The bleeding Goddess kamakhya

​Growing up no one would have blamed you for thinking that menstrual blood was blue. The world seemly too embarrassed to show red blood on menstrual product commercials would often use a blue liquid, adding to the confusion and over all denial around a natural (and for many of us) inevitable process that would take place with our bodies. How many times have we seen the blood of violence on TV? While the blood of life is met with shame.
 
A study done in 2016 found there to be over 5000 slang terms for period. While slang terms can be fun and make it easier to talk about menstruation there are compelling reasons to consider using terms such as period, menstruation and menstrual blood. Using the proper terms makes it easier to educate young menstruators about what’s going on with their bodies. Simply put confusing terms, can lead to confusion. When we use the proper terms this leads to an increase in self-esteem, self-confidence and self-advocacy for menstruators.
 
 
The Goddess Kamakhya, Goddess of Desire, The Bleeding Goddess 
 
The Goddess Sati was married to Lord Shiva, her father Dakska did not approve of this marriage. Daksha hosted a ritual and invited everyone, all the gods, goddesses and celestial beings except for Lord Shiva. The Goddess Sati went to the ritual, despite protests from her husband. During the ritual in front of all the honoured guests her father Daksha insulted Lord Shiva, humiliating his daughter. The Goddess Sati was so upset that she threw herself upon the ritual fire, killing herself.
 
Lord Shiva deep in his mediation on mount Kailash, felt the disturbance in the force and materialised at the ritual. Upon seeing the burnt body of his beloved wife he slipped into a deep despair. Throwing the Goddess Sati’s body over his shoulder, Lord Shiva took up his divine Tandava dance. The other gods rather concerned, asked for Lord Vishnu’s help. Lord Vishnu with his Sudarshana Chakra (a whirling discus weapon) cuts the Goddess Sati’s body to pieces. Where these many pieces fall, spring up the Holy Shakti Peethas, the places of worship for the Great Mother Goddess.
 
In the place where the womb (yoni) of the Goddess Sati falls springs up the Goddess Kamakhya.  The Kamakhya Temple in Assam India, is a pilgrimage site for tantric practitioners from all over the world as well as anyone with womb issues. It is said that once a year the river at this temple turns red. Whether this is from iron deposits being churned up with the monsoons or from the temple priests adding vermillion to the waters, who can say? During this time of year there is a festival that celebrates the menstruating Goddess. Also once a month the temple is closed for three days when the Goddess Kamakhya has her period. Inside the temple there is a sacred stone that is covered in a white cloth. This stone is said to be always wet and during the three days the water on the stone turn red. This red cloth is cut up and given to people coming to the temple for womb healing.
 
In her following incarnation the Goddess Sati returns as the Goddess Paravti.