Sinivali

Sinivali (Sanskrit: सिनीवाली, Sinīvālī) is a Vedic goddess, mentioned in two hymns of the Rigveda, in RV 2.32 and RV 10.184.[1] In 2.32.7-8 she is described as broadhipped, fair-armed, fair-fingered, presiding over fecundity and easy birth. She is invoked together with Ganga, Raaka, Saraswati, Indrani and Varunani. In 10.184.2, she is invoked together with Saraswati to place the fetus in the womb.[2] In Atharvaveda 7.46, she is described as the consort of Vishnu hence she is seen as a potency of Lakshmi. Sinivali is also mentioned as one of the names of Goddess Lakshmi in her Sahasranama.

Santana Lakshmi, one of the manifestations of Goddess Ashta Lakshmi, is also regarded as a variation of Sinivali.

In later Vedic texts, she is identified with Raka, presiding over the new moon.

Sinivali is also mentioned as the name of a daughter of Angiras in the Mahabharata, as well as the wife of Dhatr and the mother of Darsha in the Brahma Purana.

References

  1. ^ Kinsley, David (1987, reprint 2005). Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 81-208-0394-9, p.15
  2. ^ O'Flaherty, Wendy Doniger (2000). The Rig Veda: An Anthology. New Delhi: Penguin Books. p. 291. ISBN 0-14-044402-5.