Kamala: The Tantric Lotus Goddess and Mahavidya

Often confused with Lakshmi in Hinduism, Kamala, or Kamalatmika, the lotus Goddess, is one among the ten Mahavidyas or Tantric Goddess that form a part of the Shakta pantheon. She is also known as Kamalalaya or the one who dwells in lotuses. She is considered to be the Tantric characterization of the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi. In Shaktism, she is represented as the Devi in the fullness of her graceful aspect. She is believed to be the tenth and the last Mahavidya. She is also considered to be the last form of the goddess Adi Parashakti. The aim of this short book is to introduce the reader to this rare and unique deity among Hindu Goddesses and explore her popular worship among contemporary Hindus.