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Banada Ashtami 2025 - Importance - Dedicated To Goddess Banashankari

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Banadashtami, or Banada Ashtami, is an auspicious day dedicated to Goddess Banashankari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Banadashtami 2025 date is December 28. Goddess Banashankari is also known as Banashankari or Shakambari or Banadevi and is mainly worshipped in Karnataka. The word Banashankari is derived from ‘Ban or Van’ meaning ‘forest’ and ‘Shankari’ meaning ‘the consort of Lord Shiva.’

There is also a Banashankari Navratri in Pushya month and is observed by devotees of Banashankari. Fairs and festivals are held during this period in Banashankari temples.

Banadashtami is observed on the eight day after new moon in the month of Pushya. The day also marks the beginning of festivals dedicated to Goddess Banashankari. A major fair is held at Badami Banashankari Devi Temple during this period and it begins on Banadashtami day.

According to Skanda Purana, Goddess Banashankari Devi killed a demon called Durgamasur at the present day Badami in Bagalkot in Karnataka.

Banashankari Devi was also said to be worshiped by mighty Chalukyas as their Kuladevi.

Famous temples dedicated to Goddess Banashankari are located in Badami and Bangalore in Karnataka.

Banashankari Navratri - Banashankari Navratri is nine-day festival, puja and rituals dedicated to Goddess Banashankari in the Kannada month of Paush in Karnataka.

The Greatness and Importance of Goddess Banashankari in Hinduism

Goddess Banashankari, also known as Banashankari Devi or Vanashankari, is a revered form of the Divine Mother, Durga or Parvati, worshipped primarily in Karnataka and parts of South India. Her name originates from "Banashankari," which means "the goddess of the forest" (Bana) and Shankari (consort of Lord Shiva). The deity symbolizes strength, compassion, and the destruction of evil, embodying the nurturing and fierce aspects of the Divine Mother.

This article explores her significance, symbolism, benefits of worship, methods of puja, associated temples, and lesser-known facts.

Significance of Goddess Banashankari

Banashankari Devi is worshipped as a protector against all forms of evil and misfortune. She is believed to bestow prosperity, health, and peace upon her devotees. Her presence in forests and rural areas reflects her connection with nature, purity, and unspoiled beauty, which makes her a guardian of the vulnerable and downtrodden.

The goddess's unique name also indicates her protective aspect over the natural world, emphasizing the balance between humanity and the environment, a significant aspect in Hindu spiritual thought.

Symbolism of Goddess Banashankari

  1. Mount – Lion or Horse: Banashankari is often depicted seated on a lion or horse, symbolizing her bravery and swift action against injustice and demonic forces.

  2. Trishula (Trident): The trident represents her power to destroy evil and maintain cosmic balance.

  3. Lotus and Fire: The lotus symbolizes purity, while the fire signifies the destruction of ignorance and ego.

  4. Third Eye: Like other forms of Durga, her third eye signifies heightened spiritual insight and the ability to burn away evil forces.

  5. Flame-like Halo: Her iconography often shows a radiant halo, symbolizing divine energy and protection.

Benefits of Worshipping Goddess Banashankari

  1. Protection from Evil: Devotees believe that her blessings protect them from physical and spiritual dangers.

  2. Removal of Obstacles: She is revered as a remover of life’s difficulties and ensures smooth progress in endeavors.

  3. Mental and Emotional Strength: Worship helps individuals overcome fear, anxiety, and depression, instilling courage and resilience.

  4. Blessings for Prosperity: She bestows wealth and well-being upon her followers, ensuring a fulfilling life.

  5. Healing Powers: Devotees believe she cures diseases and protects from physical ailments.

  6. Harmony in Relationships: Worshipping her promotes peace and understanding within families and communities.

Simple Puja Method for Banashankari Devi

Worshipping Banashankari Devi can be a simple yet spiritually fulfilling ritual. Here's a straightforward method to perform puja:

  1. Preparation:

    • Choose a clean and quiet place for the puja.
    • Set up a picture or idol of Goddess Banashankari on a decorated altar.
    • Gather materials like flowers (preferably hibiscus or lotus), incense sticks, a lamp, camphor, fruits, and sweets.

  2. Purification:

    • Begin by cleaning yourself and the surroundings.
    • Light a lamp and incense sticks to purify the atmosphere.

  3. Invocation:

    • Chant “Om Banashankari Deviye Namah” or other specific mantras to invoke her presence.

  4. Offering:

    • Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess with devotion.
    • Sprinkle water around the altar symbolizing purification.

  5. Prayer and Meditation:

    • Pray sincerely, expressing your gratitude and seeking her blessings.
    • Meditate on her form, visualizing her protective energy enveloping you.

  6. Aarti:

    • Perform aarti by waving the lamp in a circular motion before the deity while chanting her mantra.

  7. Concluding the Puja:

    • Distribute the prasad (offerings) to family members.
    • Sit for a few moments in silence, absorbing the divine energy.

Mantras for Goddess Banashankari

Mantras are powerful tools to connect with the divine. Here are a few significant ones:

  1. Om Banashankari Deviye Namah

    • A general invocation mantra to seek her blessings.

  2. Om Hreem Shreem Banashankari Durgaaye Namah

    • A mantra for prosperity and protection.

  3. Sarvamangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike
    Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute

    • A hymn glorifying the Divine Mother’s benevolence and power.

Temples of Goddess Banashankari

  1. Banashankari Amma Temple, Badami (Karnataka):

    • This is the most prominent temple dedicated to Banashankari Devi. It attracts thousands of devotees, especially during the Banashankari Jatre, a grand annual festival.

  2. Banashankari Temple, Bangalore:

    • A popular temple located in Bangalore, frequented by devotees seeking the goddess’s blessings for a happy and prosperous life.

  3. Banashankari Temple, Cholachagudd:

    • Situated near Badami, this temple is historically significant and offers a serene ambiance for worship.

Lesser-Known Facts about Banashankari Devi

  1. Vedic and Tribal Fusion:

    • The worship of Banashankari represents a harmonious blend of Vedic traditions and local tribal beliefs, showcasing Hinduism’s inclusivity.

  2. Association with Forests:

    • She is linked to forests, symbolizing her role as a guardian deity of natural ecosystems.

  3. Unique Rituals:

    • The goddess is worshipped with a lamp made of flour (Deepa Aradhana), which is believed to bring prosperity.

  4. Astrological Relevance:

    • Many devotees pray to her to mitigate planetary doshas (afflictions), particularly those related to Saturn (Shani).

  5. Folk Tales:

    • Local legends describe her miraculous powers in saving devotees from dangers, emphasizing her compassionate nature.

Goddess Banashankari represents the compassionate yet powerful aspects of the Divine Mother. Her worship is an affirmation of faith in divine protection and guidance. The goddess is not just a protector but also a nurturer, ensuring balance and harmony in her devotees’ lives. By understanding her symbolism, performing her puja with devotion, and chanting her mantras, one can tap into her divine grace to overcome challenges and lead a prosperous life.

Her temples stand as testimonies to her enduring legacy, and her worship is a celebration of the unity of nature, spirituality, and human devotion. May Goddess Banashankari’s blessings bring strength, wisdom, and peace to all her devotees.