A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1173

c5.1173

MĀYĀ. ‘Illusion, deception.’ 1. Illusion personified as a female form of celestial origin, created for the purpose of beguiling some individual. Sometimes identified with Durgā as the source of spells, or as a personification of the unreality of worldly things. In this character she is called Māyā-devī or Mahā-māyā. 2. A name of Gayā, one of the seven sacred cities.