त्रिपुर सुन्दरी
Dasha Mahavidya · Sacred Day: Friday
Tripura Sundari — 'the beautiful one of the three worlds' — is the third Mahavidya. She is also known as Shodashi (sixteen-year-old) and Lalita Tripurasundari. She is the supreme goddess of the Sri Vidya tradition, worshipped through the Sri Yantra — the most sacred of all yantras — and the Lalita Sahasranama (the 1000 names of Lalita). She represents divine beauty and the supreme creative principle. Sri Vidya is considered the most refined and sophisticated of tantric paths, and Tripura Sundari is its presiding deity. Her worship is also central to the Shankaracharya tradition.
Radiantly beautiful young woman of sixteen, rose-red complexion, four arms holding a noose, goad, bow, and arrows (representing mind, ego, desire, and the five senses). Seated on a throne supported by Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, and Ishvara, above the body of Sadashiva — symbolising her supreme position.
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं त्रिपुरसुन्दर्यै नमः ॥
ॐ ललितायै नमः ॥
Part of the Dasha Mahavidya collection