Kamalamba

Kamalamba is a significant goddess in the Sri Vidya tradition of Hinduism. She is often depicted as seated on a lotus, symbolizing purity and spiritual blossoming. Her name itself, "Kamala" meaning lotus and "Amba" meaning mother, signifies her benevolent and nurturing nature as the divine mother.

Within Sri Vidya, Kamalamba is considered the presiding deity of the Manipura chakra, the solar plexus, which is associated with power, energy, and self-esteem. Worship of Kamalamba is believed to bestow strength, courage, and the ability to overcome obstacles. She is also associated with prosperity and the fulfillment of desires.

Kamalamba is often invoked through mantras and yantras, sacred geometric diagrams. The Kamalamba Navavarana Kriti, a set of nine musical compositions by the saint-composer Muthuswami Dikshitar, is a well-known and elaborate form of her worship. These kritis describe the different stages and aspects of her divine form and presence within the Sri Chakra. Devotees believe that by meditating on her and chanting her mantras, they can achieve spiritual growth, inner peace, and worldly success. Her worship is a central element for those following the path of Sri Vidya.