Ninth of the ten Mahavidyas. The goddess of inner wisdom, learning, and the arts. Associated with speech, music, and the outcastes (matanga refers to elephant-keepers). Represents the wisdom that comes from outside traditional structures. She is the patron of poets, artists, and musicians.
Green or dark complexion. Four arms: holds veena, sword, shield, and noose. Often depicted with a parrot. Seated on a throne or lotus. Sometimes shown as an outcaste figure with simple ornaments. Associated with leftover food (uchchhishta).