ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Dhumavati

Dhumavati is a Hindu goddess who is often depicted as an old woman with disheveled hair and a slightly scary appearance. She is one of the ten Mahavidyas or "Great Wisdoms," which means that she represents a powerful source of knowledge.

The story behind Dhumavati is quite interesting. Legend has it that she was created when Lord Shiva, one of the most important Hindu gods, was deep in meditation. As he meditated, his concentration was disturbed by the sound of a crow cawing. In frustration, he opened his third eye, and from the resulting smoke emerged Dhumavati.

Despite her somewhat scary appearance, Dhumavati is not a goddess of destruction. Instead, she is associated with transformation and change. She is sometimes compared to the phoenix, a mythical bird that burns itself up and then rises again from the ashes.

Dhumavati is also known for her associations with the darker side of life. She is often depicted as being surrounded by crows, which are seen as birds of ill omen. Her worship is thought to be particularly helpful for those experiencing difficult times, as she represents the ability to work through challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.

So while Dhumavati may not be the most obvious choice for a goddess to worship, she can be a powerful symbol for those seeking to navigate life's ups and downs. With her help, even the most difficult challenges can be overcome.