Mangaluru: Along with prayers and festivities during the nine-day Navratri celebrations, some temples worship the goddess in nine different forms. The goddess is adorned with special Alankara, offering unique darshans to devotees.
At the Sri Mangaladevi Temple in Mangaluru, the goddess is worshipped with different Alankara each day. Mangalamba (another name for the goddess) is successively worshipped in the forms of Durga, Arya, Bhagavahi, Kaumari, Ambike, Mahishamardini, Chandike, Saraswati, Vageshwari, and finally as Sri Mangaladevi. This year, the festivities will span over ten days. The main idol is worshipped according to the unique significance of each day.
“Sri Mangaladevi Temple has a long-standing tradition of celebrating Navratri with grand festivities. The goddess is worshipped in its different avatars every day during the festival,” said M. Arun Aithal, hereditary trustee and administrator of Shri Mangaladevi Temple.
Daily Pujas and Homas
During Navratri, various ceremonies such as Lalita Panchami on October 11, Sharada Puja and Bali Utsav on October 12, and the grand Vijayadashami Rathotsav (Chariot festival) on October 13 will take place at the temple. The Avabritha Mangala Snana (ritual bath) will be held on October 14.
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The goddess will be offered a variety of food, including rice, milk pudding, and sweets made with jaggery.
Temples like Shri Mariyamma Temple in Bolara, Sri Mariyamma Temple in Urva, Sri Bhagavati Temple in Kudroli, and the Kuru Amba Devi Shrine in Kodikal will also hold special pujas.
Forms of the Goddess
Durga Devi (October 3)
On the first day of Navratri, the goddess Mangalamba was worshipped in the form of Durga Devi. She was adorned as a fierce warrior, riding a lion, ready for battle against the demons.
Arya Devi (October 4)
On the second day, Arya Devi was adorned in a sky-blue sari. She was worshipped in a posture of standing with a conch, discus, sword, and trident while riding a lion.
Bhagavathi (October 5 & 6)
On the third day, Bhagavathi will be adorned in a saffron sari with a resplendent crown and silk garlands. On October 6 too the goddess will be worshipped in the same avatar.
Kaumari (October 7)
On the fourth day, the goddess will be worshipped as Kaumari in the youthful form of Shodashi and adorned with tender jasmine buds and pink roses. In this form, she symbolizes the energy of youth.
Ambike (October 8)
The fifth day will see the goddess worshipped in the form of Aranyavasini Ambike, adorned with mango leaves and garlands. Her attire will include a simple cloth draped in a unique style, with a distinct crown.
Mahishamardini (October 9)
On October 9, the goddess will appear in the fierce form of Mahishamardini, symbolizing her triumph over the demon Mahishasura. She will hold a trident and be adorned in a red sari.
Chandike (October 10)
On October 10, the Chandike form will be displayed with a flowing red sari. Her appearance will include disheveled hair, a bell, and a sword, with special flower garlands as adornments.
Saraswathi Devi (October 11)
On the auspicious day of Durgashtami, Saraswati Devi will be worshipped. She will be dressed in a white sari, seated in a lotus position, and depicted playing the veena. Her hands will hold a rudraksha and a sacred book.
Vageshwari (October 12)
On the final day of the festival, Vageshwari Devi will be worshipped. The decoration will prominently feature a pink sari, symbolizing her as the goddess of music and speech.
Mangaladevi (October 13)
On Vijayadashami, the goddess will be worshipped in her primary form, Mangaladevi. She will be adorned in a dark purple sari, with a crown decorated with jewels and serpents.
The series of celebrations and unique adornments aims to present the goddess in her various forms, each representing a different aspect of her power, wisdom, and grace.
Translated from Kannada article by Naveen Bhat Ilathila 