Bhavani

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Bhavani is a ferocious aspect of Hindu goddess Shakti or Devi. Bhavani means "giver of life", the power of nature or the source of creative energy. In addition to her ferocious aspect, she is also known as Karunaswaroopini, "filled with mercy".

Bhavani was the tutelary deity of the Maratha leader Shivaji. A temple to Bhavani, at Tuljapur in Maharashtra, dates back to the 12th century. The temple contains a meter-high granite image of the goddess, with eight arms holding weapons, and bearing the head of the demon Mahishasura, who she is said to have slain in Mysore.

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[edit] Daily Puja ritual in Tulja Bhavani temple of Tuljapur Maharashtra

Chaughada (holy drumming ritual at morning): - There are many big drums in the Drum house (Nagarkhana) of Tuljabhavani temple. On 5 o'clock morning before the Puja starts, they are drummed loudely. The meaning of this drumming is that, the devotees should prepared and come before the puja. The drums are drummed (Chaughada) three times during the day.

Charantirtha (sacred water ritual of goddess feet and mouth):- The puja performed at 5:30 morning is called Charantirtha. This puja is performed by the hands of Mahant Vakoji Bua. On the time of Charantirtha puja the representative of Karvir (Kolhapur) princely state is present along with hot water, odoriferous oil, Dudhkhir (milk), Pan (food). The Mahanta washes goddess mouth and feet with this material. At this time devotees sing the Arti (Holy songs). After this Bhaji-Bhakri Nevaidya (holy meal) is offered to the goddess. In old times there was goddess devotee named Uparkar. His descendant representative offers this Nevaidya. Later the Nevaidya of Kheer by the representative of Karvir (Kolhapur) princely state is offered.

Puja (holy bath ritual to goddess):- At 9 o'clock morning goddess has a bath of Panchamrut and curd. At this time honey, banana and sugar is rubbed to goddess mouth. The Gomukh (holy pond of goddess) water is used for goddess bath. During this puja some people bath the holy throne of goddess by curd, mongo liquid, shreekhand. After the bath, Mahanevaidya (big holy meal) by the Karvir (Kolhapur) princely state is offered to goddess.

Dhup arti:- at 12 o'clock noon the clergy and devotees praise the goddess by singing holy songs and lightening the dhup and kapur.

[holy bath ritual to goddess: -]] at 6 o'clock evening goddess is bathed by Panchamruta and water from Gomukha. And puja is performed. The arrangement of all this materials is done by the Karvir (Kolhapur) princely state.

Shejarti (nightly sleep songs ritual) and Prakkshal: - At night the Prakkshal ritual is done by the holy water from gomukha(holy pond of goddess). And the Nevaidya (holy meal) of Tup (Indian liquid butter) and Bhat (cooked rice) is offered.

At each arti ritual the instruments are played such as Tal, Dimdi and Zanj. And gondhali plays the Sambal instrument. Chaughada (Drums) are drummed.

[edit] Further reading

  • Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions (ISBN 81-208-0379-5) by David Kinsley

[edit] External links

[edit] See also


Hinduism | Hindu mythology | Indian epic poetry
Female Deities: Saraswati | Lakshmi | Dakshayani | Gayatri | Parvati | Durga | Shakti | Kali | Sita | Devi | Radha | Mahavidya | more...
Male Deities: Brahma | Vishnu | Shiva | Rama | Krishna | Ganesha | Murugan | Hanuman | Indra | Surya | more...
Texts: Vedas | Upanishads | Puranas | Ramayana | Mahabharata | Rigveda
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