Articles — Chinnamasta

Maa Chinnamasta is a form of Shakti shown as having cut off her own head. The blood that spurts from her neck, representing Prana that sustains all life, flows in three streams—one into her own mouth, showing her that she is self-existent, and the others into the mouths of her two female attendants, Dakini and Varnini representing all life force. The severed head symbolizes liberation. By severing the head, the She reveals herself in her true being, which is unconditioned, infinite, and free. It represents freedom from conditioning and individuality. Her nudity represents her autonomy. It shows that she can’t be...