Chinmastika MahaVidya

Chhinnamasta is the sixth of the ten Mahavidya Goddesses and She is known as the self-decapitated
Goddess. She is also known as Prachanda Chandika.

Chhinnamasta Origin – There are several legends about the origin of Goddess Chhinnamasta. However most of them suggest that Goddess beheaded herself due to accomplish a greater and noble cause.

Chhinnamasta Iconography – The iconography of Chhinnamasta is fearsome. The self-decapitated Goddess holds her own severed head in one hand and holds a scimitar in the other hand. Three jets of blood spurt out of her bleeding neck and are drunk by her severed head and two female attendants, Dakini and Varnini. Chhinnamasta is depicted standing on a copulating couple.

Chhinnamasta complexion is as red as the flower of hibiscus or Gudahala (गुड़हल). She possesses the brightness of million suns. She is depicted nude and with disheveled hair. She is described to be a sixteen years old girl, having a blue lotus near her heart. Chhinnamasta wears a serpent as a sacred thread and a garland of skulls or severed heads around her neck along with other ornaments.

Chhinnamasta Sadhana – Chhinnamasta Sadhana is limited to Tantrikas, Yogis and world renouncers due to her ferocious nature and her reputation of being dangerous to approach and worship. However, Chhinnamasta Sadhana is done to destroy the enemy. She is worshipped to get rid of court cases, to seek government favors, to get stronghold in business and to gain good health.