Shakambari Navratri, nine festive nights dedicated to Shakambari devi, is observed in Ashada masam at Bhadrakali Temple in Hanamkonda (Warangal), Andhra Pradesh. Bhadrakali Ammavaru at Hanamkonda is a Shakti Peetha, dedicated to Mother Goddess. Goddess Bhadrakali is the ferocious form of Goddess Shakti. Bhadra kali is the consort of Lord Veerabhadreshwara Swamy. Bhadrakali is worshipped as the main deity in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh.
The best time to visit Bhadrakali Temple at Hanamkonda is obviously Ashada masa Navratri during which Ammavaru is decorated and worshipped in the form of Shakambari. Shakambari devi is one of the manifestations of Goddess who bears vegetables and fruits as her clothes and ornaments.
Utsavalu (Main Festivals) in Bhadrakali Temple:
In Bhadrakali Temple, the main festivities are – Vasantotsavam or Vasanta Navaratri in Chaitra masam, Shakambari Navaratri in Ashada masam, Maha Sharan Navaratri or Durga Devi Navratri in Ashwayuja masam and Maghi Utsavalu or Magha Navratri in Magha masam. In Chaitra masam, Bhadrakali Brahmotsavalu is also held.
Bhadrakali Ammavaru – Deity of Kakatiya Dynasty:
Bhadrakali Ammavaru is also worshipped as ‘Kakathamma’, the deity of Kakatiya dynasty. Warangal also called as Orugallu was the capital city of Kakatiya dynasty. Every detail about Bhadrakali Mata was scriptured in ‘Siddeshwara Charithramu’ and ‘Pratapa Rudreeyam’. As a commemoration of his victory against Vengi Chalukyas, West Chalukya King, Pulakesi-II constructed the Badrakali temple in the year 625 AD.
Ashada Navratri festival, nine festive nights that falls during the month of Ashada, is an auspicious occasion in Kanakadurga temple in Vijayawada. Ashada Navratri utsavam is also called as Gayathri Navratri or Shakambari Navratri. Ashada Navratri celebrations begin on Ashad Shukla paksha Padyami (the first day of Ashada masam) and culminated on Dashami. In 2009, Ashad Navratri starts on June 23, Tuesday and ends on July 2, Thursday. Shakambari Utsav are held for five days, beginning on July 5, Sunday and ends on July 9, Thursday.
Goddess Kanakadurga as Shakambari Devi:
During Ashada Navratri, for three days, Goddess Kanakadurga idol (presiding deity in Durga Malleshwara Swamy temple in Vijayawada) is appeared in the alankar of Shakambari Devi. Durga idol is decorated with vegetables and fruits and worshipped as Shakambari Ma. And all other alankarams are worshipped as Maha Navratri festival (Ashwayuja Sharan Navratri Utsavams).
Mahishasura Mardhini is the slayer of demon Mahishasura, the buffalo demon. Mahishasura Mardini is the one of the forms or manifestations of Mother Goddess, Durga Mata. In 2009, the date of Mahishasura Mardhini Puja is June 29, Monday.
Who is Goddess Mahishasura Mardini?
The day on which Mahishasura was killed by Mahishasura Mardini, Goddess Durga, is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami. Nine days during which the war between the demon Mahishasura and Goddess Durga was fought are celebrated as Durga Maha Navratri in the month of Aswayuja (September – October). Some Hindu scriptures mentioned that the original Durga Navratri should be celebrated during the month of Chaitra as Vasant Navratri.
Gayathri Devi Navratri and Maa Shakambari Navratra are observed in the month of Ashada in various parts of India. As this Navratri festival occurs in Ashad maas, this Navratri is also called as Ashada Navratri. Ashad Navratri and Magh Navratri are also called as Gupt Navratras. In 2009, Ashad Navratri festival starts on June 23, Tuesday and concludes on June 30, Tuesday.
Ashada Navratri – Dedicated to Goddess Varahi Devi:
Ashada Navratri is very important festival for those who worship Goddess Varahi, one of the Saptha Matrukas (Seven Mothers) who helped Devi in slaying the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha.
During Ashad Navratri, Goddess Gayathri Devi is worshipped as the main deity in her Navdurga forms (9 avatars). In some regions Maa Shakambari Devi is worshipped for nine festive nights with utmost devotion. In Viajayawada Kanaka Durga Temple, Badrakali Temple in Warangal (Andhra Pradesh) Shakambari Navratras are celebrated jubilantly. Ashada Navratri are celebrated as Guhya Navratri in Himachal Pradesh.
Four Devi Navratra Festivals:
Durga Navratri (Maha Navratri or Sharad Navratri oe Devi Sharan Navratri) is the major festival for Hindus which is observed in the Hindu month of Ashwayuja (Ashwin). All four Navratras (Ashwin Navratri, Vasant Navratra, Ashad Navratri and Magh Navratra) are dedicated to the Mother Goddess Shakti. During every Navratri festival, one thing is similar that Goddess Durga (Navdurga) is worshipped for nine days in her nine forms or manifestations, each day an avatar.
All the rituals and customs followed during Ashada Navratri are similar to that of Durga Navratri festival.
Gayathri Mantram – Sloka to worship Goddess Gayathri Devi
Vindyavasini Puja or Goddess Vindhyavasini Pooja is observed on Sashti in first half of Jyeshta month. This day is dedicated to Mata Vindhyavasini, one of the incarnations of Goddess Shakti.
Date of Vindyavasini Puja – When is Vindhya Vasini Pooja Observed?
Vindyavasini Durga Puja is observed in Jyeshta mas, the sixth day (Sashti) in second half of the month Jyeshta. In 2009, Vindhyavasini Pooja falls on May 29, Friday.
Who is Goddess Vindhyavasini Durga – Vindyavasini Durga Devi?
Maa Vindhyavasini is considered as one of the significant incarnations of Maa Shakti. As per the Puranas, Maa Vindyavasini is associated to Vindhyachala (Vindhya Mountains).
The legend of Vindhyavasini is mentioned in the Vamana Purana. Vindhyavasini Durga is also called as Shashi Mukhi (the one who has Moon face). According to Padma Purana, Lord Indra (the king of the Gods) worshipped Goddess Durga and got a boon to get her abode in Vindhya Mountains.
