Yogini Vikrali (Karakali) and Her Association with Tripura Bhairavi: Exploring Connections in Hindu Tantric Traditions
Introduction to the Mahavidyas and Yoginis in Tantra
In the esoteric realms of Hindu Tantra, the concepts of Mahavidyas and Yoginis represent profound expressions of divine feminine energy, or Shakti. The ten Mahavidyas—Kali, Tara, Tripura Sundari (Shodashi), Bhuvaneshvari, Tripura Bhairavi (Bhairavi), Chhinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi, and Kamala—are revered as the "Great Wisdom Goddesses." They embody cosmic truths, transcending conventional deity worship to symbolize the multifaceted nature of reality, from creation and preservation to destruction and liberation. These goddesses emerged in Tantric texts like the Mundamala Tantra, Todala Tantra, Rudrayamala Tantra, and Yogini Tantra, often manifesting from Parvati or Sati to assert divine authority and guide devotees toward enlightenment.
and feminine principles.
Consort: Bhairava, the Terrifying Aspect of Shiva
Bhairavi's eternal partner is Bhairava (or Kala Bhairava), a wrathful form of Shiva embodying the destruction of time and guardianship of thresholds. Depicted as a dark ascetic with matted hair, serpents, and skulls, Bhairava's vahana is a dog (shvan), symbolizing loyalty, vigilance, alertness, and psychopomp qualities—
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