Goddess Dhumavati is the 7th Mahavidya of the Ten Mahavidyas. She is considered as the smoky form of Shakti. Dhumavati represents the fearsome aspect of Devi, the Hindu Divine Mother. She is also known as the eternal widow, the Shakti without Lord Shiva. Goddess Dhumavati signifies the negative powers of life like frustration, disappointment, humiliation, defeat, loss, frustration, sorrows and loneliness. The goddess refers to poverty, destitution and suffering.

Although Dhumavati is associated with only inauspicious virtues, her thousand-name hymn relates her positive aspects also. The goddess is considered as a great teacher who blesses one with ultimate knowledge of the world. Her ugly form reveals the true nature of life and teaches to overlook the superficial and realise the inner truth.

Origin of Goddess Dhumavati
As per legend mentioned in "Pranatoshini Tantra", once Devi Sati due to satisfy her extreme hunger swallowed Lord Shiva. Later on the request of Lord Shiva itself, She disgorged Him. After this incident, Lord Shiva rejected Her and cursed Her to assume the form of a widow.

Iconography of Goddess Dhumavati
Goddess Dhumavati is the Divine Mother at the time of the deluge, when the Earth is under water. She is often portrayed as the ugly widow and also called "Alakshmi", the one who is without Goddess Lakshmi or radiance. The black crow on her flag is the symbol of dark forces and black magic. The goddess is often depicted on a horseless chariot bearing an emblem of a crow, usually on a cremation ground.

Goddess Dhumavati is depicted as an old and ugly widow. She is thin, unhealthy with pale complexion. Unlike other Mahavidyas, she is not adorned with jewellery. She wears old, dirty clothes and has uncombed hair. She bears a smoke colour and is depicted without some of her teeth. She is portrayed with two hands. In one of her trembling hands, she holds a winnowing basket and makes either boon conferring gesture or knowledge giving gesture with the other hand. The boon conferring gesture and knowledge giving gesture are known as Varada Mudra and Chin Mudra respectively.

Worshipping of Goddess Dhumavati
Dhumavati is described as a bestower of supernatural powers. She rescues her devotees from all troubles, and grants their desires. Her worship is also prescribed for those who wish to defeat their foes. In her Varanasi temple, however, she transcends her inauspiciousness and acquires the status of a local protective deity. Sadhana of Dhumavati as unorganised divine energy leads to total awareness. The goddess is worshipped in a completely naked state, in a crematorium or in a lonely spot on the darkest night in the descending moon cycle.