South-Indian Images of Gods and Goddesses c10.s1.4

c10.s1.4

Saktis may be found depicted in temples in any one of the three aspects, the calm, the terrible or the ugly, as distinguished by the particular positions in which they are placed or the circumstances under which they are worshipped. When merely represented as the consorts of the gods they are mild and pleasing in appearance and have only two hands, in one of which is held the lotus bud. More often, however, the goddesses have independent existence. The majority of these latter are Saivite in their nature, i.e., wild, fearful and destructive and are often propitiated only by bloody sacrifices.¹ Before entering upon a description of these numerous Saivite Saktis, a word may be said of each of the milder ones associated with Brahmā, Vishnu and Siva. It must be noted that the characteristic feature in the worship of Saktis, whether Saivite, Vaishnavite or otherwise, is the association with them of mystic charms, or geometrical figures called *chakras*, *yantras* or *pithas*, with conventional and often mystic incantations and solemn ceremonials which make no appeal to the gentler feelings of human nature.