Shubh Navaratri Day – 8 ॥ Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah ॥ ॥ श्वेते वृषे समारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः। महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेवप्रमोददा॥ Mahagauri is the eighth manifestation of Goddess Durga and is worshipped on the eighth day of Navaratri, known as Maha Ashtami. She represents purity, serenity, compassion and spiritual renewal. In the sacred city of Varanasi,…
Shubh Navaratri Day – 7 ॥ Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah ॥ ॥ Ekaveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharasthita। Lamboshthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Sharirini॥ Vamapadollasalloha Latakantakabhushana। Vardhana Murdhadhwaja Krishna Kalaratrirbhayankari ॥ Goddess Kalratri is the seventh form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the seventh day of Sharadiya Navaratri. Her complexion is described as dark as the night, with dishevelled…
Shubh Navaratri Day-6 ॥ Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah ॥ ॥ Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana। Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini ॥ The sixth day of Shardiya Navaratri is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, the sixth manifestation of Goddess Durga. She represents courage, divine power, and the destruction of evil. Devotees worship her for protection from fear, removal of obstacles…
Shubh Navaratri Day 5 ॥ Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah ॥ ॥ Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya। Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini ॥ Skanda Mata Temple is located in Jaitpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This sacred shrine is associated with the worship of Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga, and holds special significance during Navaratri. Devotees…
॥ Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah ॥ ॥ सुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च । दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे ॥ The present Durga Kund Temple in Varanasi is generally believed to date back to the 18th century. It is traditionally associated with Rani Bhabani of Natore, Bengal, who was known for building and supporting temples. Dedicated to Goddess…
Shubh Navaratri – Day 3 ॥ Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah ॥ ॥ पिण्डजप्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता । प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता ॥* ॥ Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta। Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta ॥ Meaning: Goddess Chandraghanta, who rides a tiger and carries powerful weapons, blesses her devotees with divine grace, courage and protection. Chandraghanta Devi shrine is…
Shubh Navaratri – Day 2 || Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah || || Dadhana Kara-Padmabhyam Akshamala-Kamandalu | Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmachariny Anuttama || Goddess Brahmacharini is the second form of Goddess Durga among the nine forms of Navadurga. She is also known as Tapasvini and Tapasyacharini. Her name represents penance, devotion and self-discipline. She is worshipped…
Janardana Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Janardana. It is situated on Bhasmakut Hill, near Mangala Gauri Temple in Gaya, Bihar. Gaya is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage centres for Pitru Paksha, when devotees perform Shraddha, Tarpan and Pinda Daan for their departed ancestors. The Janardana Temple…
Sri Machenamma Thalli Temple is a unique village goddess temple located in Pedamallam village of Achanta Mandal in the Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh. Sri Machenamma Thalli is regarded as the protective village deity and is worshipped with great devotion by the people of Pedamallam and the surrounding villages. The temple is especially known for…
Lord Dakshinamurthy temple at Poonthottam a small town in the Cauvery delta region of Tamil Nadu. Within the Agastheeshwarar Shiva temple is a rare shrine dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthy, worshipped as Mandala Rasi Gurubagavan. The shrine is particularly interesting for its unusual iconography and is regarded as a special place for Guru worship. The Agastheeshwarar…
