Shakambari Devi is a Hindu goddess who is known for her association with nature and fertility. She is also known as the goddess of abundance and is considered to be an incarnation of the goddess Durga. According to mythology, Shakambari Devi emerged from the ocean of milk during the Samudra Manthan, and she is often depicted holding a basket of fruits and vegetables. It is said that she is responsible for providing food to the hungry and nourishing the earth. She is particularly revered by farmers, who offer her fruits and vegetables as a symbol of gratitude for her blessings. Shakambari Devi has a temple dedicated to her in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, which is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites for her devotees.
Who is Shakambari Devi?
Shakambari Devi is the Bearer of Green. ‘Shaka’ means one who bears vegetables and ‘bhari’ means one who bears. She is also known as Satakshi. Shakambari Devi is described as a four handed blue complexioned Goddess. In her Right upper hand she holds a lotus which symbolises beauty of life and non attachment to worldly life. In her Left upper hand she holds a bow and an arrow, ever ready to protect her children.
In her lower hands she carries flowers , vegetables, fruits and herbs. She has three eyes on her forehead symbolising jnana. Her body is covered with thousands of eyes.
The Legend of Shakambari Devi
There was a demon named Durgam, he was the son of Ruru. Durgam started worshipping Brahma and acquired total knowledge of all four Vedas. Also, he got a boon that all puja’s havana and yajnas offered to devtas will reach him and make him invincible. As a result of this Durgam became very arrogant and Devtas became very weak. Devtas were not able to perform their duties properly as a result of this it did not rain for 100 years and there was serious drought.
Brahmins went to a cave in mount Sumeru and worshipped mother Shakti. Goddess appeared and after seeing the misery of people she started shedding tears from her eyes continuously for nine days. From her tears rivers began to flow. Brahmins asked mata Shakambari that they were very hungry and had no power to chant hymns. Devi satisfied their hunger by giving them fruits and vegetables. For sick people she brought some herbs and medicine.
Shakambari Purnima
Goddess protected the frail Brahmins and devtas by putting up a huge wall of fire around them and let her discus hover around it. From her body dasha mahavidyas and 64,000 Goddesses or Yakshinis started to come out. After a fierce battle Durgam asura was killed and recovered Vedas from his possession and handed them to Devtas. The moment he was killed all the mantras, japas, which were absorbed by him transformed into the bright light of 10,000 suns and were absorbed by Shakambari Devi. Shakambari Purnima is last day of Shakambari Navratri is observed in the month of Paush.
Shakumbari Devi Mandir in Saharanpur
Shakambari Devi Mandir is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites for her devotees. The temple complex is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful sculptures. It is also a popular destination for tourists who are interested in learning more about Hindu mythology and culture. The temple is open to visitors throughout the year and holds many festivals and rituals to celebrate the goddess.
- माँ कालरात्रि – Maa Kalratri – Seventh form of Goddess Durga story in Hindi
- Nine forms of Maa Durga – Navdurga
- मां स्कंदमाता
- Maa Skandmata
- Maa Kalratri
- Arrrival and departure of Goddess Durga
- Maa Skandmata ki katha
- Exploring the Legends and significance of Shakambari Devi
- Maa Baglamukhi
- Maa Shailputri
- माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी
- Maa Siddhidatri
- मां महागौरी
- Maa Kushmanda
- माँ चंद्रघंटा
