Mahadevi (Sanskrit: महादेवी, IAST: Mahādevī), also referred to as Devi, Mahamaya and Adi Parashakti, is the supreme goddess in Hinduism. According to the goddess-centric sect Shaktism, all Hindu gods and goddesses are considered to be manifestations of this great goddess, who is considered to be the Para Brahman or the ultimate reality.
Shaktas often worship her as Durga, also believing her to have many other forms. Mahadevi is mentioned as the Mulaprakriti (Primordial Goddess) in Shakta texts, having five primary forms—Parvati, Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Gayatri and Radha—collectively referred to as Panchaprakriti. Besides these, Goddess Tripura Sundari, a form of Devi, is often identified with the supreme goddess Mahadevi in Shaktism. Author Helen T. Boursier says: "In Hindu philosophy, both Lakshmi (primary goddess in Vaishnavism) and Parvati (primary goddess of Shaivism) are identified as manifestations of this great goddess—Mahadevi—and the Shakti or divine power".
_q.jpg)