Goddess Lalita, also known as Lalitha Tripura Sundari devi and the red Goddess, is one of the most powerful manifestations of Goddess Shakti. Goddess Shakti incarnated as Lalita to demolish the demon called Bhandasura. Bhandasura was a demon formed from the ashes of Manmadha or Kama deva, the God of Love and seduction.

Legend of Lalita avatara – Significance of Lalitha Tripura Sundari incarnation:

When Lord Shiva was performing severe Tapas (penance), Manmadha tried to disturb him by aiming the arrows of seduction. Lord Shiva was disturbed greatly and with a deep anger opened his third eye and destroyed Manmadha into ashes. Shiva Gana Sevaks collected the ashes of Kama Deva and drew a portrait of a man. With a single glance of Lord Shiva on that portrait of ashes, it came alive. As we know, Lord Shiva is called as Bhola Shankar, blessed the live form of the ashes, which became demon called Bhandasura.

Blessed by Lord Shiva, Bhandasura started to show his real characteristics of a demon. He harassed Sadhus (saints) and occupied all the lokas including Swarga Loka (the Heaven). To get rid of demon Bhanda, Lord Indra (the King of Gods and Swarga Adhipathi) observed a Yagna (sacrifice) to please the Mother Goddess. Pleased with Indra’s Yagna, Goddess Shakti appeared as Sri Lalitha Devi sitting on Sri Chakra.

Sri Lalitha Devi demolished the demon Bhandasura and his original form of Manmadha or Kama was restored. The whole episode of Lalita and Bhandasura is explained as ‘Bhandasura Vadha’ in Puranas.

Importance of Lalita Tripura Sundari:

Goddess Lalita represents the Panchabhuta (five basic elements) of the Universe. Panchabhutas are – air, water, fire, earth and space (Vayu, Jala, Agni, Bhumi and Akasha). Lalitha Devi is also associated with Sri Chakra, the ultimate Chakra representing the origin and existence of the universe.

Goddess Lalita Tripurasundari is worshipped during Durga Navratri on the fifth day which is called as Lalita Panchami. In 2009, Lalita Panchami is celebrated on September 23.

Goddess Annapurna Devi is one of the supreme manifestations of Goddess Parvati. Annapoorna Devi is the presiding deity of Kasi (Varanasi) Annapurna Mandir. Annapurna Mata is also worshipped during Durga Navaratri puja.

Who is Goddess Annapurna Devi – Significance of Annapoorna Mata Incarnation?

 Goddess Annapurna is one of the aspects of Goddess Parvati. To prove her credibility in feeding living beings, once she separated from Lord Shiva and consecrated in Kasi (Varanasi) as Annapurneshwari Devi.

 Lacking her in Kailash, Lord Shiva was starved for some time and was unable to live without Parvati and food. Lord Shiva realized that the main source and creator of world’s nourishment and feeding is Goddess Parvati, the Mother Goddess. And he visited Kasi and prayed to Goddess Annapurneshwari Devi. He begged her some food and made himself free from starvation.

Goddess Annapurna Puja is observed in Shukla paksha of Chaitra month as per the traditional Hindu (Bengali) calendar.

Importance of Goddess Annapurna Worship – Significance of Mata Annapoorneshwari Pooja:

Devotees who worship of Goddess Annapurneshwari will be blessed with prosperity and health. Women worship Annapurneshwari Devi for their better married life. They also perform Annapurneswari Pooja for their children’s health and better growth.

Annapurna Ashtakam – Annapoorna Astakam – important Stotram to Goddess Annapurna

Annapurna Puja – Annapoorna Vratham

Goddess Gauri is one of the manifestations of Goddess Parvati. She is the divine energy, Mother Goddess. She is considered as a perfect wife for her husband, Lord Shiva. After the conclusion of her ferocious form Goddess Kali (the black Goddess, man-eating manifestation of Goddess Parvati), observed a severe penance to get rid of her black complexion. And she returned as Goddess Gowri, the very pretty young woman with a golden complexion. Goddess Gowri is the most acceptable consort of Lord Shiva.

 Being a princess Goddess Gowri accepted her ascetic husband and turned herself into her husband’s way. Goddess Gouri is a clear representation of purity and austerity. She is the Kanya (Kumari or unmarried girl) who has performed severe tapas (penance) to marry Lord Shiva.

Goddess Gowri Puja – Important Ritual during Ganesh Chaturthi:

Gowri Puja is an important ritual during Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Married women worship Goddess Gowri with Sindoor or kumkum for their sowbhagyam (marital bliss). Why one has to pray to Goddess Gauri? According to Puranas, she is the Divine Mother and the origin of the Universe. Mother Goddess, Shakti, has various celestial manifestations like Goddess Sri Raja Rajeshwari, Goddess Gauri, Lalitha Tripura Sundari Devi etc..

Gauri Stotra – 108 names of Gowri – Gouri Astottaram

Gowri Habba – Gauri Puja during Ganesh festival in Karnataka