Goddess Banashankari
About Goddess Banashankari
Goddess Banashankari is worshipped as a powerful form of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva and the sixth fierce incarnation of Goddess Durga. In thousands of homes and temples across Karnataka and Maharashtra, she is seen as the nurturing mother, fierce protector, and life-giver who answers the cries of the suffering. She is especially revered in North Karnataka, where her main temple stands amid the forests of Tilakaranya near Badami. Banashankari means ‘the goddess of the forests,’ and her worship is full of earthy devotion—offering her lamps made of vegetables, preparing simple food, and doing pujas that celebrate her as both mother and warrior. She is also known as Shakambari, the goddess who created vegetables and sustenance during drought, and she is loved for her compassion during hard times. Devotees come to her seeking relief from fear, success in new ventures, healing from sickness, and especially for protection from all forms of evil.
Mantra of Goddess Banashankari
Every morning and evening, as the bell rings in the temple and the oil lamp is lit at home, devotees chant, 'Om Dum Durgayei Namaha,' calling upon the grace, strength, and protective power of Banashankari. This *mantra* is loved for its simplicity and effectiveness, believed to shield children, homes, and communities from harm. Some women add verses from the Durga Saptashati or praise her as Shakambari, whispering mantras for plenty and peace: ‘Om Shakambari Devi Namaha.’ These mantras are recited while tying lemons, chillies, or stringing black beads—each believed to carry the goddess’s power against evil. Children are taught from a young age to bow before Banashankari and recite her mantra before leaving for school or beginning exams, trusting her to fill their day with confidence. In the cool hush of the temple, the repetition of mantras washes fears away, gathering the heart’s courage back into the solid hands of the forest goddess.
Chalisa of Goddess Banashankari
Aarti of Goddess Banashankari
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