Hindu beliefs and traditions encompass a vast pantheon of deities, with countless Gods and Goddesses referenced in ancient scriptures. From the Gods of war to the Goddesses of wealth, there is a divine figure representing nearly every human emotion, aspiration, and need. Over time, however, certain deities, such as Shiva, Parvati, Durga, Indra, Saraswati, and Lakshmi, have risen to prominence, becoming widely revered and recognized across the world. Meanwhile, the worship of other deities has often become more localized, their stories and significance preserved in specific regions or communities.In this article, we explore six lesser-known Goddesses who hold a significant place in Hindu traditions yet remain less familiar to many.

Varuni Devi is the goddess of wine and intoxication. She emerged from the Samudra Manthan along with other gems and treasures, and she became a representation of joy, bliss, and the intoxicating essence of spirituality. She is shown as a beautiful goddess adorned with jewels, holding a vessel of wine or nectar, and although she isn’t worshipped in the mainstream rituals, some believe that she finds mention in Tantric practices.

Alakshmi, the elder sister of Goddess Lakshmi, emerged before Lakshmi did during the Samudra manthan. She is the complete opposite of Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, and is known to spread misfortune, strife, and poverty. It is also believed that Alakshmi is a symbol of discord among people and a lack of harmony and happiness in families. In common lore, Alakshmi is shown as a dark, fearsome figure, and she resides in places where there is violence, discord, ill relations, and trouble.

Aranyani Devi, the goddess of forests and wilderness, is one of the most enchanting yet lesser-known Devis in Hindu belief and tradition. She has the power and essence of beauty, mystery, greenery, and abundance in her nature. She is the protector of the animals, the plants, trees, the smallest leaves, and the biggest elephants of the forests.It is believed that Aranyani devi is a serene Goddess who cannot be seen but felt. She is in the rustling of leaves, in the footsteps of the elephants, and even in the jumps of a squirrel.

Kotravai, also called Korravai at times, is the ancient Tamil goddess of war and victory. She is linked with the tribal and rural traditions of South India, and is shown as a fierce deity who is the epitome of strength, courage, and the forces of nature. While some people also believe that she is a form of Maa Durga and Maa Kali, others are of the opinion that she is completely separate from mainstream worship.

Another Devi from the Southern regions, Mariamman is the goddess of rain and curing diseases. She is particularly worshipped in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and is seen as a healer and protector against epidemics. It is said that people from agrarian families especially worshipped Mariamman as their crop and harvest depended on the rain.

Manasa Devi is the goddess of snakes, fertility, and healing. She is considered more as a local deity, than someone in the mainstream, and is believed to be the protector against snakebites and a granter of fertility and prosperity. She is usually depicted sitting on a lotus or a snake throne, and there are many serpents all around her body. She has a straight, fierce gaze, a stern face, flowers in hand, and snakes in her hair.