What is the Story of Mariamman?
The many legends of Mariamman still reside in her rituals and temples and come alive during her festivals, when the goddess meets her devotees who visit her from all over the world. For the devotees, the question of whether Mariamman is Parvati, Durga, or Kali is not as relevant as the fact that she is their Amman, mother, who will always answer their call. The worship of goddess Mariamman is characterized by local rituals- some that require immense dedication such as fire walking while others simple, more personal like offering her homemade food and praying to her daily for blessings or special boons. According to some beliefs, Mariamman is an aspect of the goddess Parvati. The connection between Mariamman and Parvati is most strongly seen in the Patala Ponni Amman Temple at Chennai, where the goddess Ponni is worshipped as an aspect of Parvati, and also as a grama devata, with Shiva as her consort.
Published in Mar 2025
Goddess Padmavati: The Consort of Lord Venkateswara and the Goddess of Prosperity
Goddess Padmavati, also known as Alamelu Mangai, is an incarnation of Lakshmi and the consort of Lord Venkateswara (Tirupati Balaji). She represents wealth, prosperity, and devotion. This blog explores her legends, marriage, temples, iconography, and significance in Vaishnavism, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, along with some lesser-known legends of Maa Padmavati.
Published in Feb 2025
Are Goddess Durga and Parvati the Same?
Durga and Parvati two faces of the same divine energy. Discover how these goddesses represent the perfect balance of strength and compassion, fierce protection and gentle nurture, teaching us the true essence of Shakti. The divine feminine is a powerful force of nature, manifesting as both gentle nurture and fierce protection. In Hinduism, Goddess Durga and Goddess Parvati beautifully embody these dual aspects of Shakti. Through their stories and symbolism, we learn valuable lessons about balance, inner strength, and compassionate living. Explore our in-depth guide to understand how Durga and Parvati inspire spiritual seekers to embrace all facets of the feminine divine.
Published in Feb 2025
Who is Meldi Maa?
According to popular belief, a demon named Amruva was threatening the people of Saurashtra. Goddess Uma appeared to protect them from the menaces. Seeing her, the demon ran and hid in the skin of a dead cow, which is considered impure. Goddess Uma could not touch the skin and in anger, started rubbing her hands, which caused some “mel” or dirt to fall from her hands. The particles from the goddess’s body took the form of a young girl, who was named Meldi (born from dirt) who effortlessly killed the demon.
Published in Jan 2025
The Lesser-known Stories of the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi
According to the Bhagavata Purana, the 16000 queens of Sri Krishna are no other than the many aspects and extensions of Sri Lakshmi. Her forms as “Ashtalakshmi” or eight Lakshmis are protectors and givers of 8 kinds of wealth. As the incarnation of Adi Shakti, the primordial mother, Lakshmi, and her forms are innumerable, but there are a few which are mentioned below as an example of the multitude of forms that goddess Lakshmi takes, underlining her powers that are transcendental and supreme.
Published in Oct 2024
Who is Goddess Yamuna? Sacred origins of India’s divine River
Yamuna, the sacred river goddess of Hinduism, is deeply revered for her divine connection with Krishna, purifying waters, and spiritual significance. From ancient Vedic mentions to her role in Bhakti traditions like Pushti Maarga, Yamuna is honored as a sister, consort, and mother figure. Her dark waters symbolize love, grace, and protection—especially during festivals like Bhai Dooj. Worshipped in temples, art, and ritual, Yamuna embodies devotion, divine feminine energy, and timeless spiritual power.
Published in Aug 2024
Nag Kanya: Unveiling the Mystique of Divine Feminine
Hindu mythology is a rich tapestry, conflating traditional stories of deities and mythological figures. Hindu texts such as Vedas, Puranas, and Ramayana incorporate Hindu myths with inconsistent information and narration. It includes stories of hundreds of Hindu deities more likely seen as symbolic representations or personified aspects. Nothing in this colossal mythology is fixed or firm. These variations in characters, roles, and history are an ideal depiction of the generous expansion of mythology over the centuries. One such interesting depiction is that of a Naga Kanya, A liberal goddess who bestows treasures of all kinds being materialistic, romantic, spiritual, and esoteric. Nag Kanya’s Sanskrit name means maiden of snakes. She is the protector of the law of Hindu Dharma and therefore according to the Hindu scriptures, Naga Kanya is identified as the goddess Lakshmi.
Published in Jul 2024
What does Goddess Durga's Weapons Symbolizes? Full guide to their Meaning
What do Goddess Durga’s weapons symbolize? Each of her ten divine tools like the trident, discus, sword, and lotus carries a deeper meaning in Hinduism. They represent truth, purity, courage, and the destruction of ignorance. Durga’s weapons are not just instruments of power but spiritual symbols guiding devotees toward strength, wisdom, and victory over evil. Explore the spiritual symbolism of Goddess Durga’s weapons. Each divine tool from sword to lotus teaches victory of good over evil and inner strength.
Published in Jun 2024
Goddess Varahi Amman: Story, Legends, Iconography and Spiritual Significance
Discover the most powerful Varahi mantras and hymns. Learn how to chant for protection, courage, and spiritual growth. Perfect for daily worship and rituals. Goddess Varahi Amman is one of the seven Matrikas, embodying the feminine power of Lord Varaha. Recognized across Hindu sects and Tibetan Buddhism, she symbolizes protection, strength, and cosmic nurturing. Worshipping Varahi offers devotees courage and removes obstacles through sacred rituals and mantras. Learn about Goddess Varahi Amman, one of the powerful Matrikas in Hinduism. Discover her significance, symbolism, and spiritual benefits for devotees worldwide.
Published in Apr 2024
9 Forms of Goddess Worship in Navaratri: Meaning, Names & Blessings
Navaratri celebrates the nine divine forms of the goddess Shakti, worshipped for their power to protect, nurture, and transform life. Across nine nights, devotees revere Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and other aspects of the Mother through prayer, fasting, and rituals. As described in scriptures like the Devi Mahatmyam, honoring these forms awakens inner strength and devotion. The nine goddesses together represent the eternal Adishakti, the cosmic mother of creation and liberation. What are the 9 forms of Devi in Navaratri? Learn their names, meaning, and blessings in this guide to goddess worship and spiritual significance.
Published in Oct 2023
Bhudevi Symbol of Wealth: Significance and her ancient Representation
Bhudevi, the revered Earth Goddess and consort of Lord Vishnu, embodies fertility, stability, and the nurturing force of nature in Hindu cosmology. Represented in ancient temple carvings and sacred texts, Bhudevi's symbolism bridges the spiritual with the material world—reminding us of our connection to the divine Earth. In this article, explore her timeless significance through Vedic interpretations, devotional beliefs, and cultural expressions that continue to inspire generations. Explore the divine presence of Bhudevi, the Earth Goddess and consort of Lord Vishnu. In this video, we dive into her spiritual significance, how she's represented in ancient temples, and why she remains a powerful symbol of stability, fertility, and devotion. Whether you’re drawn to sacred Hindu art or seeking deeper spiritual meaning, Bhudevi’s story offers timeless inspiration.
Published in Jul 2023
Goddess Ganga – Waters of Devotion
The Ganga River has been considered as the most sacred river of India in Puranas. It is called as Ganga Maa (or Mother Ganga) or Ganga ji (or reverend Ganga). People of India believe that a bath in the holy waters of Ganga washes all the past sins of a person. Numerous pilgrimages such as Allahabad, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Varanasi and Patna are present all along the river. Water from the Ganga is used to cleanse any place or object for ritual purposes. Bathing in the river is believed to wash away one’s all sins. The word Ganga is considered as a synonym of pure and holy water. That is why the word is attached with the names of many other rivers in Central and South India. According to a mythological legend, Lord Brahma collected the sweat of Lord Vishnu’s feet and created Ganga. Being touched by two members of the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh), Ganga became very holy.
Published in Oct 2021
Why did Draupadi Marry Five Husbands? A Divine Story from the Mahabharata
Draupadi’s marriage to the five Pandavas was not a moral paradox but a divine arrangement rooted in cosmic balance. As an incarnation of Swarga Lakshmi, her union was ordained by Shiva and sanctioned by Vishnu and Brahma. The five Pandavas were former Indras reborn with a purpose—to restore dharma on Earth. This sacred union reflects deeper truths about karma, duty, and destiny in the Mahabharata.
Published in Jan 2015
Lakshmi: Goddess of Wealth, Prosperity & Divine Abundance
Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance, is revered in multiple forms including Mahalakshmi, Padmavati, Shri, and Bhoodevi. Emerging from the ocean during Samudra Manthana, she symbolizes fertility, fortune, and divine beauty. Worshipped across India, Lakshmi bestows material and spiritual blessings. Her iconography includes lotuses, elephants, and four-armed depictions holding auspicious symbols. Devotees celebrate her during festivals like Diwali, seeking prosperity, well-being, and protection from misfortune. Explore Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Understand her forms, myths, and rituals for blessings and abundance.
Published in Sep 2008
Parvati's Quest: Understanding the Essence of Shiva
"Shiva is an embodiment of the three principal themes of Indian philosophy....The marriage of Shiva and Parvati was preceded by a long interval of courtship. It was no ordinary engagement however....Shiva was tempted enough to touch her, and Parvati, tantalizing him, withdrew....She would exist only as an intense flame burning for Shiva....Tapasya means to gradually start bringing restraint into our lives....She was no different from the way trees live in this world....Though he possesses nothing, he is the source of all possessions....Inevitable union between male and female…"
Published in Feb 2007
Ganga The River Goddess - Tales in Art and Mythology
"Ganga is...(the) divine grace flowing on to our material world, as is visible in the prosperity of the fertile and rich crop-yielding regions adjacent to her banks... The intense devotion and love which her devotees feel for Ganga is no small measure due to the fact that she is the only accessible physical entity that flows both in the heavens and on the earth... Ganga is a river that has been at the core of sacred Hindu lore and tradition... As a mother, Ganga is tangible, approachable, and all accepting... Ganga's icon at the (temple) doorway... implies her status as a remover of pollution..."
Published in Aug 2003
Wisdom Goddesses - Mahavidyas and the Assertion of Femininity in Indian Thought
Each of the Devi's manifested forms made Shiva realize essential truths, made him aware of the eternal nature of their mutual love and most significantly established for always in the cannons of Indian thought the Goddess's superiority over her male counterpart. Not that Shiva in any way felt belittled by this awareness, only spiritually awakened. This is true as much for this Great Lord as for us ordinary mortals. Befittingly thus they are referred to as the Great Goddess's of Wisdom, known in Sanskrit as the Mahavidyas (Maha - great; vidya - knowledge). Indeed in the process of spiritual learning the Goddess is the muse who guides and inspires us. She is the high priestess who unfolds the inner truths.
Published in May 2002
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