Power and desire in the worship of the Goddess Kāmākhyā

Power (sakti) and desire (kama) are central preoccupations of tantric philosophy and ritual practice. As highlighted poetically in the Saundaryalahar¯ı, ´sakti (power) is an all-pervasive, creative force, understood to be inherently female. From the tantric perspective, kama, desire, is the impetus that sets sakti in motion. In the symbolism, stories and ritual practices surrounding the goddess Kamakhya the concatenation of power and desire are thoroughly and intricately inscribed. This chapter traces the manifestations and meanings of sakti associated with Kamakhya and her temple through exploring the power of place, of blood, and the ways these coalesce in the rich goddess mythology and symbolism at this most celebrated Saktapitha.1 The place of kama in tantric traditions at the temple is explored to show how the concept of desire establishes and accentuates the goddess’s powers, permeating all aspects of her cosmology, her symbolism, and her worship. Taking account of both public and private worship, the chapter identifies unique aspects of the traditions that have emerged here through the process of accommodating orthodox and heterodox paths. Finally, it addresses the ways that women are implicated in practices associated with power and desire and asks whether perspectives drawn from Sakta Tantra2 could help to challenge gender inequities and inscribe a culture of respect for women’s agency and inviolability.