The threefold transformation of the spiritual aspirant is presided over by three aspects of Shaki- Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Sarasvati- each presiding over a specific guna. These primal manifestations of Shakti should not be confused with Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati Who Are Deities in their own right.
The Three Primal Manifestations – MahaKali (Tamas), MahaLakshmi (Rajas) and MahaSaraswati (Sattva)- are beyond the regular pantheon of Gods and Goddesses and represent The Primordial (Adi) Shakti in Her Threefold Manifestation through the corresponding gunas, unlike Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswati Who Are The Feminine Counterparts of corresponding male Gods Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, in other traditions.
Whilst each God has a Sakti, The Devi Mahatmyam avoids characterizing such Forms as being merely consorts, for The Goddess Is Sakti, Power Herself, beyond the realm of being a Consort to anyone.
