Chinnamasta: The Headless Goddess of Self-Sacrifice

Chinnamasta is a complex tantric goddess embodying contradictions like giving and receiving, life and death. Her origin stories often involve radical acts of self-sacrifice, transforming desires into power. Known as Chinamunda in Buddhist texts, she symbolizes transcendence over ego. Her iconography, rich with symbolism, depicts her as a figure of renewal and enlightenment. Despite her shocking acts, Chinnamasta represents self-preservation and spiritual liberation. Her paradoxical nature challenges dualities, merging roles of giver and receiver. Though not widely worshipped today, she remains a potent symbol in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

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