Mahavidya Dhumavati : Acrylic Painting by Giri Ratna Singh

Unveiling the Essence of Mahavidya Dhumavati

Mahavidya Dhumavati, the seventh Mahavidya, is unlike any other. Her name, meaning “smoky one,” reflects her association with funeral pyres and inauspiciousness.

Dhyana-Shloka of Mahavidya Dhumavati:

विवर्णा चञ्चला दुष्टा दीर्घा च मलिनाम्बरा । विमुक्तकुन्तला रूक्षा विधवा विरलद्विजा ॥ १॥ काकध्वजरथारूढा विलम्बितपयोधरा । शूर्पहस्तातिरूक्षाक्षा धूतहस्ता वरान्विता ॥ २॥ 

प्रवृद्धघोणा तु भृशं कुटिला कुटिलेक्षणा । क्षुत्पिपासार्दि ता ध्येया भयदा कलहास्पदा ॥ ३॥ 

अत्युच्चा मलिनाम्बराऽखिलजनोद्वेगावहा दुर्मना रूक्षाक्षित्रितया विशालदशना सूर्योदरी चञ्चला । प्रस्वेदाम्बुचिता क्षुधाकुलतनुः कृष्णाऽतिरूक्षप्रभा ध्येया मुक्तकचा सदाप्रियकलिर्धूमावती मन्त्रिणा ॥ ४॥

Iconography of Dhoomavati:

• Aged and gaunt with wrinkled skin
• Unkempt hair and ragged clothing
• Rides in a small chariot pulled by crows, or no one at all, depending on the source

Symbolism of Mahavidya Dhumavati:

• Dhoomavati with her aged appearance represents the impermanence of all things.
• The crows signify endings and transformation.
• Her inauspicious nature embodies the idea that darkness and negativity are part of the whole. Just as Shiva encompasses both good and bad, true enlightenment transcends these dualities.

Origins of Dhoomavati:

There are multiple stories about Dhumavati’s origin:

• Emerging from the smoke of Sati’s self-immolation.
• Being cursed by Shiva to become a widow.

Worship:

• Unlike most Mahavidyas, Mahavidya Dhumavati is rarely worshiped due to her inauspicious associations.
• In some cases, she is worshiped through Tantra for attaining higher spiritual awareness that transcends duality.
• Some believe, people seek out Mahavidya Dhumavati for dark magic.

Key Takeaways:

• Mahavidya Dhumavati represents the acceptance of darkness and negativity as part of life’s totality.
• Her appearance challenges our ideas of beauty and auspiciousness.
• She can symbolize the highest spiritual state or be used for darker purposes depending on the context.

About the Artist:

Steeped in the traditions of Sri Vidya Tantra, acclaimed artist Giri Ratna Singh translates his profound understanding of Hindu scriptures onto canvas. Following the traditions laid down by the great Aagam and Shilpa Shastras, Singh leverages his mastery of Acrylic and Mixed Media to bring to life iconic portrayals of Hindu deities. Combining scriptural fidelity with artistic vision, Singh’s paintings cater to those seeking authentic representations of the divine.

Medium:

Archival Matte Paper Print, Canvas Print (Choose your preferred medium)

Available Sizes (Mahavidya Dhumavati):

Choose your preferred size (All dimensions are in inches)

• 5″ x 7″
• 8″ x 12″
• 12″ x 18″
• 16″ x 24″
• 20″ x 30″
• 24″ x 36″