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Mahavidya · Sixth Mahavidya / Self-Decapitated Goddess

Chinnamasta

छिन्नमस्ता
Also known as: Chinnamastā, Chinnamastikā, Pracandā Caṇḍikā

About

Sixth of the ten Mahavidyas. The self-decapitated goddess who holds her own severed head. Represents self-sacrifice, sexual energy, and the transcendence of ego. Blood spurts from her neck into the mouths of her two attendants. Symbolizes the cycle of life, death, and self-renewal.

Attributes

Self-sacrificeEgo transcendenceSexual energyLife-death cycleSupreme control

Symbols

Severed headScissors (or sword)BloodTwo attendants (Dakini and Varnini)

Associated Mantras

Om Śrī Chinnamastāyai Namaḥ
Chinnamastā Kavacham
Chinnamastā Tantra

Festivals

Chinnamasta Puja

Scriptures

Chinnamastā TantraDevī Bhāgavata PurāṇaŚāradā Tilaka Tantra

Regions Worshipped

NepalWest BengalAssamPan-India (tantric traditions)

Iconography

Standing on a copulating couple (Rati and Kama) or on a lotus. Holds her own severed head in one hand, scissors or sword in the other. Three jets of blood: left and right into the mouths of her two attendants, middle into her own mouth. Naked, adorned with serpent jewelry. Fierce yet serene expression.