Songkran and the Divine Feminine Energy
The transformational power of Shakti
In Hinduism, Shakti represents the divine feminine energy, the creative and transformative power that underlies the universe. It is the dynamic force that drives creation, preservation, and destruction. The connection between Songkran and Shakti is more nuanced and implicit than explicit. It’s a subtle undercurrent that can be interpreted through deeper analysis of the festival’s symbolism and practices.
Water, a central element of Songkran, can be seen as a potent symbol of Shakti. Water is the source of life, nourishing all living beings. This aligns with Shakti’s role as the creative energy that sustains the universe. The act of water splashing during Songkran symbolizes the washing away of negativity and impurities, allowing for spiritual and emotional renewal. This resonates with Sakti’s power of transformation and purification.
The seven daughters of Brahma, who carry his head in the mythical procession, also represent feminine energy and play a crucial role in the Songkran celebration. The tradition of pouring water on the hands of elders, particularly women, during Songkran reflects respect for feminine wisdom and the continuity of life.
Here are artistic representations of the seven daughters of Brahma, or Nang Songkran, as interpreted by a Malaysian artist, Dr. Shaw Hong Ser.
Mahotara
Devi
มโหทรเทวี
Mahotara Devi is the Songkran goddess of Saturday. She wears a garland of water hyacinth (ดอกสามหาว) and jewellery of sapphires (นิลรัตน์). She holds a Chakra in the right hand and a trident in her left hand as she sits upon the back of her peacock. Her offering consists of antelope meat.
Tungsa
Devi
ทุงษเทวี
Tungsa Devi is the Songkran goddess of Sunday. She adorns herself with pomegranate flowers (ดอกทับทิม) and wears jewellery made of rubies (แก้วทับทิม). She reclines on the back of a Garuda and feeds on figs. Her regalias include a Chakra in her right hand and a conch shell in the other hand.
Koraka Devi
โคราคะเทวี
Koraka Devi is the Songkran goddess of Monday. She wears flowers of Indian cork tree (ดอกปีป) in her hair and adorns herself with jewellery of moonstones (มุกดาหาร). She holds a sword in her right hand and a staff in the left hand. She majestically rides a tiger and receives an offering of oil.
Rakshasa
Devi
รากษสเทวี
Rakshasa Devi is the Songkran goddess of Tuesday. She is adorned with the sacred lotus flowers (ดอกบัว) and wears jewellery of agates (โมรา). She holds a trident in her right hand and a bow in her left hand as she rides on the back of a wild boar and feasts on blood.
Manda Devi
มัณฑาเทวี
Manda Devi is the Songkran goddess of Wednesday. She wears flowers of champak tree (ดอกจำปา) in her hair and adorns herself with jewellery of cat’s eyes gemstones (ไพฑูรย์). She feasts on milk and butter while reclining on the back of a donkey with a sharp iron spike and a walking stick in her hands.
Kirini Devi
กิริณีเทวี
Kirini Devi is the Songkran goddess of Thursday. She is adorned with garlands of magnolia (ดอกยี่หุบ) and jewellery made of emerald (มรกต). She demands on offering of pulses and sesame seeds. She graceful reclines on the back of her celestial elephant, holding a sword in her right hand and a gun in the left hand.
Kimita Devi
กิมิทาเทวี
Kimita Devi is the Songkran goddess of Friday. She wears garlands of waterlilies (ดอกจงกลนี) and jewellery of yellow sapphires (บุษราคัม). She demands on offering of bananas and water. She holds a sword in her right hand and a lutein the left hand as she commandingly stands on the back of her celestial buffalo.