Chinnamasta

The Chinnamasta Shloka Rids the Mind of Impurities

Chinnamastā bhāsvanmaṇḍalamadhyagāṁ nijaśira śchinnaṁ vikīrṇālakam sphārāsyaṁ pratibad'dha galāt svarudhiraṁ vāmē karē bhibhratīm yābhāsaktarati smarōpagatāṁ sakhyā nijē ḍākinī varṇin'yai paridr̥śyamōda kalitāṁ śrīchinnamastāmbhaje

Devi Chinnamasta is the most terrifying deity of the Dasa MahaVidya. She is the sixth Goddess of the pantheon, depicted as a headless, nude woman riding a copulating couple. Her depiction is painstakingly violent, associated with intense suicidal fears, yet liberating the Sadhaka from the illusion of Maya.

Death, indeed, holds no meaning for her, for she remains alive despite cutting her own head. Again, she is death herself, provoking the deepest fears of the psyche: that of violence, self-harm, nudity, and sexual passions. The mighty paradox also lies in the interpretation that sex is but an act of creation, and nudity is but beautiful, if not terrifying.

She holds her own decapitated head in her left hand, and her right hand wields the scimitar. Her severed head is enlivened by a sweet smile rather than the expected painful grimace. She feeds on her own blood and also nourishes the two Dakinis surrounding her. Her portrayal is a depiction of raw feminine power and unending sexual energy, just as the endless cascade of blood flows into her mouth.

At the same time, standing on a copulating couple, she embodies intense sexual control and discipline, with the knowledge that losing the grasp on passions in Tantra can be met with a violent end. Even there, despite the apparent ending or death, she is still joyous and alive! The intensity of the life-death cycle described by the image of Devi Chinnamasta holds the key to Moksha, as she is one of the Dasa MahaVidya deities, Goddesses who impart the Supreme Knowledge. Her consort is Lord Shiva, who is depicted as the Kabandha, or a headless masculine figure.

Her naked body is adorned with a garment of ashes and a garland of skulls. The ashes symbolize the crematorium, representing the ultimate end of all beings. Even then, the ashes, the indifference of it (Bairagya), transcends to an object of desire for her, adorning her sensual nakedness. The ashes also represent the impermanence of the physical form and the shedding of the mortal ego.

She appears to be dancing with her Dakinis (terrifying Yoginis adept in black magic), but her dance is not a violent struggle. Rather, her gestures are pleasant, signifying the liberation of the soul into the realms of the Paramananda or the Supreme Bliss. In many ways, she represents the transformative power of the Dasa MahaVidya, leading the devotee into the realms of Moksha, freed from the sufferings of the mortal world.

Her Worship Grants the Power of Commands

Goddess Chinnamasta is seen engulfing the middle stream of blood from her cut throat. The three streams of blood are three Nadis, Ida, Sushunma, and Pingala. Nadi means ‘pulse of blood.’ The three streams are the principalities that govern the physical self. The middle stream is Sushunma, which flows from the Muladhara chakra (the lowest) to the Sahasrara (the highest). In some depictions, she wears a sacred thread of serpent, representing the power of the Kundalini energy.

The Sushunma Nadi is associated with memory and subconscious thoughts. By drinking the blood of Sunshunma, the Goddess Chinnamasta depicts the transition of Kundalini Shakti from the base to the crown and even beyond that. This is because the Sahasrara Chakra, a thousand-petal lotus, is located in the astral body and not in the physical self, over the head of the Sadhaka.

Goddess Chinnamasta is thereby associated with the Ajna Chakra (located between the eyes) and the Sahasrara, beyond the body. The Sadhana of Chinnamasta is done under Viratri (or the deepest night). The Sadhaka should wear a yellow or red garment during the worship.

The worship nullifies the malefic impact of Rahu, according to Vedic Astrology. The ideal time for worship is during the Chaturdashi in Shulka Paksha, during the Grishma Ruthu and the Maghashira Masam. The Siddhi obtained by Sadhaka is called Jothirvidya. This Siddhi enables the Sadhaka to command the thoughts of others.

She is worshipped by Many Names

Goddess Chinnamasta is worshipped by many other names. In some sects, she is worshipped as Vajra Vairochani. The name means “The Goddess holding the power of thunder in her palms.” In this form, she may be equated with Indrani, the Queen Goddess of the heavens.

Another name is Prachanda Chandika, meaning “the most ferocious form of Chandi.” Goddess Chandi is worshipped as the deity of ferocious anger. Chinnamasta represents the most ferocious of the ferocity.

She also appears in Tantrik Buddhism by the name of Chinnamundika. Buddhism originated from Hinduism, and in many ways, carries the same principles as the Sanatana Dharma. In this form, she is also worshipped as the Trikaya Vajrajogini, meaning, “The three-bodied Goddess of the Thunder.”

The association of Chinnamasta with the power of thunder equates one of the most terrifying aspects of Nature (Prakriti) with the swift dissolution of mortal illusions (life and death) by a shining sword of light.

In some Tantric scriptures, she is known as the Sarvasiddhi, or “The Goddess of All Powers.” Another name similar to her is Sarvabuddhi, or “The Goddess of All Intellect.”

The Deep Knowledge of Tantrik Worship

The worship of the Goddess Chinnamasta must be done with utmost devotion, sincerity, and a subtle understanding of her symbolism. Her nudity should be venerated, and the sexual position in her depiction should not be thought of impurely. By no means is her worship recommended for a casual and superficial practice. You must be ready for a deeply honest spiritual commitment, along with an innate acceptance of spiritual transformation.

The Guru decides the right path for the devotee who wants to worship Chinnmasta. Tantra has several paths, of which the Dakhsinacharam, Vamacharam, and Kaulacharam are mostly practised.

Dakshinacharam, or the Right-Hand Path of Tantra, is based on the principles of Sattva. The Sattvik Guna embodies strict practices of self-discipline, including sexual abstinence, vegetarianism, and meditation.

Vamacharam, or the Left-hand path of Tantra, is based on the principles of Tamasa. The Tamasik Guna implies having strict control over the consumption of meat, fish, and alcohol. Also, it means that the Sadhaka should practice heavy self-discipline in managing wealth and during sexual intercourse. In other words, the Sadhaka must practice the path of the Five M’s or the Pancha Ma’Kara. These are Madya (alcohol), Mamsa (meat), Matsya (fish), Mudra (money), and Maithuna (sexual intercourse).

Kaulacharam is similar to Vamacharam but also carries some elements of Dakshinacharam. It is the middle path that is based on the principles of Rajasa. While Sattva and Tamasa are extreme qualities (Gunas), Rajasa represents an easier-to-follow path for the Sadhaka.

Worshipping Her Benevolence to Attain Solutions

The worship of Goddess Chinnamasta helps the devotee overcome the problems in life. She guides the devotee through the terrifying realms of Tantra, as she is terror personified! By her grace and the power of a devout heart, you can overcome the following problems.

Problem: Fear and anxiety

>

Solution:

• Meditating on her image: The devotee should meditate on the fierce image of Goddess Chinnamasta, worshipping her as the source of ultimate fear. By her grace, she helps the devotee to overcome fear and anxiety.
• Chant Her Mantra:The devotee should chant the Chinnamasta Mantra with a pure heart. Her mantra is, "Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Aim Vajra Vairochaniye Hum Hum Phat Swaha." The mantra evokes her pure energy and dispels fears from the mind.
• Make Offerings:The devotee should offer red flowers, sweets, and pomegranates to the Goddess. The offerings here symbolize life and her transformative grace. The offering of sweets also represents the importance of having sweetness amidst challenges.

Problem: Obstructed by negative patterns and habits

Solution:

• Sacrifice Symbolism: You should write down the negative pattern on a piece of paper and burn it at the altar of Devi Chinnamasta. She helps you attain liberation from the cycle of bad habits.
• Self-Reflection Rituals: You should ignite a red candle in front of the image of Chinnamasta and focus on the flame. Reflect on the habits that you want to change. Self-reflection rituals ultimately help you to get the strength to break free of bad habits.
• Daily Affirmations: You should use affirmations aligning with the transformative power of the Goddess. Affirmations such as, “I release myself from all negativity,” reinforce positive change in the mindset.

Problem: Enhancing confidence and personal power

Solution:

• Daily worship: The devotee should set up a small altar with an image or statue of Chinnamasta. You need to offer daily prayers to her presence, seeking her blessings to evoke confidence.
• Reciting the Mantra: You should recite her seed mantra, “Kleem”, to invoke her powerful presence in your life.
• Visualize empowerment: You should visualize yourself embodying her attributes, such as strength and fearlessness.

Problem: Financial instability and overcoming obstacles

Solution:

• Yantra Worship:You should place a Chinnmasta Yantra at the altar and worship her daily. Focus on her benevolent form and ask for her grace in overcoming obstacles.
• Offering of Red Items: : You should offer red items at her altar, including flowers, fruits, and clothing.
• Ritual Bath: Arrange a ritual bath sprinkled with rose petals and turmeric. After the bath, sit down at the altar to worshipping the Goddess.

Problem:Obstacles in the path of spiritual enlightenment

Solution:

• Deep meditation:You should engage in deep meditation by focusing on the crown Chakra. Visualize the energy of the Goddess descending from the cosmos and guiding your spirit toward Moksha.
• Fasting and penance: Observe fasting rituals in honour of the Goddess Chinnamasta. Keep your heart pure and practice the path of truthfulness.
• Sacred chanting: Read from sacred texts and recite hymns dedicated to the Devi. Seek her divine wisdom to guide you on your spiritual journey.

Guide of an Accomplished Tantrik

The worship of the Goddess must be done under the guidance of a Master in Tantra. The path of Tantra requires the most severe discipline, and any failure can evoke the curses of the Goddess. Only a Guru can guide you safely through this dangerous terrain, helping you to obtain the grace of the terrifying Goddess.