consort worship midnight festival cautioned worship area district unique traditions instead temples wishes temple goddess forehead fell interpreted severed headed central icon abstract form goddess worship goddess form goddess view severed headed goddess important shrine temple near natural rock covered metal cover goddess established centre 18th century site popular place worship ancient times animal sacrifice offered goddess shrine dedicated built temple complex near worship corpses shrine goddess open days year hill near west shrine situated temple complex popular goddess goddess popular goddess identified found valley shrine temple holds 13th century icon festival month held honour goddess fields near temple sits small shrine temple goddess built contains images different enjoys active worship


terminus god roman religion terminus god protected boundary markers latin word marker sacrifices performed boundary stone landowners celebrated festival called terminus honor year february temple hill thought built shrine terminus occasionally identified aspect ancient writers believed worship terminus introduced rome reign king traditionally successor modern scholars variously seen survival early reverence power inherent boundary marker roman development european belief god concerned division property worship god terminus latin word boundary stone worship recorded late republic empire centred stone god identified writer land surveying records ritual stone bones ashes blood victim crops wine placed hole point estates stone driven february annually festival called celebrated terminus honor involving practices regarded reflection yearly renewal ritual neighboring families respective sides marker offerings terminus altar identifies crops wine marker blood sacrificed lamb pig followed communal feast hymns praise terminus rites practised private landowners related public ceremonies refers sacrifice sheep day sixth milestone rome likely thought marked boundary early romans neighbors stone altar terminus located temple rome hill belief stone exposed sky small hole ceiling directly occasion terminus association extended terminus aspect god refers inscription names god evidence terminus associations extend property boundaries limits generally republican calendar month added year placed february february ancient writers believed february end year decision initiate persecution christians february seen attempt enlisting terminus limit progress christianity history ancient views ancient authors agreed worship terminus origin introduction rome colleague rome founding king traditional reign successor authors gave credit explained motivation prevention violent disputes property states keeping terminus character peace earliest worship involve blood sacrifices stone temple believed located hill temple built traditional reign took auspices discover god goddess altar content moved terminus refused permission goddess youth stone included temple regarded good city boundaries modern views according dominant scholarly view late 19th 20th century roman religion originally directed spirits associated specific objects activities later perceived gods independent personal existence terminus lack mythology close association physical object clear example deity developed little stage view terminus retains recent adherents scholars argued european parallels gods roman religion preceded city foundation regarded terminus roman form european comparing roman deities respectively view sovereign god associated minor deities concerned entry men society fair division goods terminus


old norse moon moon norse mythology attested poetic compiled 13th century earlier traditional sources prose written 13th century sources state brother sun son prose adds followed children heavens proper appears old norse literature scholarly theories proposed potential connection northern european notion man moon potentially story poetic poem dead recounts history universe future disguised god recounts early days universe stanza poem god disguised tasks question origins sun moon describes mankind responds father pass heavens day count years mankind stanza poem disguised says sun moon pursued heavens wolves sun referred shining god pursued protecting woods moon pursued stanza poem god questions dwarf moon asking moon called worlds responds called moon mankind fiery gods wheel counter years prose prose book referenced chapters chapter figure high quotes stanza figure adds occurred prior creation earth chapter high says sister children man children fair named moon sun perceived arrogance gods angered gods placed brother sister heavens guides path moon controls additionally followed heavens brother sister children seen earth took earth water chapter high events including consumed wolves chasing heavenly bodies prose book referred chapter sister chapter names given moon year counter theories corpus female identified desired woman 10th century pointing potential marriage sexual union female john states story having relationship female existed left trace extant mythology states apparently gigantic myth know john fate creation destroyed explicitly stated tells swallow heavenly body moon connects account featuring states man pole woman found chapter modern accounts man moon found modern folklore scandinavia england north germany additionally points stanza appearing early poem states set moon order able year connects time having directed moon sun shorter amounts time given nights days


norse mythology old norse victorious girl friend goddess wife attested poetic compiled 13th century earlier traditional sources prose written 13th century poetic little information provided role assisting captivity prose role helping husband time spent stated appears status goddess mentioned twice appear cross subject theory cultural references attested following works poetic stanza poetic poem tells things sees sitting bound husband grove hot springs mentioned second final time ending prose section poem prose bound gods son son described having turned wolf goddess snake face venom described wife holds basin venom basin grows pulls away time venom drops causing violently earthquakes occur shake entire earth prose appears books prose introduced chapter introduced wife son mentioned chapter events described differently gods captured sons stated described son earlier described son changed wolf gods apart brother tie stones turn iron places snake places holds bowl catch venom bowl leaves pour venom result described shaking violently planet process repeats breaks free setting motion introduced goddess prose book gods holding grand feast visiting husband cargo arms passage quoted 9th century burden arms final mention list section chapter archaeological record century cross located england interpreted featuring figures norse mythology portion west cross features depiction long haired female kneeling figure holding object bound figure left interpreted bound theories found female personal old norse sources old norse meaning victory meaning girl friend surviving sources largely restricted single role appears 9th century poem pagan times written early connection goddess dating older form modern influence scene depicted number paintings including oscar illustration und mit objects places named modern times including norwegian stiff straw winter wheat varieties marvel comics character swedish vessel transports spent nuclear fuel allusion holding bowl beneath venom spare arctic


norse mythology old norse possibly wide ruler god associated vengeance described son avenge father death killing wolf conflict described surviving attested poetic compiled 13th century earlier traditional sources prose written 13th century interpreted depicted cross number theories surround figure including theories potential ritual silence european basis poetic poetic mentioned poems poem tells son avenge death stabbing heart states brother live temples gods fire avenge death father cold jaws battle stanza visions dwelling places gods describes residence grows high grass widely land son horse keen avenge father according gods start poem properly welcoming feast hall stanza finally rules urging stand pour drink guest beginning prose referenced prose books referenced book chapters chapter introduced figure high silent god thick shoe nearly strong god gods rely times immense difficulties chapter high wolf avenge stepping foot lower jaw monster grabbing upper jaw hand tearing mouth apart killing thick shoe described consisting extra leather pieces people cut shoes toe heel collected god time concerned assistance gods throw pieces away chapter following rebirth world brother survived swelling sea fiery completely unharmed shall field city previously according presiding male gods seated banquet visiting point dialogue god begins speaking myths terms states historical equivalent hero survived war went achieve great deeds later book given including silent iron shoe enemy slayer gods father homestead inhabiting son brother tale god visit hall stated mother silent assists journey chapter returning gods invites gods come hall months fourteen gods trip attend feast including chapter appears twice list archaeological record century cross located england described depicting combination scenes christian judgement day pagan cross features figures depicted style including man spear facing monstrous head feet thrust beast tongue lower jaw hand placed upper jaw scene interpreted fighting depiction metaphor jesus defeat theories theories proposed silence derive ritual silence accompany acts vengeance example conceived sole purpose death washing hands hair brought adversary funeral parallels drawn chapter 1st century work describes members tribe groom having slain enemy represents cosmic figure derived europeans stated aligned vertical space placement foot wolf lower jaw hand wolf upper jaw horizontal space wide step strong shoe killing wolf keeps wolf destroying restored destruction resulting spatial god wide root wit claim text trying dispute urges grant space table argues play understood audience familiar god interpretation reading significant book word plays different suggests seen traditions root citing story legend form tricks king secured dominion earth making promise grant land cover turns giant heaven earth taking head granting lieu taking pace myths common origin european god similar distinct hypothetical framing entry exit god spawned


sanskrit known aspect hindu divine mother seven mother chief group eighty warrior goddess combination monsters killed closely associated fierce aspect identified goddess portrayed haunting grounds trees goddess ritual animal sacrifices offerings wine ancient times human sacrifices offered times changed meat wine longer offered today known animal sacrifices discouraged texts originally discovered later entered rites worship include vegetarian offerings meat liquor offerings origins says originally form peoples range central india tribes known offer animal human sacrifices ritual offerings liquor methods worship retained worship proposes fierce nature goddess association identified modern identified fire god times black red coloured described wearing severed heads described having arms holding drum sword snake skull severed head drinking vessel wine cup skull cup filled blood standing corpse man seated defeated demon corpse depicted adorned ornaments bones wears sacred thread worn hindu priests wears formed hair tied snakes skull ornaments crescent moon seen head eyes described intense burns evil worlds accompanied shown surrounded skeletons ghosts like shown eating flesh corpse goddess sits stands companions severed head corpse represents ego corpse conquered showing ego conquered symbolism given impression reality life form reality life non sugar coated version reality times depicted seated owl mount vehicle hindu legends hindu scripture emerged goddess goddess created assigned task eliminating demons generals demon kings fought fierce battle demons ultimately killing goddess took slain heads demons goddess immensely pleased blessed bestowed title commemorate victory demons according later episode created help slaughtered demon army version described blood demon given epithet text identifies story appears body appears foot lion headed goddess considered representation vice tale telling text clearly mentions separate unlike according legend appeared goddess kill demons viewed form tells different story origins created help kill demon ability like generate blood drinks blood demon ultimately helping kill text describes feat solely credits blood having drunk blood changed blood red text says dance destruction playing musical instrument shaft mount spring cosmic snake crescent moon plays instrument world association included seven mothers lists hindu texts like chapter depicted group sculptures examples caves portrayed group referred leader group considered powers male resemble appearance great goddess male god enjoys independent worship describe help kill demons sage described mothers mothers described established creator god saving king apart usual meaning slayer demons gives different explanation means terrible stands head lord husband compared considered manifestation considered guardian direction assigned direction south west considered chief considered daughters context group believed created seven forming group context eighty heads group hindu worship south indian inscription describes ritual sacrifices sheep eighth century sanskrit play describes goddess trying sacrifice heroine temple near ground goddess temple stone inscription deals construction shrine attended female demons rituals daily worship like ritual offering grain community worship family deity dynasty worship temples family lineage hindu origin worship form temple village example worship temples district kilometres west renowned temple depicts scenes goddess image flanked images temple found dedicated according legend chief deity battle demon hills temple near temple near temple temple hill goddess identified killed buffalo demon fierce form deity held reverence centuries temple fort established idol goddess deity rulers moved old capital ruler goddess royal family citizens city temple witnesses festivities festival goddess temple near district state early dismissive goddess demands blood sacrifice principle legends portray goddess defeated monks like legend tells story conversion goddess according story sculpted image temple happy conversions time festival celebrates divine mother expected animal sacrifices converted vegetarian unable meet demand intervened result accepted vegetarian offerings demand meat liquor named told truth told truth rainy season stay beneficial protective goddess temple remained clan goddess temple built honour scriptures warn dire consequences worship hindu rites rituals


sanskrit known divine goddess described mother cows cow plenty provides owner desires portrayed mother cattle generally depicted white cow female head breasts white cow containing deities body cows embodiment independently goddess temples dedicated honor honored cows general hindu population hindu scriptures provide diverse accounts birth emerged cosmic ocean describe daughter creator god wife sage scriptures possession ancient kings tried steal sage ultimately faced dire consequences actions plays important role providing milk milk products sage master capable producing fierce warriors protect addition dwelling sage described dwelling realm cows etymology addressed proper synonym ordinary cow professor considers originated peculiar smell cows according williams sanskrit english dictionary means charming pleasing cow earth specifically refer divine cow mother cattle described mother goddess proper names attributed spotted red literally mean cow desired drawn cow plenty context birth cow given epithet instances described cow daughter scholar considers synonyms symbolism according generic sacred cow regarded source prosperity regarded form hindu divine mother closely related fertile mother earth described cow sanskrit sacred cow denotes purity non erotic fertility sacrificing nature human life frederick smith describes popular enduring image indian art gods believed reside body generic cow legs horns gods tip middle base eyes sun moon gods shoulders fire god wind god legs depicted form poster art representation shows body white cow crowned woman head colourful eagle wings tail according philadelphia museum art form influenced islamic portrayed horse body wings woman face contemporary poster art portrays form cow identified depicted accompanying god relation deity denotes aspect connection deity contrasting accompanying dogs non aspect classical elements icon depicted holding divine cow hands birth children book records rose cosmic ocean gods demons acquire life regarded offspring gods demons created cosmic milk ocean given seven great ordered creator god milk supply clarified butter ritual fire sacrifices book epic narrates born creator drank rose gave birth golden cows called cows called mothers world tells similar tale created breath book narrates creator god drank emerged according daughter sage wife daughter daughters mothers cattle horses respectively described mother cows text described daughter wife mother cows notes conflicting descriptions chapter describes consort union produced cow lower animals goats high class drugs described mother cows instance described daughter wife mother cows appendix calls mother cows narrates krishna lover enjoying milk krishna created cow called called left body cow drinking milk milk pot fell ground broke milk cosmic milk ocean numerous cows emerged pores skin presented companions krishna krishna decreed cow milk prosperity day references describe mother including father cow people makes passing reference mother literally daughter context birth incarnation deity like mother cow plenty resides sage stolen divine cursed sage born earth mentions king ancestor god passed failed pay respects wrath divine cow cursed king childless gone guru advised king serve daughter king wife mother curse blessed king son named described distressed treatment sons fields tears considered bad gods god king heaven book narrates similar instance cries plight son beaten peasant master moved tears rains stop wealth protector hindu religion associated priest class including wealth cow milk derivatives clarified butter integral parts fire sacrifices conducted priests ancient referred cow drawn cow offers prohibited fight protection abusive kings try harm goddess warrior creating armies protect master cow legend narrates cow resided sage earliest version legend appears epic narrates thousand armed king destroyed captured retrieve son king sons turn killed destroyed warrior race times father resurrected divine grace similar accounts abduction cow killing revenge resulting death exist texts mentions king abducted defeated king returned father mentions tried capture power defeated army flew heaven enraged king killed creates great city power accommodate army visit returning kingdom minister persuades capture divine cow minister returns tries convince sage away cow avail tries force ensuing fight sage killed escapes sky takes instead narrates given narrates cow called produces weapons army aid defeat king army come seize king challenged battle instructed master martial arts led army created defeated king army times time life king finally aid divine spear granted god king killed cow presents similar account sage king king army arrived sage sage welcomed offered huge banquet army produced called text king asked sage instead offered thousand ordinary cows elephants horses return sage refused necessary performance sacred rituals charity sage agitated seized force returned master fighting king men hinted order destroy king army sage followed wish intensely produced warriors slain army produced warriors lineage mouth emerged hind pores skin foreign warriors army killed army sons event led great rivalry renounced kingdom great sage defeat residence varies depending different scriptures tells given ownership cow heaven located worlds heaven earth daughter went mount years pleased god conferred goddess hood cow decreed people worship children cows gave world called daughters reside earth humans instance described live city lord oceans situated earth flowing sweet milk said form cosmic milk ocean book milk said essence best things earth inhabits lowest realm known daughters guardian cow heavenly quarters east south west north apart described residing scholar explains stories birth presence gods stating incarnations original mother cows references discourse god krishna twice refers verse krishna makes reference conveying duty milk desires verse krishna declares source universe cows god described having cast curse curse interpreted reference following legend gods fighting superior fiery pillar symbol emerged decided found end pillar superior flew skies try find pillar failed forced versions instead suggested lie falsely testify seen punished putting curse offspring eat substances tale appears worship temples houses images worship cult dedicated temples chief deity williams words living animal cow perpetual object cows fed outside temples regularly special occasions cow pious hindu regarded avatar embodiment divine