In Hinduism the purpose to life is to attain enlightenment. There are four steps in which a person can attain enlightenment: by fulfilling one's purpose (dharma), being prosperous or successful (artha), by obtaining an appropriate pursuit of pleasure (kama), and lastly to be liberated from rebirth (moksha) (The Meaning…). In the universe there are two main principals energy (Shakti) and consciousness (Shiva). One cannot exist without the other. Shakti is viewed as a feminine force that is the universe’s cosmic energy. Shiva is viewed as unswaying and unlimited. With both energy and consciousness comes the creation of the earth (Chakras). Gods and goddesses play an integral role within the attainment of enlightenment. There are three main gods:
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Their names are Durga and Kali. These goddesses are very influential in the Hindu culture for women. They show empowerment, guidance, and determination. Women in the Hindu culture have a certain dharma usually fulfilled by being a wife and mother (Women in Hinduism 66). Many of the Hindu feminine saints appeared during the bhakti movement (600-1700 EC). This opened doors to women and gave them more authority. This authority can be seen in how Hindu women live their lives and what social roles they play. Although there are a lot of roles women can play in Hinduism there are still many ways in which they are discriminated against. Focusing on the role that these two Hindu goddesses play in women's lives helps by giving women more agency in the …show more content…
Interestingly enough non-consort are not only feared by men and women but these goddesses are also looked up to by men and women for protection (India Inspires). Sita is a consort goddess, she is known for choosing her own path and being strongly independent. Other goddesses like Durga and Kali are deities in which one can look up to for empowerment (usually associated with being non-consort goddesses). Durga known as the warrior goddess is depicted as having ten arms (with each hand holding something different) and is riding on a lion or a tiger. Her arms show how she can protect us in all ten directions. She is holding a half blooming lotus, which shows growth and ability to progress. She also is holding a conch which symbolizes om or our interconnectivity of the universe, these are only a couple of things she is holding. She has three eyes with each having a special meaning. Starting with the left eye which represents desire and is associated with the moon, the right eye is shown as the sun and reflects action, her third eye which is knowledge and fire. When Durga was trying to defeat the demon Raktabija from her furrowed brow came Kali. Kali which means she who is black is often referred to as, “the scary one.” Kali is half naked with a skull necklace, and a belt of severed limbs.
Their names are Durga and Kali. These goddesses are very influential in the Hindu culture for women. They show empowerment, guidance, and determination. Women in the Hindu culture have a certain dharma usually fulfilled by being a wife and mother (Women in Hinduism 66). Many of the Hindu feminine saints appeared during the bhakti movement (600-1700 EC). This opened doors to women and gave them more authority. This authority can be seen in how Hindu women live their lives and what social roles they play. Although there are a lot of roles women can play in Hinduism there are still many ways in which they are discriminated against. Focusing on the role that these two Hindu goddesses play in women's lives helps by giving women more agency in the …show more content…
Interestingly enough non-consort are not only feared by men and women but these goddesses are also looked up to by men and women for protection (India Inspires). Sita is a consort goddess, she is known for choosing her own path and being strongly independent. Other goddesses like Durga and Kali are deities in which one can look up to for empowerment (usually associated with being non-consort goddesses). Durga known as the warrior goddess is depicted as having ten arms (with each hand holding something different) and is riding on a lion or a tiger. Her arms show how she can protect us in all ten directions. She is holding a half blooming lotus, which shows growth and ability to progress. She also is holding a conch which symbolizes om or our interconnectivity of the universe, these are only a couple of things she is holding. She has three eyes with each having a special meaning. Starting with the left eye which represents desire and is associated with the moon, the right eye is shown as the sun and reflects action, her third eye which is knowledge and fire. When Durga was trying to defeat the demon Raktabija from her furrowed brow came Kali. Kali which means she who is black is often referred to as, “the scary one.” Kali is half naked with a skull necklace, and a belt of severed limbs.