The above picture of Devi Kamakshi, also called Lalita Tripurasundari, of Kanchipuram, is the closest resemblance to her description given in the scriptures – holding a lotus, noose, goad and sugarcane bow in her four hands, of reddish complexion, wearing red sari and with a crescent moon adorning her head. When all the Gods were powerless before the demon king Mahisasura, they worshiped Her and She appeared in the form of Goddess Durga. During the battle with Mahisasura Goddess Durga created Goddess Kali and Goddess Chandi.
When she returned after killing him all the Gods and Goddesses worshiped and sang the famous stotra Devi Stuti in Her praise. Reciting this entire story, known as Gurga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmyam, is a highly auspicious one. Reciting Her Lalita Sahasranama Stotra and Lalita Trishati Stotra are repeatedly prescribed in the scriptures as the best worship for all round success. She is engaged in the continuous process of dissolution and recreation of the world as Lord Shiva’s eternal consort. With Shiva She is Shakti, with Mahakala She is Smashana Tara, with Bhairava She is Bhairavi and so on. The Sri Chakra or Sri Yantra is the Tantrik diagrammatic representation of Devi. There is nothing like worshiping the Devi.
