Tripura Sundari, also called Sodasi, is one of the group of ten goddesses of Hindu mythology, and these goddesses are collectively called mahavidyas. Other nine mahavidyas are Kali, Tara, Bhuvaneshvari, Bhairavi, Chhinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi, and Kamalatmika.

The goddess Tripursundari in her aspect as Sodasi is represented as a sixteen year old girl, and is believed to embody sixteen types of desires. The Sodasi Tantra, a treatise on tantra, describes Tripursundari as “the radiant light in the eyes of Shiva.’’ She is described of deep red color, and is depicted in an intimate position with an aspect of Shiva, and both are shown on a bed, a throne or a pedastal resting on the significant male

The Indian state of Tripura derives its name from the goddess Tripurasundari. Her main temple is also located in this state.

Further reading

• Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions (ISBN 8120803795) by David Kinsley