Navarathri Kolu 2012 - (Part 2 of 3)

An overview of the theme:

3. SHAAKTAM:

This refers to the worship of Shakti or Devi.

Ayurdevi on the swan mount:

Seated on a Siddha swan (anna vaahanam) on a base of Siddha lions (simha peetam), the blissful Mother offers a seat (kara peetam) to nine great Siddhas in eight of Her nine divine hands.








The nine Siddhas (to whom Mother Ayur Devi gave kara peetam, i.e., a seat on Her Hands) are:
1. Mother's top right hand - Gayaasura Maharishi
2. Mother's second right hand - Aani Maandavya Maharishi
3. Mother's third right hand - Atri Maharishi
4. Mother's fourth right hand - Kundalini Maharishi
5. Mother's top left hand - Ahir Puthnya Maharishi
6. Mother's second left hand - Saaramaa Munivar
7. Mother's third left hand - Astheeka Siddha
8, 9. Mother's fourth left hand - Gaargini Devi and Samvartha Maharishi in a consecrated amrutham pot Mother's ninth hand - Held in the Fear Not (abhaya hastham) posture, the Mother looks after all beings with this protective gesture.

The other deities and siddhas are - Suvaarosisha Maharishi as the Swan vehicle (anna vaahanam) and Manu Prajapatis as the Lion peetam.

Goddess Kamakshi on the golden chariot:

The famous procession that is held in Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu, wherein the Goddess is taken in procession on the golden chariot. The Kanchi Acharyas are also depicted.










Goddess Bhagavathi on the elephant mount:

The "Trissur Pooram" festival is very famous wherein the Bhagavathi Amman is taken in procession on beautifully decorated elephants..

This festival is very popular in Kerala.











Goddess Chamundi on the elephant mount:

Mysore is very famous for the yearly Dussera festival, wherein the Goddess is taken on procession on elephants. This is a very colourful and happy event that takes place in Mysore. The Mysore Maharaja also takes part in the procession.

Goddess Lakshmi on the elephant mount and Vaarahi on the buffalo mount:

Maha Varahi is a symbol of purity, peace and prosperity.  She emerged from the Ankusam (weapon) of Devi Sri Lalitha Parameshwari.  She is the commander of the battalion of Sri RajaRajeshwari.  Maha Varahi is one of the "saptha maathrukaas" or seven divine mothers. 







 

4. SHAIVAM:

This refers to the worship of Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva on procession as Somaskanda:

Lord Bhairava on the dog mount:

Lord Shiva on the Rishabha Vaahana:

This procession is very famous at the Kapaaleeshwara temple, Mylapore, Chennai.

Lord Shiva is taken on procession on the Rishabha or bull. Also seen in the picture are a lady who sells vegetables on a cart on the street and a lady who puts the "Kolam" on the streets before the Lord comes on procession.






The Float festival:

(To be continued....)