Dhumavati is the seventh of the ten Mahavidya Goddesses. Devi Dhumavati is an old widow and is
associated with things considered inauspicious and unattractive. She is always hungry and thirsty who initiates quarrels.
In characteristics and nature She is compared with Goddess Alakshmi, Goddess Jyeshta and Goddess Nirriti. All these three Goddesses are embodiment of negative qualities but at the same time worshipped at special timings of the year.
Dhumavati Origin – As per legend mentioned in Pranatoshini Tantra, once Devi Sati due to satiate her extreme hunger swallowed Lord Shiva. Later on the request of Lord Shiva itself, She disgorged Him. After this incident, Lord Shiva rejected Her and cursed Her to assume the form of a widow.
Dhumavati Iconography – Goddess Dhumavati is depicted as an old and ugly widow. She is thin, unhealthy with pale complexion. Unlike other Mahavidya(s), She is unadorned with jewelry. She wears old, dirty clothes and has disheveled hair.
She is portrayed with two hands. In one of her trembling hands, She holds a winnowing basket and makes either boon conferring gesture or knowledge giving gesture with the other hand. The boon conferring gesture and knowledge giving gesture are known as Varada Mudra and Chin Mudra respectively. She rides on a horseless chariot bearing an emblem of a crow.
Dhumavati Sadhana – Goddess Dhumavati Sadhana is done to get rid of extreme poverty. She is also worshipped to make body free from all sorts of diseases.
Dhumavati Mool Mantra –
ॐ धूं धूं धूमावती देव्यै स्वाहा॥
Om Dhum Dhum Dhumavati Devyai Svaha॥