Gayatri Mata Goddess
Goddess Gayatri mata is one of the manifestations of Goddess Saraswati Devi, consort of Lord Brahma. She represents the energy, wisdom and virtue. Saraswati Devi is the Supreme Goddess of learning and knowledge. In the incarnation of Gayatri mata, Saraswati devi presented the Chaturvedas (four Vedas) to the mankind.
Appearance or iconography of Goddess Gayathri
Goddess Gayathri is appeared as Panchamukhi (with five faces) seated on a lotus. These five faces of the Goddess symbolize Pancha pranas or five lives – prana, apana, vyana, udana and samana. They also symbolize the five principle elements (Panchabhootas) of the universe – earth, water, air, fire and sky.
Gayatri mata has ten hands hence also called as Dashabhuji. She carries Shankh (conch), chakra (discus), kamala (lotus), goad, noose and Rudrakshmala. Remaining two hands of the Goddess are depicted in abhaya and varada mudras.
Jyeshta Shukla Ekadashi is observed as Gayatri Jayanthi. On this day, Maharshi Vishwamitra first chanted the Gayatri Mantra. The day after Rakhi Purnima is observed as Gayatri Japa Day.
Gayatri Mata is worshipped as one of the Goddesses during Navaratri Durga Puja in Vijayawada Kanakadurga Temple and many other South Indian temples.