People believe in different matajis, Some times I wonder why we have got so many? I found out that when mataji came on to the earth she came in different forms and swaroops to help her bhakts and devotees that are troubled. The most well known mataji is Amba maa also known as Durga. There are thousands of devotees of Amba maa all around the world.Amba maa was created by Vishnus power, shivas Powerand Brahamas Power And the rest of the gods when maa had to fight mahisasur, only a women could kill him of his boon from Bhramaji. Each god gave her a weapon, Shiva gave the trishul and mala, Vishnu gave the conch shell and chakra and Brahamaji gave the flower and the sacred book. The himalayas gave her the beautiful tiger she has. We have so many matajis because when she came to earth she came in different avatars(avatars meaning forms) But theres only one mataji. Mataji only comes to the earth if there is evil taking over.Maa saves us from danger and protects us.
About Durga/ Amba mataji-
Durga is the truly multi-dimensional goddess.Durga has a variety of more or lessfearful fo s with different attributes. In her milder fo , she is known as parvarti(the mountain girl), Uma (the light),Himavati(daughter of the himalaya), Jagamata ( mother of the world),and bhavani( the goddess of the universe).In her terrible fo she is known as durga( the inaccessible), Kalika or shyama( the dark complexioned), Chandika or chandi ( the fearful one), and bhairavi(the terrible). All the fo s are broadly included within the name devi or maha devi( the great goddess).
So Who are these Evil demons like Mahishasur?Who are the Asuras or Rakshasas?
The Asuras are powerful beings, who are opposed to the Devas (gods) . Originally, in the vedic times, they were another class of gods, perhaps the indigenous deities. By the end of the Vedic period, however, the Asuras had attained their demonic role.
They are demons capabale of assuming the form of animals or humans. They are completely evil, powerful creatures that delight in spreading fear, confusion, chaos, and destruction among the humans. Sometimes they can even be more powerful than the gods.
Nav Durga
In Durga Saptshati, the Markandeya Purana depicts nine embodiments of the Goddess Durga.
1. Shailputri Another name for Parvati, the daughter of the King of Mountains. Shail means rock and Putri means daughter. Her main purpose was to become consort of Shiva. She is the mother of Ganesha and Kartike.
2. Brahmacharini The Goddess created by Lord Brahma, the celibate untouched Goddess who is the storehouse of knowledge and wisdom. She is worshipped through Japa and is the Goddess of attainment of supreme realization.
3. Chandraghanta This form is worshipped in Kanchipuram. She is the blissful and full of knowledge, showering boons with humility and peace like the rays of the moon. She is very close to her devotees and controls over their anger and protects them from danger.
4. Kushmanda The 4th form whose name traces from the Puranic commentaries of ancient sages. It is clearly mentioned in Yoga-Vasishtha that proclaim that reality of revealing the cosmic truth is found no further than within the human body. Goddess Kushmanda is the embodiment to unlock the key to knowledge of cosmic intricacies. Bhimaparvat is where this Kushmandas temple resides.
5. Skand Mata The great Sanscrit scholar Kalidas created his two masterpiece works Raghyvansh- Maha Kavya and Meghdoot by the grace of Skand Mata. She is the mother of Skand Kumar, a sage whose maternal consciousness encourages her devotees level of awareness and understanding to increase.
6. Katyayani The Goddes who stayed in the Ashram of sage Katyayan for penance (tapa). During this time she became the epithet of Parvati. She took upon herself the burden of the household, allowing other sages more free time to pursue spirituality. She became important in the scientific ages and with her educational mercy she appeared in a place called Vaid Nath where she resides.
7. Kalratri Destroyer of darkness and ignorance, the source and enemy of darkness. She devours fear and her darkness transcends everywhere protecting her devotees from danger. Her famous shrine is in Calcutta and Chandigarh. Kalratri is another name for the Goddess Kali.
8. Mahagauri The unsepeperable from Mahadev. This is the radiant and tranquil form of Goddess Parvati. She is the saviour of all virtuous men and women. She pardons sins of those who show them their true self. Her place of pilgrimage is at Kankhal near Haridwar.
9. Sidhidatri The 9th for of Maa Durga grants living beings accomplishments. She grants the eight super human facilities, so as a result of yogis effort in yoga of their endeavours. Her temple is located in Nanda Parvat in the Himalayas. The worship of all complete nine forms of Durga (Nav Durga) fulfils the accomplished desires of all devotees.
Goddess Saraswati is the Goddess of arts, music, knowledge, and wisdom. Saraswati is considered as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe. Goddess Saraswati is said to possess the powers of speech, wisdom and learning. Saraswati is regarded as the dispeller of chaos and confusion.Saraswati - the Consort of Brahma Lord Brahma is known for creating the universe. Since knowledge is required for creation, Maa Saraswati signifies the creative power of Brahma. An apt creation requires sound knowledge. The creation of Lord Brahma became fruitful with the knowledge provided by Goddess Saraswati.
Lakshmi- Lakshmi is Vishnu's Shakti, and follows him in each avatar.
Lakshmi goddess of beauty, fortune and prosperity. Gold coins are said to fall from her hands. Two white elephants, symbols of luck, accompany her. She is the Indian Aphrodite; she is the goddess of prosperity, purity, chastity and generosity. An aura of divine happiness and prosperity always exist around her. She is the Beauty, the Goodness.
Chotila Ni Chamunda maa
Chand and Munda- The form of Chamunda Mataji-The form of Ma Kali who emerged from the forehead of the angry face of the Mother killed the Asuras Chanda and Munda. Chanda means a person who is short-tempered and Munda means a shaven-headed man. Together they imply the anger of a champion fighter. Because of this victory over Chanda and Munda , Kali Mata is known as Chamunda.The other names of Chamunda Mataji are: Ran-chandi, chotilavali maa , Chamunda, mahisasur-mardini. The twin warrior goddesses, Chandi and Chamunda, represent a curious tradition in Hinduism of female warriors, often depicted in pairs, who ride together in battle defeating asuras and exhibiting extraordinary strength and prowess. Throughout India they are assigned different names in different traditionsDayamava-Durgamma in Karnataka, Chotila-Chamunda in Gujarat, Keliamma-Chamunda in Uttar Pradesh, etc.but the stories related to them are all very similar.Sri Chandi and Sri Chamunda are expansions of the goddess Durga and the story of their appearance is as follows: There were once two demons, Chanda and Munda, who performed great austerities for thousands of years in order to please Lord Brahma. After some time, Brahma appeared before them and they asked for the benediction to become great warriors, strong enough to rule the world and conquer heaven. Brahma granted the request but, because the two were demons, chaos quickly ensued. They became more and more greedy and even tried to violate the abodes of Brahma, Siva and Vishnu. It was agreed that Durga-devi should handle the matter, and the goddess expanded herself into two forms, Chandi and Chamunda, who fiercely fought against the demons and emerged victorious.Sri Chandi-Chamunda is said to be the embodiment of Durgas power and strength. The two deities assume fierce forms with large eyes, tridents in their hands, and ride a single lion together. They are dressed in red and green and adorned with flower garlands. There are temples to these twin goddesses scattered throughout India,a famous one is situated on the Chotila Hill in Gujarat. Festivals are celebrated during Durga-puja in the month of Ashvina (September-October).
Bhagwati Randal mataji
Randal mataji is mainly worshipped in Gujarat. Her shrine is in dadva or dadve. She is the mataji that gives sons. She is also known as dikra denari (in gujarati) The giver of eyes to the blind, the giver of children to the childless, the giver of wealth to the poor.Randal mataji is the daughter of Vishvakarma (the divine artificer, craftsman and smith).Vishvakarma bapa also has 4 sons; Luhar, Kumbhar, Suthar and Darji, thus; Randal mataji being the alone sister of these 4 brothers.Many castes worshipped Vishvakarma bhagwan as a fatherly figure and Randal mataji as their sister.Randal mataji is the "Gnath ni kuldevi" for Luhar,Kumbhar, and suthar and many more. For this reason, you may realise that as well as the majority of the surnames of Luhars and Kumbhars being the same, the kuldevis are also the same in accordance to their family name such as Chamunda mataji, Khodiyaar mataji and Balvi mataji. Randal mataji later married surya dev the sun god.
Randal mataji other names are: Ravi randal mataji, Randal maa, Rannade and Randal Aai.
Aai Shri Balvi Maa
Aai shri Balvi mataji was born in the charan Kul (family), she was born in Ujra gaam along with sisters Bahuchar Maa, Boot Maa and Ballad Maa. Her father is Bappal dev and mother is Deval Bai. Her grandfathers name is Jagdev and grandmothers name was Sonal de. Balvi mataji is often seen holding a trishul and talvaar and also seen with a sinh (lion) or a pado(buffalo). The most auspicious day to worship Balvi Mataji is a tuesday. Her nivedhs are done on three ausipicious days these are on nom(nineth) navratri of Aso maino(month),second Nived is done on a ceremony of Srimant(baby shower) and last one is done on the birth of a son in the family.
Shri Pithad Aai Maa
Shri Pithad aai mataji is soyaghadvis daughter, Soyagadhvi couldnt have children just like mamaiya ghadvi khodiyar matajis father, soya ghadvi and mamaya ghadvi were cousin brothers, Soya gadhvi pleaded shankar bhagwan that he could have children so shiva incarnated as a bhramin and gave soya ghadvi pithad aai mataji. She used to look after bulls and cows in her farm, and her vahan is a bull, Pithad aai mataji held a spier and did parcha to everybody to be a good person and not to do bad things, also helped the ill and the ones suffering. Click here for Aai Shri Pithadaai maas Story!
Aai Shri Khodiyar maa
Khodiyar mataji was one of the seven daughters of mamaiya gadhvi and his wife minal gadhvi.Khodiyar maas sisters are all joganis, her sisters which are popualry known are Avadaai mataji, Her cousin sister is Aai shri pithadaai maa.Khodiyar matajis real name is janbai, her sisters names are Avad, jogad,togad,holbaai,sosaai,bheejbai,janbai and one brother mehrak.Khodiyar maas weapon is trishul, her vahan(animal) is crocodile. The best day to worship khodiyar mataji is Tuesday and her favourite prasad is lapsi.
Kaleshwari mataji
Kaleshwari matajis mandir is in uttarsanda near nadiad the panch gam region of gujurat (charotar) located amongst what use to be a jungle but now is an agriculturally flourishing area. This ancient mataji had been the Kuldevis of many locals of the gam and is the residing kul devi of Brahmins and kshtariyas (rajputs and darbars). Today many local patel also worship the goddesss. Many do a manta of torans with 5 coconuts and during norta there are many events held there including a havan on dashera which is the main day for the devi. The temple also has ambaji, mahakali and mahdevji alongside a small lake which holds water for local animals and other religious uses like the immersion of baby hair after a mundan which also commonly takes place at the temple. The goddess has other located temples in the south of India where she is known as Kalubai and resides there with lord mandeshwar in the Mandher Devi temple; here the idol of Kalubai sports two silver masks and silk finery. The masks are carried in a procession and the devi is given an annual sacrifice on the full moon day of here fair. In northern india another temple of kaleshwari devi on Kolhua hill which is quite distinctive and is known as " Akash Lochan"(Sky Eye). There are some ancient temples, the most important of which is a temple of ' Kali' known as 'Kauleshwari Devi' On Basant panchami and Ram navmi days, a large number of pilgrims flock to the hill top for worship. Sacrifice of goat in front of the temple is common.The temples is now a place of pilgrimage for the Hindus.
Phool jogani mataji other names are-Chhinnamastika (Chhinnamasta, Chinnamasta, Chinnamastika) - Goddess without a head
The goddess resident in Chintpurni is also known by this name. According to Markandeya Purana, goddess Chandi defeated the demons after a fierce battle but two of her yogini emanations (Jaya and Vijaya) were still thirsty for more blood. Goddess Chandi cut off her own head to quench Jaya and Vijaya�s thirst for more blood.
She is usually shown holding her own severed head in her hand, drinking one stream of blood spurting from the arteries in her neck, while at her side are two naked yoginis, each of whom drinks another stream of blood.
Chhinnamasta, the headless goddess, is the Great Cosmic Power who helps the sincere and devoted yogi to dissolve his or her mind, including all the preconceived ideas, attachments and habits into the Pure Divine Consciousness. Cutting off the head suggests the separation of the mind from the body, that is the freedom of the consciousness from the material confines of the physical body.
According to Puranic traditions, Chhinnamastika Devi will be protected by Shiva - Rudra Mahadev in the four directions. There are four Shiva temples - Kaleshwar Mahadev in the east, Narayhana Mahadev in the west, Muchkund Mahadev in the north and Shiva Bari in the south - which are nearly equidistant from Chintpurni. This also confirms Chintpurni as the abode of Chhinnamastika Devi.
The Dash Mahavidhyas-(Ten Mahavidhyas)
Kalika
Goddess Kali holds the primary position among all the ten great learnings. There is a tale mentioned in the Kalika-Purana. Once the deities went to the Himalayas and eulogized the personifications of the illusions of the world (Mahamaya). According to the Purana this place was the hermitage of Sage Matang. Pleased by them, Bhagavati appeared in the form of Matang's mistress and asked as to whom were they eulogizing.
Instantly a divine appearance manifested from the body of that mistress, which was as dark as a Mountain in complexion.This divine appearance herself answered on behalf of the deities that these deities are eulogizing me. Since the complexion of that divine appearance was black like a collyrium she was given the name of KALI .
Tara
Though Tara & Kali are same yet their complexions are different. Kali complexion is dark whereas Tara complexion is blue. Tara killed the demon 'Hayagreeva'. She has Lord Shiva lying under her feet like a corpse. Her bluish complexion's beauty is magnified manifold by her three eyes, which appear like a blue lotus flowers. In her four hands she has a scissors, a head (skull), a lotus flower and an axe. She wears tiger's skin on her body, and has a necklace of skulls around her neck. She is considered to be very violent in nature, but her eagerness to shower blessings on the devotee is infallible too. So she is the most merciful. Tara or Ugratara is worshipped for the attainment of powers of speech, pleasures and even salvation. She is also worshipped for the destruction of enemies. Tara is worshipped in the night and is an another appearance of Shakti. She is considered to be the ruler and presider of miraculous effects and accomplishments.
Sodhashi
She is called Shodashi because she possesses all the sixteen Supernatural powers (Kala). Goddess Shodashi is the most enchanting beauty of all the ten great learnings. Shodashi, who has the mantra consisting of sixteen letters, has organs glowing like a rising sun. She has four hands and three eyes. She is seated on the lotus, which is placed on the body of Shiva who is lying in a peaceful posture. She has a noose, a hook, a bow and an arrow in each of her hands. Everyday to shower blessings on her devotees, her appearance is completely Somber & gentle and her heart is full of compassion. A devotee who takes her refuge achieves great divinity like the deities. In fact her splendors are indescribable. Even the Vedas are incapable of describing her greatness. Being pleased with her devotee she gives more than he demands.
Bhuvaneshwari
The presiding of Mani-dwipa (name of a place) as described in Devi Bhagawat is an embodiment of the Mantra 'Hrillekha' (HRIM), Shakti and Maha Laxmi and also a companion of Lord Shiva in all of his divine activities and is called Goddess Bhuvaneshwari.
Goddess Bhuvaneshwari is the preeminent and a nurturer of the whole humanity. Her appearance is Somber and her complexion is red. She blesses her devotee by making him fearless and also help him in the accomplishment of all the powers. In the scriptures her greatness has been described in detail.
Tripura sundari
The methods for the worship of Tripura-Bhairavi have been described in the sacred texts for the attainment of victory over the sensual desires and all round development.
Tripura-Bhairavi who is also called Kala-Bhairavi is the presiding goddess of this decaying-world. Her complexion is red like the thousands of rising-sun, wears silken apparel and has a garland of heads around her neck. Her lips are marked with blood. She has three eyes and possesses a moon in her crown. She has a garland in her hand and is an embodiment of knowledge, fearlessness and boons. There is a soft smile on her lips.
Chinnmastika (Phool Jogani mata)
The tale about the manifestation of goddess Chhinnamasta is as follows, Once, goddess Bhagwati-Bhawani, went to have a bath in the river Mandakini, with her two companion Jaya and Vijaya.
After having their bath all of them became hungry. The complexion of goddess Bhagawati turned dark because of sheer hunger. Jaya and Vijaya asked for something to eat. Goddess Bhagawati told both of them to wait for some time. After sometime they demanded for food again. They were again told by goddess Bhagawati to wait. Unable to control their hunger Jaya and Vijaya said very politely to Bhagawati that "Mother, give food to her hungry children as soon as it is demanded." Bhagavati was very pleased by their innocence, she severed her head by her own hand and held the severed head in her left hand, three streams of blood started to ooze out from the neck. All of them, satisfied their hunger by drinking the blood from the three streams of blood respectively. She is called Chhinnamasta because of her severed head.
Goddess Chhinnamasta is a symbol of the perception of secrecy. She stands on the seat of white lotus. In her navel 'Yoni Chakra' are situated. The directions itself are her apparel. Her two companions symbolizes the two qualities of TARA (dark) and Raja (medium). She is alive even though her head is severed from her body.
This severed head is symbolic of introverted nature of accomplishment.
Dhoomavati
There is a narration regarding goddess Dhoomavati that once goddess Parvati being tormented by great hunger requested Lord Shiva to satisfy her hunger. But Lord Shiva did not respond. When he did not respond even after her repeated request than she swallowed Lord Shiva himself. Smoke came out from her appearance. Lord Shiva told her that from now onwards her enchanting appearance of Bhagta would be known as 'Dhooma or Dhoomavati'.
Goddess Dhoomavati's appearance resembles that of an old woman terrifying, always tormented by great thirst and hunger and is considered to posses' great powers
Bagala(Bagalamukhi)
The worship of Baglamukhi who is also famous as 'Pitambara Vidya' (yellow Color is prominently used in her worship) for protection against the enemies and to defeat them, to get victory in the legal matters, to acquire wealth, to clear away the debts and to attain power of oratory etc. In her worship yellow clothes, garland made of turmeric; yellow seat and yellow flowers are used. She is the presiding goddess who has a desire of annihilating the demons in her individual form and carries on the destruction of commodities according to the wishes of the almighty God.
She has her abode amidst the ocean of ambrosia where her canopy decorated with diamonds is situated and her throne is decorated with the jewels. Her complexion is yellow, wears yellow apparels, ornaments and a garlands, which is also of yellow color. In her one hand is a tongue of an enemy and in the other hand she holds a mace.
There is a tale regarding her manifestation. In the 'Satyuga' period once the whole world was threatened by a terrific cyclone. Lord Vishnu being concerned about the safety of the whole humanity went near to Haridra (reservoir) situated in Saurashtra, to please Goddess Bhagawati by his penance.
Shri Vidya (Baglamukhi) appeared before him, manifesting from the water of Haridra wearing yellow apparels. She controlled the powerful current of the threatening flood and destructive nature.
Goddess Bagla helps the almighty god by punishing and controlling those negative powers that try to trespass the natural flow, She controls our speech knowledge and movement. She is capable of giving powers (Siddhis) and fulfilling all the wishes of her devotee like a 'Kalpa-Taru'.
Maatangi
Lord Shiva is also known as Matang. His Shakti (power) is called Matangi. Her complexion is dark and possesses a moon on her forehead. The three-eyed goddess is seated on the crown decorated with jewels. Her luster is like a blue lotus and is destroyer of the demons (forest) like a fire. In each of her four hands, she has a noose, a mace, an axe and a hook. She is a destroyer of the demons by enchanting them first with her beauty and a fulfiller of every desire of her devotees. She is worshipped for the attainment of great powers, power of speech, happiness in family life etc.
Kamala
Goddess Kamala is the personified energy of Lord Vishnu and a companion in all the divine activities of MahaVishnu. Her worship in reality is the worship of Shakti (Power) the root cause of the existence of this world. Without her blessings a man's life becomes full of misfortune and miseries. Not only the humans but also the deities, the demons, the Gandharvas (Supernatural celestial beings) are eager to have her favors and blessings. She has her seat on the lotus flower and possesses a golden luster in her appearance. Four elephants as white as the snow of Himalayas surround her on four sides, holding vessels full of gold in their trunks. Goddess Kamala has four hands, there are lotus flowers in each of her two hands, and her two remaining hands are in the posture of giving boons and blessings She has a crown on her head and her apparel are silken. Her worship gives victory, splendors, wealth etc. On the spiritual ground, worship of all these ten great learnings is considered the means for attainment of salvation and almighty god.
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