Ambika (goddess)

Ambika
Mother Goddess, Mother of the Universe and all Beings
Painting of Ambika by Raja Ravi Varma
AffiliationMahadevi
AbodeManidvipa
WeaponDiscus, Conch Shell, Trident, Mace, Bow, Sword, Lotus Flower
MountLion or Tiger
TextsMarkendeya Purana, Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana
ConsortShiva

Ambika (Sanskrit: अम्बिका, IAST: Ambikā) is generally an epithet or form of Mahadevi, the supreme goddess of Hinduism. In Shaktism, she is revered as Adi Parashakti, the mother of the universe and all beings. She is often identified with various incarnations such as Chandi, Durga, Bhagavati, Lalitambika, Bhavani and many others. In her iconography, she is typically depicted with eight arms holding multiple weapons.