Goddess Tulasi

 

Goddess Tulsi

According to the Vedas and Puranas, Tulasi means the one who cannot be measured or compared. Goddess Tulasi is a principal ‘ansha’ (avatar) of Devi Prakriti or Adishakti. She is also known as Vrinda, Vaishnavi, Vishnu Vallabha, Haripriya, and Vishnu Tulasi.

Goddess Tulasi

According to the Sri Devi Bhagavata Purana,

King Vrishadhvaja was a devotee of Lord Shiva; he banned worship of all other deities except for that of his patron god. The agitated Lord Surya cursed him that he would be abandoned by Lakshmi. On hearing this, Lord Shiva got angry and pursued Surya, who fled, finally seeking shelter with Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu said to them that a manvantara had passed on earth. Vrishadhvaja and his heir-son were all dead, and his grandchildren—Dharmadhvaja and Kushadhvaja—were now worshipping Lakshmi to gain her favour. Goddess Lakshmi rewarded their efforts by being born as their daughters, Tulasi to Dharmadhvaja, and Vedavati to Kushadhvaja.

Birth of Goddess Tulasi

King Dharmadhvaja’s wife, Madhavi, gave birth to Tulasi on Kartik Purnima at an auspicious time. Tulasi was as radiant as a thousand suns, her eyes were as beautiful as lotus flowers, her palms and feet were red, signifying divinity, and all her body parts were radiating warmth in the cold climate, and everyone was mesmerised by her smile.

King Dharmadhvaja invited sages to bless their daughter and donated a huge sum of money, clothes, food and cows to them and everyone in his kingdom.

As soon as the sages saw the child, they collectively called her Tulasi, who grew up to become as divine as Mother Nature herself.

Goddess Tulasi’s penance

Goddess Tulasi penance

As Devi Tulasi turned sixteen, she left her palace for a penance in Badrinath to gain Lord Vishnu as her husband.

She performed a severe penance of one lakh years. During summer, she would sit in a ring of fire, and in winter, she would wear wet clothes and sit in the middle of the storm and torrential rain. Devi Tulasi gave up food and water; she stood straight on one leg to please Lord Brahma.

 Pleased by her devotion towards Lord Vishnu and satisfied by her penance, Lord Brahma appeared and asked Devi Tulasi her wish.

Devi Tulasi replied, “Hai Lord Brahma, I was a gopi in Goloka in my previous birth and was dear to Lord Krishna. One day, mesmerised by the melody played by Lord Krishna, I got drawn to him and sat next to him on the seat of Sri Radha. Watching me so close to Krishna, Sri Radha got angry and cursed me to be born on earth as a human. I broke down in tears, and Lord Krishna pacified me and said that on earth I will be first married to his ansha Swaroop and later his complete Swaroop of Lord Vishnu”.

Devi Tulasi with Lord Krishna in Goloka

Lord Brahma said, “Lord Krishna’s ansha Swaroop has already taken birth on earth. He was a gopa in the Goloka named Sudama. He used to watch and follow you, developing deep feelings for you. When Sri Radha cursed you, he lost his temper and got cursed to be born on earth as an asura named Shankachuda. Although he was born into an Asura lineage, he is still an ardent devotee of Sri Hari Narayana. Just like you, he also remembers everything from his past life”.

Lord Brahma gave Devi Tulasi a mantra, a kavach, a Stotra and a method to please Sri Radha to get rid of the curse and strengthen herself. Devi Tulasi performed the pooja, and Sri Radha blessed her, making her a “siddha” goddess.

On the other hand, Shankhacuda, a mighty daitya, also performed a severe penance that pleased Lord Brahma. He was granted the Vishnukavach (the armour of Vishnu) and was blessed with another boon: If the Vishnukavach was on his body, no one could slay him.

Devi Tulasi and Shankachuda did a “gandharva vivah” in Badrinath under the guidance of Lord Brahma and left for their palace.

Asura Shankachuda defeated the devtas and took their kingdom and powers.

All devtas, including Indra, Surya, Vayu, Kuber, etc., went to Lord Brahma for a solution, who took them to Lord Shiva and from there they went to Vaikuntha. Lord Vishnu consoled all devtas and granted his trishul to Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu said that he will take the form of a brahmin and take the Vishnukavach from Shankachuda, later break the devotion of Devi Tulasi by manifesting as Shankachuda in front of her.

Lord Shiva’s battle with Shankachuda

From Vaikuntha, Lord Shiva went to the banks of the river Bhadrasheela and sat under a Banyan tree. Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Bhadrakali, Nandi, Veerbhadra and all the devtas assembled with their arms for the battle.

Lord Shiva sent Pushpadant to deliver his message to Shankachuda, to return everything back to the devtas or face him in the battle. Shankachuda chose war.

The next morning, Shankachuda bid farewell to his beloved wife Tulasi and left for the battle with his army.

Before the war, Shankachuda bowed down before Lord Shiva, Goddess Bhadrakali and Lord Kartikeya and said that he is undefeatable. Lord Shiva smiled and ordered his army, led by Lord Kartikeya, to kill Shankachuda. The demon king also counterattacked Lord Shiva’s army.

A great war began, many asuras died, devtas got tired and injured, but Shankachuda remained undefeated. Goddess Bhadrakali entered the war and killed, ate and destroyed Shankachuda’s whole army. She then directly fought Shankachuda, both using celestial weapons, but Shankachuda remained unharmed due to the Vishnukavach. Lord Shiva asked Goddess Bhadrakali to return, as the time had come for Lord Vishnu to take the kavach.

Suddenly, Lord Vishnu in the form of an old brahmin appeared on the battlefield and asked the demon king for his kavach. Shankachuda smiled as he understood that it was Sri Narayana, and he happily donated his kavach to him.

After taking the Kavach, Lord Vishnu went to Devi Tulasi, who was praying for her husband’s victory. Shankachuda (Lord Vishnu) called Devi Tulasi and went in front of her. As soon as Devi Tulasi saw her husband, she stopped her pooja, and on the battlefield, Lord Shiva threw the trident at Shankachuda.

Seeing the trident, Shankachuda dropped his weapons and sat on the ground, chanting Lord Krishna’s name and as the trident striked him, he turned into ashes leaving behind his skeleton and his soul returned to the Goloka.

From the skeleton of Shankachuda, Shankha (conch shells) species originated, which are blown in every pooja and auspicious work.

Lord Vishnu's Panchajanya Shankha

The curse of Devi Tulasi

When Lord Vishnu went to Devi Tulasi in the form of Shankachuda, Devi Tulasi stopped her pooja and welcomed her husband with flowers and sweets.

The two sported, and ceased when Tulasi realised that he was an imposter. Devi Tulasi asked the imposter to reveal his identity. Lord Vishnu appeared in his original form, and, heartbroken, Devi Tulasi cursed him, saying, “Hai Narayan! You tricked me and killed my husband; you are neither kind nor merciful. Your heart is like that of a stone. I curse you that you too will turn into a stone,”

Lord Vishnu accepted the curse and said, “You have been doing penance for a long time to get me as your husband. Your husband Shankachuda was the chief of my gopas, Sudama. It is time for him to go back to Goloka, getting himself released from the curse. By this time, Shiva would have killed him, and he would have gone to Goloka as Sudama. You can now abandon your body and come with me to Vaikuṇṭha to enjoy life as my wife. Your body will decay and become a holy river named Gaṇḍakī, and I, in the form of a stone Shaligram, will be found in your banks. Your hair will become the Tulasī plant, the leaves of which will be held sacred in all three worlds.”

Hearing these words, Devi Tulasi turned into River Gandaki (found in Nepal) and into a plant. She then left for Vaikuntha with Lord Vishnu. 

River Gandaki in Nepal

Tulasi Vivaha

Lord Vishnu marrying Devi Tulasi

A ceremony known as Tulasi Vivaha is performed between Prabodhini Ekadashi (eleventh lunar day of the waxing moon of Kartika) to Kartik Poornima (full moon in Kartika), usually on the eleventh or the twelfth lunar day. It is the ceremonial wedding of the tulasi plant to Lord Vishnu, in the form of his image, Shaligrama, or a Krishna idol/ image. Both the bride and the groom are ritually worshipped and then married as per traditional wedding rituals. 

Tulasi Vivah Pooja

It marks the end of the four-month chaturmasya period, which corresponds to the monsoon and is considered inauspicious for weddings and other rituals, so the day inaugurates the annual marriage season in India.

The Significance of the Tulasi Plant

In the Srimad Bhagavatam, the significance of the Tulasi over other plants is described as: Although flowering plants like the mandāra, kunda, kurabaka, utpala, campaka, arṇa, punnāga, nāgakeśara, bakula, lily and pārijāta are full of transcendental fragrance, they are still conscious of the austerities performed by tulasī, for tulasī is given special preference by the Lord, who garlands Himself with tulasī leaves.

The tulasi plant is regarded as a threshold point between heaven and earth. A traditional prayer narrates that Lord Brahma resides in its branches, all Hindu pilgrimage centres reside in its roots, the Ganges flows within its roots, all deities are in its stem and its leaves, and that the most sacred Hindu texts, the Vedas, are found in the upper part of its branches.

Goddess Tulasi

Goddess Tulasi adorns Lord Vishnu’s feet and is known as ‘Vishnu Vallabha.’ Any ‘sankalpa’ (proposal), worship, or meditation of Lord Vishnu or Krishna is incomplete without Tulasi leaves. To reach Lord Vishnu or Krishna, Goddess Tulasi must be invoked, and her leaves must be used in prayers. Devi Tulasi, in plant form, is reputed as ‘Kalpa Vrishka’ (tree that grants wishes). Goddess Tulasi is a bestower of boons, a giver of spiritual knowledge and prosperity, and purifies the sins of her devotees.

Krishna Kali or Kali Krishna

The story of Goddess Mahakali taking birth as Krishna and Lord Shiva as Radha happened in a different Kalpa, manvantara, and yuga. 

Kali manifested as Krishna, Shiva as Radha

Whereas, Lord Vishnu's Krishna avatar and Adishakti as Radha appeared in the 28th Dvapara Yuga of the Vaivasvata Manvantara within the Shweta Varaha Kalpa.

 

Kali takes birth as Krishna, and Shiva as Radha

As stated in the Sri Devi Bhagavat Purana, once, Lord Shiva, along with Bhagwati Devi Parvati, was wandering in a temple situated at the pleasant peaks of Mount Kailasha. Seeing the most beautiful form of Parvati, Lord Shiva thought in his mind, “Female birth is fantasizing “. Then touching the lotus face of the Devi with his hands, who is beautiful in all Her limbs, spoke in His love-filled, sweet tone-

Lord Shiva said- “Oh, Durge, by your grace, all of my wishes are fulfilled; now there is nothing left to ask for. But oh, Sharvani, I have another wish. Oh, Shive, if you are gracious to me, please fulfil it as well.”

Devi Said, “Oh Shambhu, you are my beloved. What other desire you have, express it, I will fulfil as well.”

Lord Shiva said- “Oh Devi, if you are appeased with me, so, at my request, take birth anywhere on earth assuming a male form, and I will incarnate in the form of a female. Like this time, that I am your beloved husband, and you are my wife, who is dearer to me than my life, this domestic love will continue to prevail at that time as well. Oh, Devi, who is the fulfiller of the desires of Her devotees, please, fulfill my desire.”

Devi said, “Mahadeva, Lord, for your pleasure, I will take birth as Krishna in the house of Vasudeva. And oh, three-eyed one, for my delight, you take a feminine birth.”

Lord Shiva said- “Oh Jagadhatri Shive, for begetting you in male form, I will take the form of your beloved Radha, the daughter of Vrishbhanu, and roam with you. My eight other partial incarnations will be beautiful-eyed Rukmini, Satyabhama, and other astha-bharyas, who will incarnate on earth.”

Devi said, “When I incarnate as Krishna, my friends Jaya and Vijaya will also take male births as my friends Sridam and Vasudam. And Lord Vishnu will take birth as my elder brother, named Balram. He will be famous for his great strength, immense love, and devotion towards me.”

It is also mentioned in the Mahabhagavata Purana and the Linga Purana that Lord Shiva took the form of Radha in a past Kalpa and Goddess Parvati incarnated as Krishna. This divine play also involves a role reversal, where Shiva experiences love as a devotee (Radha) and Parvati embodies the divine lover (Krishna). 

Krishna Kali 

There are some Hindu scriptures, like Tantrarajatantra, which glorify Lalita. It is said that Lalita enchanted men, and to enchant women, Lalita took the form of Krishna. In the Lalita Sahasranama, Lalita is indeed described with names connecting her to Vishnu and Krishna, such as "Govinda-rupini" and "Vishnu sahodari". In the Todalatantra, Kali and Krishna are equated or seen as aspects of each other. There are Agam texts which equate 10 avatars of Vishnu as avatars of Dash Mahavidyas. In the Sri Kali Sahasranama Stotra, in Kali's 1008 names of Goddess Kali, the following names appear: Krishna, Krishnadeha, Krsna, Radha, and Devaki.

The idea that Krishna is Kali and Kali is Krishna appears in some Tantric and Shakta-Vaishnava syncretic traditions (primarily in the Tantric, Shakta, and Bengali Vaishnava-Shakta syncretic traditions), but it is not universally accepted among all schools of Hinduism.

There is an interesting story mentioned in many ancient Bengali literatures -  

In Vraja, every night, Krishna would play his flute in the forests, and Radharani would slip out of her house to meet Krishna. Radharani’s husband, Ayan, was unaware of this, so his sisters, Jatila and Kutila, informed him. This infuriated Ayan, and he went to catch Radha red-handed. Krishna, being aware of the future, asked Radharani to collect wildflowers and fruits and sit down as if she were worshiping. Radharani did what Krishna asked her to do. Krishna then took the form of Kali, the family goddess of Ayan. When Ayan came to the woods and saw Radha, he saw her worshiping Goddess Kaali and was very happy.

This story explains the divine connection between Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna, Kali being the maya (power) of Krishna. 

The Brhadyoni Tantra offers a striking story about Krishna’s connection to Kali. It describes how Kali descended to Earth and placed her yoni (a symbol of divine femininity) in the eye of a peacock’s tail feather before incarnating as Krishna in the womb of his earthly mother, Devaki. Later, during his divine play with Radha and the Gopis, Krishna noticed the yoni symbol in the peacock’s feathers. He plucked one feather and placed it on his head as a reminder of his connection to the divine feminine. This act symbolizes the union of feminine and masculine energies and the quest for inner balance.

Krishna Kali form of Krishna symbolizes a divine oneness of the Supreme Power. This unity blends the Vaishnavism and Shaktism, the incorporation of Kali into Vaishnava traditions and Krishna into Shakti worship. The concept of Krishna-Kali as one form beautifully reflects the harmony of divine energies and balances the masculine and feminine powers. 

 According to Devi Bhagvata Purana and Devi Mahatayam, the ‘NAV DURGA’ are the nine manifestations of Goddess Parvati. They originate from her life story, and each of the nine forms represents a different aspect of her divine form.

The question arises of why the nine manifestations are called ‘NAV DURGA’ when they are different aspects of Devi Parvati.

Both Goddess Durga and Parvati are the manifestations of Adi Shakti but symbolize two different unique aspects.

“Durga” in Sanskrit means the ‘incomprehensible one’ or the ‘one difficult to reach.’ She represents the infinite power of the cosmos and is a fierce warrior. Goddess Durga manifests from her formless essence (Nirguna Swarup) to slay the demons and restore the cosmic balance.

Goddess Durga

Parvati is the gentle aspect of Adi Shakti, the loving devoted consort of Lord Shiva. She embodies the qualities; of love, fertility, devotion, and family. Devi Parvati is the reincarnation of Devi Sati, who relinquished her body after her father Daksha insulted Lord Shiva. Devi Parvati’s love and devotion brought Lord Shiva back from his ascetic life, as she became his eternal companion. She is an ideal wife and a caring, nurturing mother of Kartikeya, Ashoksundari, and Ganesha. 

Goddess Parvati with family

Goddess Durga and Parvati are two distinct forms of Adi Shakti but according to Shakta Puranas, Devi Parvati manifests herself as Durga whenever her loved ones and children feel threatened. Devi Parvati, the ever-loving benevolent Goddess transforms into a fierce protector, the warrior Durga during times of danger. 

This duality, this transformation emphasizes that the divine energy of Adi Shakti is not static, instead it adapts, evolves, and responds to restore the cosmic balance. 

The Nav Durga 

The nine manifestations of Goddess Parvati can be seen as a progression of her power, with each form representing a different aspect of her divine nature. It can also be known as a different stage of her life. 

Shailputri

Goddess Shailputri

“Shailaputri” means the daughter of the mountain. After, the self-immolation as Goddess Sati, Adi Shakti took birth as the daughter of King Himavat and was named Parvati. She embodies the power of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva and is also known as Hemavati.

Goddess Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. It is believed that the Moon, the provider of all fortunes, is governed by Goddess Shailputri and the negative effect of the Moon can be overcome by worshipping this form of Adi Shakti.

Mantra:

ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥

Om Devī Shailaputryai Namah॥

Worshipping Goddess Shailputri gives mental peace, perseverance, and a sense of devotion. With her blessings, devotees are empowered to overcome all kinds of difficulties in life. 

Bramhacharini

Goddess Brahmacharini

According to the Devi Bhagvata Purana, maiden Parvati resolves to marry Shiva. She begins to live in the mountains and performs severe penance for 5000 years eating only belpatra. it is this aspect of Parvati that is deemed to be that of the goddess Brahmacharini. Her ascetic pursuit draws the attention of Lord Shiva and awakens his interest.

During this time, a demon named Prakandasura attacks Parvati who is at the last stage of her penance and cannot defend herself. Goddess Laxmi and Saraswati intervene and try to defend Parvati but they get outnumbered. After many days of fighting, the kamandalu beside Parvati falls and all the demons are washed away in a flood, burning them to ashes.

Everyone in the universe is impressed by the penance performed by Devi Parvati, except Mahadeva who visits Paravati in disguise as Bhramachari. He then questions and tests Devi Parvati and proposes to her. Parvati realizes he is Shiva and accepts. Shiva appears in his true form and finally accepts her as his wife.

Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri and it is believed that Lord Mangal, the provider of all fortunes, is governed by Goddess Brahmacharini.

Mantra:

ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नम: II

Oṃ Devī Brahmacāriṇyai Namaḥ II

Worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini instills courage, perseverance, and inner strength. She is the deity of discipline and self-control, guiding us toward determination and dedication towards our goals.

Chandraghanta

Goddess Chandrghanta

Chandraghanta is the third manifestation of Goddess Parvati. Her name Chandra-Ghanta, means "one who has a half-moon shaped like a bell". She is also known as Chandrakhanda, Vrikahvahini, or Chandrika.

After marriage, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were leading a happy married life at Kailash and Tarkasura took over the heaven. He had a boon as he would be only killed by the biological son of Shiva and Parvati. He assigned one demon named Jatukasura to attack Parvati. Suddenly, one day Jatukasur called a war and marched towards Kailasa and covered the sky with the help of the wings of his bat army. Shiva was unable to leave his tapas, so he reminded Parvati about her inner power and that she was sufficient to fight and control this situation. Thus, Devi Parvati decided to fight the Jatakasur. Parvati went out in the darkness and could hardly see, so she wore Chandradev as a crescent on her head during the battle. A huge pack of wolves came to Parvati's aid. Devi Parvati brought a ghanta to the battlefield and rang it loudly, and the bats flew away. One of the wolves jumped on the Jatukasura, then Devi Parvati hit his head with the ghanta, cut off his wings with a sword, and killed him.

This fearsome form of Parvati, with the knife in one hand and Ghanta in the other; Moon on the forehead, and sitting on a wolf is named Chandraghanta by Brahmadev.

Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Navratri and it is believed that the planet Shukra is governed by her.

Mantra:

ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥

Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥

Those who worship Goddess Chandraghanta are blessed with courage, strength, and fearlessness. 

Kushmanda

Goddess Kushmanda

Kushmanda is the fourth aspect of Goddess Parvati.

Once two asuras named Mali and Sumali were performing a severe penance to seek blessings from Lord Shiva, the energy generated from their body due to penance attracted Lord Surya and he came down to earth to have a look at them. This damaged the entire universe and as Lord Surya went near to Mali and Sumali, they burned to ashes. This made Lord Shiva angry and he incapacitated him with his trident. As a result, the entire world and solar system went into darkness, there was loss of Gravity, and the celestial bodies faced imbalance. Sage Kashyapa, father of Gods broke down after seeing Suryadev lying unconscious. Rishi Kashyap cursed Shiva as he killed his son; one day he will also kill his son. Shiva went to Parvati for help and made her realize that she was the complete incarnation of Adi Shakti, the source of all energies. Devi Parvati went to the place in the universe where Suryadev was placed. She created a spherical body of fire and light with her fierceness, which became the sun in the solar system.

Lord Shiva asked both Sukesh (father of Mali and Sumali) and Sage Kashyap to visit Devi Parvati for their sons. Sage Kashyap with his wife Devi Aditi begged Devi Parvati to bring Suryadev to life. Devi Parvati went into the kitchen and brought two pots. Devi Parvati asked them both to fill one pot with their blood. Sage Kashyap with his power filled the pot with blood from both their bodies. The other Pot then automatically got filled with Amrit. Goddess Parvati asked Sage Kashyap to pour the pious blood and Amrit into Suryadev's mouth. Sukesh and his wife Devavati also begged Devi Parvati with the ashes of Mali and Sumali. Devi Parvati gifted Devavati an Egg in her womb, the children born from the egg were demons due to the nature of parents.

This is how Goddess Parvati was called Kushmanda.  Her name means: Ku means "a little", Ushma means "warmth" or "energy" and Anda means "cosmic egg".

On returning to life, Lord Surya requested Devi Kushamanda to take place in the Suryasan in Suryalok.

The sun gives life to the world and Goddess Kushmanda herself is the power of the sun and is the source of all energy as she resides within the core of the Suryaloka. It was to create a balance in the universe and provide life to all living beings from the sun's rays, her power gives the sun its capability to give life to everyone, as she is a form of Adi Shakti herself. Goddess Kushmanda’s luminosity gives heat and brightness to the sun and directions to Lord Surya.

Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri.

Mantra:

ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥

Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah॥

Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda brings health, prosperity, and strength and fills the devotee’s life with vibrancy.

Skandmata

Goddess Skandmata

Skandamata is the Goddess of motherhood and children. She is the fifth aspect of Devi Parvati. Her name means mother of Skanda, also known as Kartikeya.

Lord Kartikeya was born from the tapas shakti of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Kartikeya was trained and guided by Devi Parvati to become a great warrior. She gifted him a special weapon, a divine spear called the "Vel" (or "Shakti") symbolizing power, valor, and righteousness.

Goddess Skandamata is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri and planet Budha is governed by her.

Mantra:

ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥

Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah॥

Worshipping Goddess Skandamata brings peace, prosperity, and the blessings of children.

 

Katyayani 

Goddess Katyayani

To slay the demon Mahishasura, Goddess Parvati took the form of Goddess Katyayani.

Goddess Katyayani emerged from the combined energies of all the Devtas when they failed to defeat the buffalo demon Mahishasura and prayed to Adi Shakti to help them. Their unified energy manifested itself in the form of a woman. The rays crystallized in the hermitage of sage Katayayan, who gave it a proper form, therefore, she is also called Katyayani or "daughter of Katyayana".

Goddess Katyayani is the slayer of the tyrannical buffalo demon Mahishasura, hence called mahishasurmardini or mahish-mardini. She is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri and governs the planet Brihaspati.

Mantra:

ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥

Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah॥

Worshipping Goddess Katyayani leads to the destruction of enemies, the removal of obstacles, and the attainment of victory.

 

Kaalratri

Goddess Kaalratri

 Kalaratri is one of the fearsome forms of the Goddess Parvati, her appearance itself invoking fear.

According to the Devi Bhagvata Purana, two demons named Shumbha and Nishumbha, invaded devaloka and defeated the Devtas. Indra with the other Devtas went to the Himalayas, they prayed to Goddess Parvati while she came near the lake Mansarovar for a bath. As soon as she heard the prayers and distress of all the Devtas a Goddess emerged from her body, she was called Chandi or Kaushiki as she was immensely fair in skin and carried all the celestial weapons. After the emergence of Kaushiki, Devi Parvati’s body turned pale black and looked fearsome with big red eyes and open black hair like a thunderstorm, she was called Kaalratri or Kali. Both Kaushiki and Kali marched towards the war and defeated the demons.

Chanda and Munda were two demon generals sent by Shumbha and Nishumbha. When they came to battle Devi Chandi, Kalaratri killed them and was called Chamunda.

Kaalratri is the power of the darkest of nights. She is the time of the night or the death of the night. She is called Maharatri, the great night of periodic dissolution, and Moharatri, the night of delusion. At the end of time, when destruction arrives, Adi Shakti transforms herself into Kalaratri, who devours all time without leaving any remains.

Goddess Kaalratri is worshipped on the seventh day of the Navratri and governs the planet, Shani.

Mantra:

 ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः॥

Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah॥

Goddess Kalaratri removes all fears and negative energies from life. She blesses her devotees with courage and fearlessness, driving away all calamities.

Mahagauri 

Goddess Mahagauri

Mahagauri is the eighth manifestation of Goddess Parvati and has a beautiful golden complexion.

After doing a severe penance of 5000 years to please Lord Shiva for marriage, Goddess Parvati’s body became weak and wrinkled as she lost her youthful bright skin. Pleased by Devi Parvati’s penance and after accepting her as his wife, Lord Shiva poured Ganga water from his matted locks of hair on Goddess Parvati. As the pure and sacred water cascaded on the body of Goddess Parvati, she regained her youthful radiance, a luminous aura like a thousand moons earning her the name Mahagauri, the Goddess of resplendent milky white complexion (Gaur-varna).

Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri and governs Rahu.

Mantra:

ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥

Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah॥

Goddess Mahagauri blesses her devotees with purity, peace, and good fortune. She eliminates negativity and bestows serenity and prosperity.

Siddhidatri

Goddess Siddhidatri

Siddhidhatri or Siddhidatri is the ninth and final manifestation of Goddess Parvati. Her name means: Siddhi means supernatural power or meditative ability, and Dhatri means giver or bestower.

Siddhidatri is the divine primordial energy, which is omnipresent, and omniscient. The Supreme Goddess gave birth to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva and explained their duties to them. The Tridevas performed penances for many years. The pleased Goddess appeared before them in the form of Siddhidatri and blessed them with Shaktis in the form of their wives; Saraswati for Brahma, Laxmi for Vishnu, and her divine form Parvati for Lord Shiva.

Goddess Siddhidatri was pleased by Lord Shiva and blessed him with eight supernatural powers (siddhis); Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakambya, Ishitva, and Vashitva. This led to the origin of the Ardhanarishvara form of Lord Shiva which symbolizes the divine union of both masculine and feminine energies, one half of Lord Shiva’s body and the other half of Maa Siddhidatri are unified.

Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri and governs Ketu.

Mantra:

ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः॥

Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah॥

By worshipping Goddess Siddhidatri, we gain knowledge to lead a life of attainment of both spiritual and material success. The Goddess blesses her devotees with achievement and accomplishment in life.  

 

The nine days of Navratri are celebrated throughout the Indian cultural and religious sphere. 

The worship of the nine forms of Navdurga during Navratri is a way to instill great values and principles in our lives. Each form of Goddess Durga carries a unique message that guides us on how to lead our lives. During Navratri worship, we spiritually grow and gain strength, courage, purity, peace, and success in our endeavors. Navratri inspires us to embrace righteousness and follow the path of truth to reach our ultimate goals.

The Siddha Kunjika stotram

 The Siddha Kunjika Stotram is the decoded form of the universe's birth and life's existence. It is the key formula for the universe's birth and sustainability mentioned in the Markandeya Purana, also known as the Sri Durga Saptashati.

Siddha means “the perfect one” and Kunjika means “something that is hidden and overgrown inside,” narrated by Lord Shiva to Adishakti’s Purna Swarup Devi Parvati on her request to reveal the secret of the origin and operation of the universe.

Lord Shiva took Devi Parvati to a secret location in Mount Kailash, and said, “Devi! It is you from whom this universe originated, your aspects that operate and sustain it, and by your will when the time comes, you perish the universe.”

Devi Parvati was surprised as she could not remember her primordial form- Adi Para Shakti who is beyond everything, only she exists before and after the universe perishes. Adi Shakti is also called Amba, the mother of the Tridev’s; Brahma (time), Mahavishnu (space), and Shiva (matter).

 Looking at Devi Parvati's astonishment and curiosity, Lord Shiva smiled and started reciting the secret code of the universe, which he called the Siddha Kunjika Stotram.

Lord Shiva said –

 शृणु देवि प्रवक्ष्यामि, कुञ्जिकास्तोत्रमुत्तमम्। येन मन्त्रप्रभावेण चण्डीजापः शुभो भवेत॥1॥

 Meaning- Listen carefully Devi to the greatness of Kunjika Stotram, its results are highly auspicious, whenever and whoever recites this “Chandi” prayer will always be blessed with a great fortune.

न कवचं नार्गलास्तोत्रं कीलकं न रहस्यकम्। न सूक्तं नापि ध्यानं च न न्यासो न च वार्चनम्॥2॥

Meaning- There is no need to recite the preliminary Stotras, Kacham, Argalam, Kilakam and the Rahsaya, not also secrets, for this no specific method of meditation and convention is necessary.

कुञ्जिकापाठमात्रेण दुर्गापाठफलं लभेत्।अति गुह्यतरं देवि देवानामपि दुर्लभम्॥3॥

Meaning- Reciting Kunjika Stotram is enough to get the benefit of reading the complete Shri Durga Saptashati. It is the most secret, this mantra is rare and even don’t comprehend by the deities.

 गोपनीयं प्रयत्नेन स्वयोनिरिव पार्वति।मारणं मोहनं वश्यं स्तम्भनोच्चाटनादिकम्।
पाठमात्रेण संसिद्ध्येत् कुञ्जिकास्तोत्रमुत्तमम्॥4॥

Lord Shiva requests Devi Parvati,” try to keep this most secret code with you in the same way as keep your genitalia secret (स्वयोनिरिव), killing (मारणं), illusion (मोहनं), slavery (वश्यं) and paralysis by repeated chants and sending away (स्तम्भनोच्चाटनादिकम्).

He further emphasizes that just by reciting this secret code anything is achieved.

॥ अथ मन्त्रः ॥
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लींचामुण्डायै विच्चे॥
ॐ ग्लौं हुं क्लीं जूं सः ज्वालयज्वालय ज्वल ज्वल प्रज्वल प्रज्वल
ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ज्वलहं सं लं क्षं फट् स्वाहा॥

Meaning- AUM is the primordial sound of ‘Param Bhram’, AIM is singularity, HREEM is the energy of the protection, KLEEM is the energy that arouses the desire of reproduction, CHAMUNDAY is which destroys evils, VICCHEY means to bless and fulfil the wishes.

AIM (singularity) transforms herself in HREEM (the form of energy associated with space and prosperity) and KLEEM is the energy responsible for the process of desire, and reproduction for the continuity of life.

 ॥ इति मन्त्रः ॥
नमस्ते रूद्ररूपिण्यै नमस्ते मधुमर्दिनि।
नमः कैटभहारिण्यै नमस्ते महिषार्दिनि॥1॥

Meaning- Salutations to the energy in the form of anger or ablaze associated with the matter. Salutations to the killer of Madhu, Salutations to the winner over Kaitabha, Salutations to the killer of Mahisha.

नमस्ते शुम्भहन्त्र्यै च निशुम्भासुरघातिनि।
जाग्रतं हि महादेवि जपं सिद्धं कुरूष्व मे॥2॥

Meaning- Salutations to the slayer of demon Shumbha and the killer of Nishumbha. Oh, Great Goddess of divinity bless me with the expertise of chanting your praise.

 ऐंकारी सृष्टिरूपायै ह्रींकारी प्रतिपालिका।
क्लींकारी कामरूपिण्यै बीजरूपे नमोऽस्तु ते॥3॥

Meaning- Aimkari is the originator of the universe in the form of singularity, Hreemkari in the form of protector and the one who nourishes the universe. Kleemkari is the energy that causes a desire, the seed of reproduction to maintain the continuity of life, and salutations to the divine forms.

चामुण्डा चण्डघाती च यैकारी वरदायिनी।
विच्चे चाभयदा नित्यं नमस्ते मन्त्ररूपिणि॥4॥

Meaning- Chamunda Chandghathi is the energy that destroys and ruins demons like Chanda and Munda. Yakari is the one who provides boons and blesses everyone, granting protection from evils. Salutations to her in the form of codes. 

धां धीं धूं धूर्जटेः पत्नी वां वीं वूं वागधीश्वरी।
क्रां क्रीं क्रूं कालिका देवि शां शीं शूं मे शुभं कुरु॥5॥

Meaning- DHAM, DHEEM, DHOOM, AND DHURJATHE are the energies, and consort of matter (Rudra and Dhurjathas).

धूं is the Dhoomavati devi’s beej mantra, in her ablaze form engulfs the whole cosmos, within her as whole matter in the form of Rudra.

VAAM, VEEM VOOM is the goddess of speech and Vaghdeeshwari is the one who rides a lion in her manifested form, the energy of transformation.

KRAM, KREEM, KROOM is Devi Kali, the dark energy present extensively across the cosmos. These are the beej mantras of Devi Kali in her different aspects, which govern the various phases of the ever-expanding universe.

SHAAM, SHEEM, SHOOM is Devi fulfilling the wishes of her devotees with Rudra (Mahadev). 

हुं हुं हुंकाररूपिण्यै जं जं जं जम्भनादिनी।
भ्रां भ्रीं भ्रूं भैरवी भद्रे भवान्यै ते नमो नमः॥6॥

Meaning- HOOM HOOM HOOMKAR is the terrible sound made by the Adi Shakti to destroy evil (the unrequired constituents of the universe).

JAM JAM JAM JAMVADINI is the naad (sound) made by the Adi Shakti to produce auspicious elements. 

BHRAAM is Devi Parvati (Bhramhari avatar) BHREEM, BHROOM, BHAIRAVI, and BHADRE are the various aspects of cosmic energy responsible for decay and illusion. These are also the names of Mahamaya.

  अं कं चं टं तं पं यं शं वीं दुं ऐं वीं हं क्षं।
धिजाग्रं धिजाग्रं त्रोटय त्रोटय दीप्तं कुरु कुरु स्वाहा॥7॥

Meaning- AAM, KAM, THAM, TAM, PAM, YAM, SHAM, VEEM, DHOOM, AIM, VEEM, HAM, KSHAM are the beej mantras in which suffix (M) is the sound. These beej mantras are the various forms of energy transformed by Adi Shakti to keep the cosmic order. Every specific sound of the beej mantra will specifically take the form of cosmic energy and enlighten it. Adi Shakti is the primordial power from which the universe was manifested and she holds all forms of energies which get transformed into various aspects as required. 

पां पीं पूं पार्वती पूर्णा खां खीं खूं खेचरी तथा।
सां सीं सूं सप्तशती देव्या मन्त्रसिद्धिं कुरुष्व मे॥8॥

Lord Shiva says, “Hey Devi Parvati, you are the daughter of the mountain and absolute and complete in the aspect of PAAM, PEEM, POOM. You have all the potential energy associated with restoring forces such as the force of gravity. And you can transform to various forms of kinetic energy associated with all animate and inanimate objects.

KHAM, KHEEM, KHOOM you are always flying higher than the sky.

SAAM, SEEM, SOOM are the Saptashati beej mantra-giving mantras having mantra siddhis which is an ability to make a mantra efficacious and to gain desired benefits. 

इदं तु कुञ्जिकास्तोत्रं मन्त्रजागर्तिहेतवे।
अभक्ते नैव दातव्यंगोपितं रक्ष पार्वति॥

Lord Shiva says, “Here is your glory encoded in the secret code of Kunjika Stotram which can fulfill all the desires of the devotees but Oh Parvati, you must keep it a secret.”

 यस्तु कुञ्जिकाया देवि हीनां सप्तशतीं पठेत्।
न तस्य जायते सिद्धिररण्ये रोदनं यथा

Those who read Shri Durga Saptashati without Kunjika Stotram would never achieve desired results, or get benefits. Their prayers and pooja will remain incomplete. 

॥ इति श्रीरुद्रयामले गौरीतन्त्रे शिवपार्वतीसंवादे कुञ्जिकास्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
॥ ॐ तत्सत् ॥

Thus, an end to the Kunjika Stotram, the secret discussion between Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati, occurring in Gauri tantra and the Sri Rudra Yamala.

The Kunjika Stotram is the phenomenon of more secrets of cosmic energy embedded as told by Lord Shiva to Devi Parvati.

The primordial energy Adi Parashakti transforms herself in various forms of energies, a scientific proof traced by modern scientists as the law of thermodynamics- ‘energy can neither be created, nor be destroyed, but it can be transformed from one form to another.’ 

The significance of reciting Siddha Kunjika Stotram

The Kunjika Stotram is composed of precise phonetics that create powerful vibrations when chanted correctly. These vibrations are believed to resonate with cosmic energies, enhancing the spiritual impact inside and around us. Goddess Durga forms a divine shield of protection against negative energies, and harmful influences, removes obstacles from their path, and blesses them with positivity, bringing prosperity and harmony in life. Proper recitation of the beej mantras are specially designed phonetics that help calm and purify the mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote inner peace and balance. 

Goddess Durga

Radha, the beloved of Krishna

 Goddess Radha is the presiding deity of ‘prema and praana’ (love and life). She is ‘nirguna’ (transcends the three gunas), ‘nirlipta’ (transcends worldly joys), and is the soul (aatma swarupini) of Lord Krishna.

“Ra” and “Dha” mean one who creates, one who preserves, and one in whom creation merges. Devi Radha is the most beautiful “purna Swarup” of Adishakti or Devi Prakriti.

According to the Narad Pancharatra, Goddess Radha is the supreme personality, beyond whom there is no other. She is the primordial nature from whom everything came into being.

Sage Ved Vyas explained the meaning of ‘Radha’ in the Brahma Vaivarta Puran-

“radhnoti sakalm kaman tasmat radheti kirtitah”

Meaning- the one who fulfils the desires of any individual who sheds a few tears is Radha.

Sage Narad praises Goddess Radha in the Patal-khanda of Sri Padma-Puran –

“O Devi, you are the source of all that is pure and good. You are the source of the hladini, sandhini, and samvit potencies, and You are the Supreme Power and Supreme Knowledge. You give supreme bliss to Sri Bhagavan, and even Brahma and Rudra (Shiva) cannot understand You. Your opulence is remarkable in every aspect. The best of yogis cannot reach You with their meditation. I feel all the divine shaktis are Your parts as You control various shaktis such as ichcha-shakti (will power), gyan-shakti (the power of knowledge), and kriya-shakti (the power of action). Swayam Bhagavân Sri Krishna, who is the Supreme Personality, has countless majesty and They are also Your parts.”

Goddess Radha birth story

Sridama’s Curse

According to ancient scriptures, once a great devotee of Lord Krishna named Sridama visited ‘goloka’ (abode of Radha Krishna). He saw Sri Krishna seated next to Devi Radha lovingly, and all gopis were worshipping them by chanting the name Radha before Sri Krishna. Sridama brought gifts for his Lord, but Sri Krishna offered them to Devi Radha. Sridama ignored Devi Radha and worshipped only Sri Krishna. During a playful pastime, Devi Radha scolded Sri Krishna, and Sridama thought that she was disrespecting Sri Krishna. Sridama lost his anger, he cursed Devi Radha that she would forget Sri Krishna for a hundred years and be born on earth. Goddess Radha accepted the curse because of Sridama’s true devotion towards Sri Krishna.

Devi Prakriti incarnates as Radha

According to Padma Puran and Garg Samhita, King Vrishbhanu of Barsana had no children, and they always wished for a baby girl. Vrishbhanu and his wife Kirtida prayed daily, but years passed, and they slowly started losing hope.

One day, King Vrishbhanu went to the shores of the River Yamuna and found an effulgent lotus floating in the water. On checking the flower closely, he found a beautiful baby girl hidden within the petals. Vrishbhanu was overjoyed to see the child, she was as bright as a thousand suns emanating from her. He took her home to his wife Kirtida and accepted her as their daughter, calling her Radha.

Soon, the delighted couple noticed that Radha was not opening her eyes; they feared their daughter might be blind. At that moment, Sage Narad appeared and advised them to hold a lavish celebration on the arrival of their daughter and invite all residents of Barsana and neighbouring villages, including Kind Nanda of Gokul.

On the day of the celebration, Kirtida placed Radha in a gem-studded cradle. Everyone was mesmerized by Radha’s beauty. Vrishbhanu welcomed all guests, including his dear friend Nana, who came with his wife Yashoda and son Krishna, Rohini (Vasudev’s wife), and their son Balrama.

While everyone was busy with the celebration, little Krishna crawled to the gem-studded cradle, held it, and stood up. And look inside the cot. His eyes fell upon Radha; he gently touched her hand. Radha immediately recognized the touch and opened her eyes for the first time and directly gazed at Krishna, the first person she had ever seen. Both were looking at each other and smiling as if they were communicating and expressing their love. King Vrishbhanu and Kirtida were overjoyed to find out that their daughter was not blind. 

Radha and Krishna grew up in Vrindavan, and their bond deepened into a profound, unconditional, and everlasting love. Whenever Krishna played his flute, the whole of Vrindavan would come to a standstill. The gopis would leave their work and dance around him in his love, but Krishna’s heart was captivated by Radha. The whole universe yearned for Krishna, but he always yearned for Radha.

 

Radha Krishna Marriage

According to Garg Samhita and the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, one day, Nand baba (Krishna’s father) took Krishna to Bhandirvan to graze the cows. Suddenly, lightning and thunder flashed through dark clouds, and soon, a heavy downpour ensued. Nand baba was worried about Krishna’s safety. Then, out of nowhere, Radha appeared, and the rain stopped. Nand baba asked Radha and Krishna to return home soon after grazing the cows, as he had to leave for some other work. Radha was happy to be with Krishna when suddenly a palace appeared in front of her, and Krishna became a handsome young man wearing jewelry and a crown decorated with peacock feathers. Krishna praised Radha and acknowledged his deep love for her. At that moment, Lord Brahma appeared and requested them to get married, and he may be the priest. Radha Krishna agreed, and Lord Brahma performed the wedding ceremony by chanting Vedic mantras in front of the holy fire. Radha Krishna exchanged lotus garlands, and their wedding ceremony was called ‘gandharva vivah.” 

Radha Krishna's marriage was kept secret to give more importance to “parakaya rasa” (love without any social foundation). Around ten million associates of Radha Krishna participated in the marriage, which included Devtas, sakhis (friends), peacocks, parrots, cows, monkeys, squirrels, and other animal friends.

Radha Krishna’s divine wedding is celebrated annually on “Phoolera Dooj”, which falls between February and March. There is a temple dedicated to their marriage in Bhandirvan village in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. 

According to Garg Samhita, 

After Krishna left Vrindavan for Mathura, Radha was heartbroken and devastated, but on Krishna’s request never shed a tear. She stopped wearing ornaments and decorating herself with flowers. Her friends tried to cheer her up, but Krishna’s departure deeply depressed her. One day before sunrise, Radha left for Kadli forest, silently leaving her illusionary form (Chhaya) in Vrindavan.

Radha’s family, believing Chhaya Radha to be real, got her married to Ayan. Ayan was an avatar of ‘Dharmadev,’ an ‘ansh avatar’ (partial form) of Lord Narayan.

Radha’s death

In the last stages of her life, Radha visited Krishna in Dwarka. She saw that Krishna had many wives and was always surrounded by them and was leading a great, prosperous life. Radha requested Krishna to allow her to work in his palace as a maid so she could have a daily glimpse of him. Krishna permitted it, and Radha became a maid, working tirelessly to stay near Krishna. Nobody came to know about her real identity. However, Radha soon realized that physical nearness was nothing compared to her spiritual closeness to Krishna. She left the palace without informing anyone, but Krishna knew and followed her to a forest, and both spent some time there. In the last moments of her life, when she was about to leave her body, Krishna wanted to grant Radha a final departing wish. Radha asked Krishna to play flute for her. Krishna played the most melodious tune he had ever played and dedicated it to Radha. Listening to the sweet melody, Radha divinely merged with Krishna. With this, Krishna decided that it was his final rendering of the flute, hence, he broke it and threw it in the bushes.

 According to Radhopanishad,

Radha and Krishna are one but have assumed two forms to perform loving pastimes. They have one intellect, one mind, one soul, and even one face. They have one knowledge. This is why there is no difference between these two.

Narad Pancharatra states:

Krishna’s half part is Radha, and Radha’s half part is Krishna. Krishna says, “I have assumed the form of Radha.” Radha says, “I have assumed the form of Krishna.”

According to the Garg Samhita,

Radha is the soul of Krishna. Krishna is the soul of all souls, yearned by every being, but He is constantly trying to serve his soul, Radha.

 Some people ask: If Radha and Krishna are one and the same, then why is Radha always mentioned before Krishna? Why do we always hear Radha-Krishna, never Krishna-Radha? Why is She so dear to Him that He says, “I see Radha everywhere: at home, in the forest when I go to graze cows, in the food I eat. I see Her at night; I see Her in the daytime. Radha pervades every pore of my being.”