In the holy nine days of Navratri, nine forms of Maa Durga are being worshiped in every house. These nine forms together are called Naudurga. The nature of Maa Durga is so widespread that it is impossible to tie it into counting. They are a symbol of female power, which are included in every particle of nature.
Not only this, the power of the power in the masculinity of men is also generated by the spiritual power of the Goddess. Mythology is its witnesses, and the most beautiful example of this is the first revered Shree Ganesh, whose female power is called Vinayaki. But who is Vinayaki? Are they a female avatar of Ganesha or an independent goddess? This question takes us in the depth of Indian myths.
Vinayaki Devi, separate from Ganesha or her avatar
Goddess Vinayaki, who is the elephant’s face, often forgets to understand Ganesha. But their femininity is clear in ancient idols and texts. They include Shodash Matrika and 64 Yoginis, where they are ranked 41st. The ancient 64 Yogini Temple located in Guna, Madhya Pradesh is witness to their presence. But the identity of Vinayaki is not limited to these lists only. He is the power of Ganesha, who is tied in one thread with him, yet he has his own special existence.
Thanumalayan Temple in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu deepens this mystery. This temple is dedicated to Tridevas, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. There are 33 temples in its courtyard, which are considered to be a symbol of 33 categories of deities. ’33 Koti ‘means a matter of controversy among scholars, some consider it as 33 types of gods, and some 33 crores. There is a temple among these temples where devotees stay. There is a statue seated in Sukhasana, a thin-Kamomal body, ax in four hands, conch, blessing posture and a flower. Seeing the face, it seems at first glance that it is Ganesh, but it is Vinayaki, the female form of Ganesha.
Legendary story, blind slaughter comes in mention of Vinayaki
Vinayaki is mentioned with an exciting story in Shivmahapuran. Asura Andhak attacked Kailash and tried to make Goddess Parvati his wife. Shiva killed him with Trishul, but a new blind started taking birth from every drop of blind blood. Then Parvati called upon the powers of all the gods. In this war, Ganesha revealed his female power Vinayaki. Vinayaki prevented blind blood from falling to the ground, which made his end possible. In this story, he was also called Gajanini. This incident suggests that Vinayaki is part of Ganesha’s consciousness, which emerges as his power in times of crisis.
Female power, wife or internal consciousness of gods?
Indian myths describe their female power with every deity. They are usually considered their wives – Lakshmi of Vishnu, Parvati of Shiva, Indrani of Indra, Varun’s Varuni, Chandra’s Rohini and Surya Shadow. But there is also a view that this power is not his wife, but part of his consciousness. Like Vishnu’s power is Yogamaya, and Shiva’s power Shivani, which is seen as Parvati. Similarly, Ganesha’s wives are Riddhi-Siddhi, but their inner strength is humble. This duality makes Vinayaki’s identity more mysterious.
Proof of Vinayaki is found in Thanumalayan temple
The 1300 -year -old Thanumalayan Temple is cherished by the form of Vinayaki. Here his statue is similar to Ganesha, but his femininity is clear. She is called the leader of female elephants, Vighneshwari, Ganeshwari and Ganeshi. This temple is proof that Vinayaki is the goddess of humble, intellect and accomplishment like Ganesha. But in popularity, she lagged behind Ganesha’s wives.
Ancient texts and sculptures
The first mention of Vinayaki is found in Matsya Purana (550 AD), where he was listed in the forms of Shiva. Devdutt Patnaik, who expresses his views on religion and spirituality, says that Vishnu Dharmotar Purana and Vanadurga Upanishad also discuss Vinayaki Devi. Along with this, he is also seen as Parvati’s friend Malini, whose face was like Gajmukh. It may be that she too has been a gan.
The fifth -century terracotta statue in Raigad, Rajasthan, a fragmented statue dancing in Hirapur, Odisha, and their rare statues in the temples of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra testify to their antiquity. Researcher Balaji Mundakur in his research paper “The Annegma of Vinayaki” says that Vinayaki did not get as much recognition as Ganesh. She was neither worshiped in human form, nor did she get equivalent status of Shiva’s power.
Goddess’s name in Vinayaki Chaturthi
Every month Chaturthi of Shukla Paksha is called Vinayaki Chaturthi. This fast is popular in North India, but people do not wonder why it is called Vinayaki Chaturthi, why not Vinayak Chaturthi? This name reflects the subtle presence of Vinayaki. Writer Prithvi Aggarwal writes in his book “Devi Vinayaki: The Female Ganesa” that his dancing statue at the Chunnath Yogini temple in Hirapur is amazing, although it is not clear from being fragmented.
Vinayaki in tantric tradition
Vinayaki is an important part of tantric practices, where female power is considered to be superior to man. In the system, the woman is seen as a source of productive power. Some scholars believe that Vinayaki idols may also be of Parvati’s friend Malini, who came to Ganesh and whose face was also like an elephant. In Vedic traditions, Ganesha was worshiped as a Vighnaharta male deity, while the Tantrikas considered Vinayaki as his power. This difference shows two aspects of Indian philosophy – amurt Vedic and tangible tantric.
Blind
In the story of blind slaughter, Parvati called the female powers of all the gods. Vinayaki, including Indrani, Vaishnavi, Brahmani, ended the blood of the blind and ended it. This story tells that the power of every deity is also present in his female form. This form of Vinayaki began to appear in idols from the 16th century, which reflects their antiquity and development.
Untouched aspect of Vinayaki
Vinayaki is part of the precious treasure of Indian culture, which is necessary to go deep to understand. Vinayaki was deprived of the fame of Ganesha’s wives-riddling-siddhi-as much as he got. Nevertheless, his presence in texts, sculptures and temples underlines his importance in the Sanatan tradition. Vinayaki Chaturthi’s name and his stories make us think whether this discovery is still incomplete, and how deep we have to come down to open its secrets.