[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c5.1173 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1173 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1173 - **Language:** English ### [c5.1173](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.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. - [Previous: c5.1172](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1172) - [Next: c5.1174](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1174) - [Up: c5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1173](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1173) · Pramāṇa