SHODASH NITYA DEVIS

Nitya Devi is a term used in Hinduism to refer to the sixteen eternal goddesses or deities who are believed to embody various aspects of the divine feminine energy. Each Nitya Devi is associated with a specific phase of the moon and has her own unique characteristics and powers. Here is a brief description of the 16 Nitya Devis:

1. Kameshwari:

She represents desire and is associated with the new moon. Kameshwari is known for her beauty and the ability to fulfill desires.

2. Bhagamalini:

She represents the aspect of attraction and is associated with the waxing crescent moon. Bhagamalini is believed to possess immense beauty and charm.

3. Nityaklinna:

She represents compassion and forgiveness and is associated with the first quarter moon. Nityaklinna is known for her tender and loving nature.

4. Bherunda:

She represents the aspect of ferocity and is associated with the waxing gibbous moon. Bherunda is often depicted with two heads and symbolizes the power to destroy negativity.

5. Vahnivasini:

She represents the aspect of fire and is associated with the full moon. Vahnivasini is believed to have the power to purify and transform.

6. Vidyarajni:

She represents knowledge and wisdom and is associated with the waning gibbous moon. Vidyarajni is often depicted with a book and a pen, symbolizing learning and intellect.

7. Mahavidya:

She represents great knowledge and is associated with the third quarter moon. Mahavidya is revered for her profound wisdom and the ability to grant spiritual insights.

8. Kameshwari:

She represents desire and is associated with the waning crescent moon. Kameshwari is known for her ability to fulfill desires and bring about spiritual transformation.

9. Nitya:

She represents eternity and is associated with the dark moon. Nitya symbolizes the everlasting nature of time and consciousness.

10. Nilapataka:

She represents the aspect of power and is associated with the first day after the new moon. Nilapataka is depicted with a blue flag and is believed to grant strength and protection.

11. Vijaya:

She represents victory and is associated with the second day after the new moon. Vijaya symbolizes triumph over obstacles and success in endeavors.

12. Sarvamangala:

She represents auspiciousness and is associated with the third day after the new moon. Sarvamangala brings good fortune and blessings to her devotees.

13. Jwalamalini:

She represents the aspect of fire and is associated with the fourth day after the new moon. Jwalamalini embodies the transformative power of fire and is often depicted with a flame.

14. Chitra:

She represents art and creativity and is associated with the fifth day after the new moon. Chitra is known for her artistic skills and the ability to inspire imagination.

15. Chitralekha:

She represents the aspect of beauty and is associated with the sixth day after the new moon. Chitralekha is believed to possess unparalleled beauty and grace.

16. Bhuvaneshwari:

She represents the Earth and is associated with the seventh day after the new moon. Bhuvaneshwari symbolizes the nurturing and sustaining aspect of the divine feminine.

These sixteen Nitya Devis are worshipped and revered in certain branches of Hinduism, particularly in the Tantric traditions, as embodiments of various qualities and energies that can be invoked and worshipped for spiritual upliftment and attainment.