Brahmani

Brahmani representation during the Bhairab Naach festival.

In Hinduism, Brahmani (also known as Brahmi and Brahmayi) is a kind and benevolent aspect of Devi, the Divine mother. Brahmani is associated with the Hindu creator god, Brahma as His Shakti (power). She is one of the seven Mother Goddesses called Matrikas.[1][2]

The Goddess Ambika (here identified with: Durga or Chandi) Leading the Eight Matrikas in Battle Against the Demon Raktabija, Folio from a Devi Mahatmya – (top row, from the left) Narashmi, Vaishnavi, Kumari, Maheshvari, Brahmani. (bottom row, from left) Varahi, Aindri and Chamunda or Kali, Ambika. on the right, demons arising from Raktabija's blood

As Kuldevi

She is an aspect of such MahaSaraswati. An aspect of Adi Shakti, possessing the Rajasi Guna and hence is the source of Brahma's power.

The Karaniya Leva Patel of Vagad - Kutch & a Village of Kalyana near Siddhpur a town of Gujarat, also worship her as Kuldevi.

Brhamin of Bharadwaj Gotra

Many Kshatriya clans consider Her to be their Kuldevi.[3]

The Sisodiya & Dodiya Rajput also worship her as Kuldevi and Ishtadevata.[4]

The Rangani Leuva Patels also worship her as Kuldevi ma.[4]

The Nadar (Kshatriya) of Tamil Nadu are also worship as Kuldevi

The Aamaraniya Nagda Doshi worship her as their Kuldevi and have constructed a beautiful Jaagrut temple at Nana Jadeshwar near Wankaner Gujarat. Godara clan of Jat worship Brahmani Mata as Kuldevi. They are belong to Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan.

Some famous Brahmani temples in India

Other uses of word Brahmani

Brahmani is also a general term used to address Ambalavasi women of Kerala.

References

  1. ↑ Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola
  2. ↑ Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions (ISBN 81-208-0379-5) by David Kinsley
  3. ↑ Raja Pawan Jethwa Kutch Gurjar Kshatriya Samaj: a brief history & glory, Section "Clans and surnames of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas : Names of their Kuldevi: location of temple", Calcutta (2007). p. 112.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Brahmani Mataji Temple at Dinghucha. Brahamanimataji.org. Retrieved on 2012-04-02.
  5. ↑ The Brhamani Mataji Temple, Baran. India9.com (2005-06-07). Retrieved on 2012-04-02.
  6. ↑ Hanumangarh, Brhamani Temple. Mustseeindia.com. Retrieved on 2012-04-02.
  7. ↑ Story of Brahmani Mata Temple at Ballia, video. Youtube.com (2010-07-04). Retrieved on 2012-04-02.
  8. ↑ Brahmani Mata, a small, modest temple in a small cluster of buildings, with a tea stall and a pool with freezing cold water where devout pilgrims bathe at Bharmour. Elevenshadows.com. Retrieved on 2012-04-02.