Shivaduti

Shivaduthi
Other names	One who sent Shiva as an emissary
Affiliation	Devi, Durga, Matrika
Abode	Cremation grounds
Weapon	Trident,sword,chowry,noose
Mount	Wolf

Shivaduti is a powerful manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. Shivaduti means one who has Shiva as her messenger. Goddess Shivaduti made her appearance in the battle against demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. She symbolically represents the unfathomable power of Mother Goddess Shakti. As per Devi Mahatmyam, in the battle against the forces of Shumbh and Nishumbh, Mother Goddess took the manifestation of the Saptamatrikas. They were Shaktis of the male gods. After this appeared Shivaduti, the Shakti of Mother Goddess. This form is not associated with any male form. Devi Mahatmyam states that she appeared from the body of Mother Goddess in the most gruesome form – yelping like a hundred jackals. She then asked Lord Shiva to carry the message to Shumbha and Nishumbha that if they desire to battle against her out of arrogance and false belief in their strength, then they and their forces be ready to be devoured by her jackals. It must be noted here that Goddess Shivaduti is a symbolic representation of what form Goddess Shakti can take to put down Adharma.

According to Kalika Purana,Shivadooti is described as having red complexion,matted hair with three eyes and four arms. She wears a garland of skulls and tiger skin. She holds a trident,a sword,a chowry and a noose;while standing with right foot on the back of a wolf and left foot on the chest of a corpse. She possesses ten incarnations(Yoginis)- Kshemankari,Shantaa,Devamata,Mahodari,Karali,Kamada,Bhagasya,Bhagamalini,Bhagavaha and Subhaga.