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Goddess of
the Inauspicious

The idea of the Hindu Goddesses of the Inauspicious sheds light on the complexity of Hindu mythology. These goddesses tend to be linked to things regarded as unfortunate in traditional societies, like death, illness, or poor luck. Goddesses of the Inauspicious offer an unbiased perspective in Hinduism, where deities represent the cosmos and human experiences, by recognizing and addressing various negative aspects of life. Hindus embrace all facets of the human journey and engage in a deeper understanding of every aspect of existence by recognizing these deities. Following are some noticeable goddesses associated with the inauspiciousness: 

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  1. Jyestha, the goddess of inauspiciousness, misfortune, laziness, and ugliness appeared in 300 BCE. She is regarded as the elder sister and opposite of Lakshmi. She is usually depicted with two arms and having large pendulous breasts, a large belly, and raised nose. She has a complexion of ink and is shown seated comfortably on a throne with her feet on the ground. She is also referred to as Moodevi in Southern India.

  2. Alakshmi is the goddess associated with the poverty and grief mentioned in the Padma Purana. She is often referred to as Jyestha. Alakshmi is described as being antelope-footed and bull-toothed. Her body is shriveled up and beady eyes. Her mount is a donkey.

  3. Nirrti is associated with the goddess death, decay, anger, and sorrow in Vedas. People invoke her for strength and protection.

  4. Dhumavati is a widow goddess associated with misfortune and cosmic dissolution. Although she is associated with wisdom that represents the cyclical nature of life's unavoidable changes.  She is depicted as an old widow with a smoky complexion, wrinkled skin, and long untidy hair. She has two hands, one carrying a winnowing basket and another one in Varada mudra. (Read: Mahavidya)

  5. Arati is described as the goddess of frustration and restlessness in the Atharveda.

  6. Mrityu is the goddess of death created by Brahma but she is regarded as the goddess of eternal righteousness instead of an inauspicious goddess. She kills material and moral beings.

  7. Dhumorna is one of the consorts of Yama and the one who resides in the funeral pyre.

  8. Mara is the goddess of death who is worshipped by many ethnic groups across South Asia.

  9. Kritya is a goddess associated with black magic and witchcraft in Hinduism and is also personified as an ominous supernatural invoked to harm an enemy.

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