Navaratri celebrations: Devotees throng Kankadurga temple
Vijayawada, Oct 10 (INN): Devotees of Goddess Kanaka Durga on Sunday were allowed to have darshan of Goddess Durga in her avatar of Gayatri Devi from 3 AM on the third day of the Ashwayuja Thadiya, an integral part of the Navaratri celebrations at famous hill shrine temple of Kanaka Durga in Vijayawada. The special early morning rituals began before the darshan was allowed in which prayers were performed to Goddess Durga. Sunday being a holiday the temple authorities had made elaborate preparations for a large turnout of devotees from various corners of the state. The Goddess was worshipped in her incarnation of Gayathri Devi.
According to Hindu beliefs, Goddess Gayatri mata is one of the manifestations of Goddess Saraswati Devi, consort of Lord Brahma. She represents energy, wisdom and virtue. Saraswati Devi is the Supreme Goddess of learning and knowledge. Goddess Gayathri Devi appeared as Panchamukhi (with five faces) seated on a lotus. These five faces of the Goddess symbolize Pancha pranas (five lives) like prana, apana, vyana, udana and samana. They also symbolize the five principle elements (Panchabhootas) of the universe earth, water, air, fire and sky.
Gayatri Mata has ten hands hence also called as Dashabhuji. She carries Shankh (conch), chakra (discus), Kamalam (lotus), goad, noose and Rudrakshmala. Remaining two hands of the Goddess are depicted in abhaya and varada mudras. Devotees expressed their pleasure at seeing this incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple authorities ensured the distribution of prasad and tirtham. The devotees believe that consuming the prasad will protect them from all problems and they would have the blessing of the Goddess.
News Posted: 10 October, 2010
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