In Indian tradition the place of the goddess, the female deity has always been present.  In common with early animistic and pagan cultures male and female are acknowledged.  In the Vedantic traditions while the male gods may usually be seen as preeminent there is always the female equivalent often regarded as the consort of the god.  At times the female goddess becomes the star player in a myth.  As is common in these traditions various names may be used to denote basically the same goddess.  Devi, a widespread name of the goddess, is often called Shakti, Shiva`s consort, and Parvati, the wife of Shiva.  As a benevalent deity the names Amba and Lakshmi are used.  Kali the dark goddess is a frightening warrior also called Duga who rides a tiger.  Even the river Ganges is honoured with the recognition as a goddess, Ma Ganga - Mother Ganga.


On the banks of Ma Ganga near Rishikesh, 2000