Saraswati
Worshipping the mother Goddess is prevalent throughout India.
The Indian system of beliefs refers to the female aspect of divinity as Shakti
- or the manifestation of energy. The nine day festival of Navaratri is a season
of rejoicing and celebration. This Templenet feature is a pointer to various
Shakta traditions.
The Indian system of beliefs worships the primeval source of
energy Shakti - in the form of the mother Goddess Devi. Variations of this worship
are seen throughout the subcontinent.
Durga symbolizes nature in all its might. Durga is central
to the legend of the destruction of the demon Mahishasura. Durga is enshrined
in almost all Saivite temples in South India.
Saraswati symbolizes knowledge and wisdom. Saraswati is regarded
as the consort of the creator Brahma. All forms of art are said to originate
from Saraswati.
Lakshmi
Lakshmi symbolizes the benevolent aspect of nature. Worshipped
as the consort of Vishnu, Lakshmi is the symbol of prosperity and well being.
Kaali (or, Kali) is regarded as the destroyer of evil. The
fearful form of Kaali represents inevitablity of death and decay.
The Navaratri festival season is associated with the worship
of the mother Goddess conceived in the form of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati.
Kaali
Shakti or cosmic energy is worshipped as the consort of Shiva
- Parvati. Several temples dedicated to Parvati - Shakti are seen all over the
land.
Several non-aagamic shrines dedicated to the worship of the
mother Goddess (village deities - graama devataas) abound all over the land
with regional variations and local worship traditions.
