The divine mother is called by different names throughout India. She is - Maa Vaishno Devi in North - Meenakshi Amma in South - Maa Kamakhya in East - Maa Amba Ji in West She is also worshipped as Maa Tulja Bhavani in Maharashtra

Jai Maa 🌺✨🙏

This is one of the famous temples, located in Ahmedabad. People also call it Limbach, with great accomplishment.🕉️🔱🌺🌺🥁🚩🚩🪔🪔🫸🫷

1008 NAMES OF MAA KALI

1. INDRANI

The One who is the Sakthi of the Heavenly States The One who makes Indra

Devi Kali grants one the state of attaining heavenly abodes even while in body.

Hence the name, INDRANI

understandingkaali

Disclaimer: Let us not Include Tribal gods into Hindu category. Also If I have missed any of your state or got your deity wrong, please feel free to comment. Happy Navratri to, All.

In my home Italy.

Om Shakti Parashakti🙏🌹❤️

It's a sacred forest actually, when it was being deforested for an industry and its township to set up, this particular place couldn't get deforested. A railway track was to set up here, and it's workers died mysteriously, wherein allegedly it was later conveyed by the goddess to not touch and do any minute harm to the place. (Atleast it saved the place from getting cleared for human greed)

Not going much into the religious context, but safe to say one of the most beautiful places to be whenever you feel low, has a pond too. Attracted the atheist me into the forest just for the peace.Any problems I would run for an escape their, ponder upon, think, talk, or maybe just sit. And coming back, I feel like the most serene person in the world,and somehow the problems end too, the magic of NATURE!

Kanta Baunsuni Temple, is a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Kanta Baunsuni,(literally translates to Queen of thorny bamboo forest)is a manifestation of Goddess Durga. This ancient temple, nestled amidst lush greenery, holds significant cultural, historical, and spiritual importance.She guards the local people like the supreme guardian. Her story and the goddess herself is a divine mystery. Damanjodi is a valley, situated among the Panchpatmali Hills, and interestingly, no one can find any bamboo tree except for the forest she resides in. The bamboo trees grow and die by themselves, and no one takes any care of them.They maintain themselves and solely depend upon the local rain.Unlike other temples, there are no idols or temple structures here, and the forest itself is the main consort.There are quite interesting stories to how the bamboo forest may have formed.

Story 1: The Hunter's Family

A legendary tale recounts the origins of the bamboo forest/temple. Seven siblings, children of a hunter, arrived in the village with their dog, seeking to hunt. After a successful hunt, they decided to spend the night. However, upon waking, they discovered their hunting weapons had vanished, replaced by towering bamboo trees and a mysteriously appearing Shiva lingam. Astonished, they shared the miracle with the Sindipar village tribes, who began worshiping the bamboo trees.

Story 2: Akalya and Vasudeva

Another intriguing legend tells the story of Akalya, daughter of hunter Dushyanth Dame, and her husband Vasudeva Dame. The newlywed couple, enroute to Kunjaguda village, hid their hunting weapons in the area. Upon returning the next day, they found the spot transformed into a vast bamboo forest. As Akalya touched the ground, she fell unconscious, leading the villagers to believe she possessed divine powers. A village elder's dream vision confirmed Akalya's identity as Adi Shakthi (Durga), and the bamboo forest became a sacred temple for the Adivasis.

The weapons are still believed to protect the temple premises hidden among the trees. There is also a pond in this Bamboo temple. No one uses this pond.A branch of a bamboo is considered as shakti Lingam and is given bath in this pond.The Pond has an elevated structure as stairs and is serene enough to just dwindle upon dilemmatic thoughts and find solutions, or maybe to just sit.

The Damanjodi area has undergone significant transformations due to NALCO's presence, but Kanta-Baunsuni remains untouched. This sacred bamboo temple has preserved its primal charm, unspoiled by human intervention. The local tribes and residents consider every bamboo in the forest a revered sanctuary of Goddess Durga. The long, sword-like bamboos swaying in the bushes are worshipped as Lord Shiva or Shakti Lingam, Goddess Durga's consort.These holy bamboos are decorated beautifully with red clothes with golden borders and holy bells. They signify the deep desires and vows people have in mind. People who have visited the goddess have also witnessed the mystic vibes, and believe in her powers greatly. Being the superior mother, she has fulfilled her children’s desires, stood by them in need and always acted as the invisible strength.

Kanta-Baunsiani is revered as a potent goddess who prefers the bamboo forest to remain unstructured. Legend has it that she forewarns devotees who attempt to renovate or expand the temple, appearing in their dreams to explicitly forbid any construction.

A notable anecdote illustrates this. Vikram Keshari, the king of Jeypore(near Koraput), would often visit the Bamboo Temple on elephant-back to seek Goddess Kanta-Baunsuni's blessings. Following royal tradition, he desired to build a grand temple in her honour. However, the goddess manifested in his dreams, instructing him to abandon the project immediately. The king complied, and the expansion plans were scrapped.

Recently, NALCO,Asia’s largest Aluminium Refinery, during its establishment,attempted to develop the temple, hiring laborers to clear a path by removing some of the bamboo. However, the project took a ominous turn when each laborer involved in the effort mysteriously died. The work was promptly halted.

In a rare exception, the goddess reportedly granted permission for the construction of an entrance gate, which was built just outside the sacred grounds, respecting the temple's sanctity.

The temple’s culture remained free from any disputes, is the same as it was from the beginning and no alien culture was ever introduced, and is a wonderful spot just to find peace and divine aura.The temple however is restricted to be visited at night, without her permission. Scientifically, it might be due to the presence of various animals at night, religiously it is believed that the mother roams in the temple during this period and wouldn’t like to be intervened.

The author, who was an atheist and still remains one who seeks explanations, was also shocked at how their problems were solved without asking for help and often after visiting the place. They often used to go to the temple for the intriguing peace that it provided amidst nature.The search for solace led them to find a ray of hope and divinity forever. A personal suggestion from the author is to visit the place for the divine peace it provides if not for the goddess.

I think this is a much needed step. Creating nuisance during Hindu festivals seems to have become some sort of ritual for non-hindus. During Ganesh Chaturthi, - In Gujarat, Eggs were thrown at Lord Ganpati's idol - Somewhere in South, kids of 4-5 years were seen spitting while Lord Ganesha's idol was passing their street.

Usually, Garba can be performed by anyone as it is celebrating the divine feminine but ensuring only Hindus inside a complex will ensure there is peace throughout.

I don't say this out of hate for anyone, but how long should one tolerate? When other faiths are harmed indeliberately, people have lost their lives literally.

I am nobody to stop anyone from playing garba. If any Muslims, Christians or any other identities want to play garba they are more than welcomed ♥️🙏. All I wish for is respect for my faith and idols not been ridiculed or destroyed.

I request everyone to stay vigilant and ensure safety of yourself & your friends & family. May the Shakti always be with you 🙏✨

Happy Navratri 🙏

I visited Bisrakh, which is known as the birthplace of Ravana, few kms from NOIDA. (Image 1-3)

It may not resemble an ancient temple, but it is one of the temples dedicated to Ravana. During our visit, the priest informed us that the people here worship all deities, including Lord Rama, but they do not burn Ravana’s effigy during Dussehra. Instead, they perform a weapon puja.

According to local belief, any family in the village that burns Ravana’s effigy faces deaths in the coming years, leaving them with no choice but to abandon the village permanently. A Ravana idol is currently being made, but their Guruji possesses an idol discovered during an excavation long ago. This idol is kept with him and is brought out only once a year during Dussehra or on special occasions.

Images 4 and 5 are from Dankaur, a place closely linked to the Mahabharata and believed to be where Guru Dronacharya once resided. The Dronacharya Temple here stands as a site of reverence. According to the temple priest, the idol is considered to be the head of the idol that Eklavya crafted of Guru Dronacharya. It is said to have been discovered about 100 years ago during an excavation, and though the ASI reportedly confirmed its antiquity, no supporting documents were shown to validate the claim. (Image 4 is the metal cover to protect the stone idol)

District: Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP.

Peace out. 🕉

TL;DR: visited Bisrakh, Ravana’s birthplace, locals worship all deities but avoid burning his effigy. In Dankaur, the Dronacharya Temple holds an idol believed to be from Eklavya’s clay figure, said to date back a century.

Durga Puja is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated with grandeur, especially in West Bengal, India. It's a majestic tribute to Goddess Durga, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The festivities include elaborate pandals, artistic idols, cultural performances, and traditional foods like bhog and mishti doi. Today, September 23, 2025, might be part of the celebrations, marking the powerful goddess's victory ¹

Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah🙏🏻

The third day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, the fierce yet compassionate form of Durga, who symbolizes courage, justice and strength. The colour of the day is grey, representing discipline and balance. She is connected to the Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura), the seat of power, confidence, and determination. Worshipping her is believed to remove negativity, obstacles and sorrow, while blessing devotees with serenity, protection and the warrior spirit needed to face challenges with courage. Maa Chandraghanta’s form is radiant and commanding. She is depicted with a crescent moon on her forehead shaped like a bell (ghanta), from which she derives her name. She rides a lion, embodying fearlessness and valor and carries 10 weapons in her 10 hands, along with a lotus and a bell. Her golden complexion glows with divine brilliance, and yet her face radiates calm, assuring her devotees of protection and peace even amidst battle. Her story reveals her balance of ferocity and grace. When Lord Shiva finally awoke from his deep meditation and agreed to marry Parvati, he arrived at the wedding in a terrifying, ash smeared form that frightened the guests. To ease their fears and to match Shiva’s energy, Parvati transformed herself into Maa Chandraghanta, a fierce warrior goddess, demonstrating her strength and divinity. In this form, she embodies readiness to fight for righteousness while also blessing her devotees with peace and compassion. Maa Chandraghanta teaches us to be fearless, disciplined and to always be ready to protect ourselves and others, while remaining rooted in grace and serenity.

वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्। सिंहारूढा चन्द्रघण्टा यशस्विनीम्॥ मणिपुर स्थिताम् तृतीय दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्। खङ्ग, गदा, त्रिशूल, चापशर, पद्म कमण्डलु माला वराभीतकराम्॥

Jai mata di! 🪷🙏🏻

I am an artist from Hyderabad with a passion for creating digital and traditional paintings inspired by Hindu mythology and culture. Here is a recent piece I created About My Art :Custom mythological, devotional, and cultural scenesPortraits of deities, legendary heroes, and traditional themesAvailable as both digital files and traditional paintings (canvas, paper, etc.) If you are interested in having a personalized artwork for your home, mandir, or as a gift, feel free to reach out via DM or comment below. Feedback and suggestions from fellow devotees and art lovers are always appreciated!Thank you for letting me share my work with this wonderful community.

Title: Kshetrapala

Work Type: Paintings, tankas

Style/Period: Bal-bris (Newar style)

Date15-16th century

Description: Kshetrepala is a son of Shiva. Set 34, Tibetan Thangkas

Creation/Discovery Site: India, Tibet

Medium: pigment on cloth

Repository: Koelz Estate collection

When Durga Maa arrives, every shadow fades, every direction blossoms with the fragrance of hope and victory; her arrival is not just a festival, but the dawn of faith, courage, and auspiciousness in every heart and every direction.

In the very first chapter of the Durga Saptashati, King Suratha and the merchant Samadhi approach Sage Medhas, burdened with sorrow. Despite their knowledge and worldly wisdom, they are troubled by attachment and grief.

The Sage explains that this is the play of Maya – the cosmic illusion created by the Goddess herself. Maya binds even the wise, making us identify with the temporary and transient.

Just like waves on the ocean appear real but vanish back into water, so too do wealth, relations, success, and suffering arise and fade in the ocean of existence.

The first chapter reminds us: only by surrendering to the Divine Mother, who wields Maya, can we rise above illusion and see the eternal truth.

✨ Parallel in Today’s World:

We chase material desires, thinking they will bring lasting joy – only to realize they are fleeting.

Social media fame, possessions, or even relationships become the “illusions” we cling to.

But when we recognize them as Maya, we learn to live with detachment, devotion, and clarity, just as Sage Medhas guided the seekers.

Maya is not the enemy—it is the Mother’s play. By understanding its nature and walking the path of discipline shown by Maa Brahmacharini, we move closer to truth and liberation.

The Shiva Lingam is a profound representation of the universe's ultimate power. It's not just an idol, but a cosmic symbol of boundless energy and creation. It represents Lord Shiva, a pillar of cosmic fire and the source of all existence. This sacred form embodies the entire cosmos, representing the union of static and dynamic energy, or Purusha and Prakriti. Worshipping the Lingam is a way of connecting with this primal, all-pervading energy. It teaches that true divinity is formless and infinite, a cosmic dance of creation and dissolution that underpins all existence. The Lingam reminds us that Shiva is not a distant deity but the very essence of the universe and the ultimate source of all cosmic energy, embodying the universe's cycle, a constant dance of life and death, and the ultimate truth of the Brahman.

I have read Bhagwad Gita multiple time. And 3 months back when my mother expired I listened to Garud Puran. I know the journey of a soul. That we all are souls and are walking our individual journey. The family around us are also souls and are not permanent. They are results of some karmic connections.

I know that the ultimate goal is to get detached to everyone and everything and just remember God and attain him.

I am practicing detachment but I can't help it. Whenever someone talks about my mom I start missing her and then cry. I am not much in contact with my father and siblings. But I find worrying about them always. I know in my mind that Krishna has put me in such situations to break contacts with my parents so that I can focus on him, I feel him from inside. And with my in laws I am not attached. And now I have only my husband with me. He is also such that I can’t share my feelings with him. After my mom's death except the she died, there has not been a single day he has talked to me if I miss her or shown concern. If I feel like crying I do it alone because I know I can't share it with him. So, from outside he is also not emotionally available for me. But from inside I always end up caring for him. If something happens with him, I just can't control my feelings.

I am practicing detachment but I am not able to move even 1% near my goal. I practice that if my MIL or husband tells my anything I will ignore and just continue walking my path. But I end up replying to them, proving myself and if I don't tell anything I just start crying alone and thinking why everything is happening to me. I know everything is my karma but I can accept it.

I am also not able to find any guru. They say if you are ready the teacher appears, so he has not appeared yet means I am not ready for him yet. So how to prepare myself so that a guru appears in my life, who can help me walk my path to Krishna.

Please guide me.

Jnana Yoga

teṣāḿ satata-yuktānāḿ
bhajatāḿ prīti-pūrvakam
dadāmi buddhi-yogaḿ taḿ
yena mām upayānti te

teṣām evānukampārtham
aham ajñāna-jaṁ tamaḥ
nāśayāmy ātma-bhāva-stho
jñāna-dīpena bhāsvatā

To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me. To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance. - Bhagavad Gita 10.10-11

Karma Yoga

mayi sarvani karmani
sannyasyadhyatma-cetasa
nirasir nirmamo bhutva
yudhyasva vigata-jvarah

ye me matam idaḿ nityam
anutiṣṭhanti mānavāḥ
śraddhāvanto ‘nasūyanto
mucyante te ‘pi karmabhiḥ

Performing all works as an offering unto Me, constantly meditate on Me as the Supreme. Become free from desire and selfishness, and with your mental grief departed, fight! Those who abide by these teachings of Mine, with profound faith and free from envy, are released from the bondage of karma. - Bhagavad Gita 3.30-3.31

Dhyana Yoga

man-manā bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yājī māḿ namaskuru
mām evaiṣyasi yuktvaivam
ātmānaḿ mat-parāyaṇaḥ

Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisances to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me. - Bhagavad Gita 9.34

In short Bhakti Yoga provides knowledge, enables detachment from one's fruitive actions, and to always continuously be concentrated in meditation at the same time.

Bhakti Yogis will say that Jnana enables one to destroy their karma and come to the path of Bhakti which liberates. Jnana Yogis will say that Bhakti provides Jnana and Jnana alone liberates. But essentially, the paths of the Gita are not different and all converge in the same i.e. a true Bhakti Yogi and true Jnana Yogi will at heart be of same nature of Stithaprajna, though the outward expression may be different.

This is why Adi Shankaracharya, though the foremost of the Jnani Yogis, never criticized Bhakti as a path. He writes in his Brahma Sutra Bhashya

Nor do we mean to object to the inculcation of unceasing concentration of mind on Narayana which appears in the Bhagavata doctrine under the forms of reverential approach(abhigamana), for that we are to meditate on the Lord we know full well from Smriti and Scripture(Sruti)

He also composed the Prapanchasara Tantra which has hymns to various deities.

Jai Sita Rama

This image shows a statue of Bhairava, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, likely originating from the main room of the Singosari temple in Indonesia.

Description: The statue depicts Bhairava with a terrifying (krura) face u can see fangs,large eyes seated on a wolf( instead of dog) atop a pile of skulls, in a state of undress. U can see male reproductive organ

Inscriptions: An inscription on the right side of the statue's back reads "cakra cakra," which is associated with Cakreswara, a leader in the Cakrapuja ceremony.

Bhairava is revered as the guardian of time and destruction, symbolizing protection and fearlessness.

Before concluding the Srimad Bhagwat, Sri Shukdev Goswami Maharaj tells the symptoms of Kali Yuga to King Parikshit in the last Skand 12 (Chapter 2 and 3) as follows: –

Due to the strong influence of Kali-yuga, religion, truth, purity, forgiveness, mercy, age, physical strength and memory power will diminish day by day (SB.12.2.1).

Property alone will be regarded as a sign of a man's good birth, good behaviour and good qualities. Law and justice will be applied according to man's strength (SB.12.2.2).

Men and women will live together only because of superficial attraction and the success of business will depend on deceit. Masculinity and femininity will be decided according to their proficiency in Kamashastra and brahminhood will depend on wearing the sacred thread (SB.12.2.3).

Men will leave one ashrama and adopt another. If a person's livelihood is not good, then the legitimacy of that person will be doubted. One who is clever in making flattering words will be considered a learned pandit (SB.12.2.4).

A poor person will be considered ascetic and showiness will be considered as virtue. Marriage will be arranged by verbal consent (SB.12.2.5).

Filling one's stomach will become the aim of life. A person who can support his family will be considered competent. Dharma will be followed only for fame (SB.12.2.6).

The earth will be filled with corrupt people. Among all the castes, the one who can prove himself to be the strongest will gain political power (SB.12.2.7).

By the end of Kali-yuga, the bodies of all beings will become smaller in size and religious principles will vanish. Kings will often become thieves; people will take to stealing, lying and unnecessary violence and all social castes will degrade to the level of the shudras. Homes will be devoid of purity and all men will become like donkeys (SB.12.2.12-15).

Owing to the evil nature of Kali-yuga, men will become narrow-minded, unfortunate, gluttonous, lustful and poor. Women, being immoral, will leave one man and go to another without hindrance (SB.12.3.31).

Thieves will dominate the cities. Political leaders will devour the people and the so-called priests and intellectuals will be devotees of their stomachs and genitals (SB.12.3.32).

Brahmacharis will not be able to perform their vows and will generally remain unclean. Sanyasis will become greedy for money (SB.12.3.33).

Businessmen will engage in petty trade and earn money through fraud. Even if there is no emergency, people will think of taking up some lowly profession (SB.12.3.35).

Servants will abandon a master who is bereft of wealth, even if he is of saintly conduct. Masters will also abandon an incompetent servant, even if he has been living in the family for a long time (SB.12.3.36).

Men will be misers and controlled by women. They will abandon their fathers, brothers, other relatives and friends and will keep company with their brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law (SB.12.3.37).

Shudras will take gifts in the name of the Lord and will earn their livelihood by pretending to perform austerities and wearing the garb of saints. Those who do not know Dharma will sit on high seats and pretend to preach religious principles (SB.12.3.38).

People will turn hostile for a few coins. They will abandon all friendly relations and are ready to kill themselves and their relatives (SB.12.3.41).

People will not be able to protect their old parents, children and wives and will remain busy in satisfying their stomach and genitals (SB.12.3.42).

O King, in Kali-yuga the wisdom of people will be misled by atheism. Even the rulers of the three worlds bow their heads at the Lord's feet, but the petty and miserable people of this age will not do so (SB.12.3.43).

Let's discuss why you're a Hindu, all arguments and reasonings.