Shakambari Purnima is observed during full moon day, or Pournami, in Paush month (December – January). Shakambari Purnima 2026 date is January 3. The day is of great importance in South India especially in Karnataka, parts of Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that
Goddess Shakambari incarnated on Devi Shakambari Purnima day. The day also marks the end of the nine-day long Shakambari Navratri festival which began on December 28 2025. Goddess Shakambari is worshipped during the period in Karnataka,
Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Shakambari Mata Jayanti
Shakambari Jayanti is dedicated to Goddess Shakambari Mata who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Shakambari Jayanti 2026 date is January 3. She is believed to be the Goddess of Vegetables, Fruits and Green leaves. Shakambari Jayanti concludes the nine-day Shakambari Navratri festival observed in many regions in
India. It is believed that she appeared on earth on Paush Purnima.
In the Devi Mahatmya it is mentioned that Goddess Durga appeared as Shakambari Mata after a period of hundred years of drought. All the plants had died and there was nothing to eat. Shakambari Mata brought forth from her body fruits, flowers, vegetables and herbs to suffice the hunger of the people.
Some of the important temples dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari are located in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. In Karnataka, she is known as Goddess Banashankari. The story of Shakambari Devi is mentioned in the Devi Mahatmya.
Special pujas and rituals are held on the day in temples in dedicated to Goddess Shakambari.
Importance of Shakambari Purnima
She is believed to be the Goddess of Vegetables, Fruits and Green leaves. Legend says that Shakambari Devi appeared after a hundred year drought. All the plants had died and there was nothing to eat. Goddess Shakambari brought forth from her body fruits, flowers, vegetables and herbs to suffice the hunger of the people.
The day is of great importance in temples dedicated to Shakambari in Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Shakambari Navratri is also held in the Chaitra Month (March – April) in Rajasthan.
The Greatness and Importance of Shakambari Devi
Shakambhari Devi is the Hindu Goddess of Vegetation and an incarnation of Goddess Durga (Parvati). Revered as the "Bearer of Greens," she represents the Earth's fertility and the divine feminine energy that sustains all living beings.
Etymology and Origin
Shaka: Meaning "vegetables" or "greens."
Ambhari: Meaning "one who bears" or "nourishes."
Significance: She appeared during a thousand-year drought to save humanity from famine, producing life-sustaining plants directly from her own body.
Key Symbolism
Nourishment: As the ultimate provider, she symbolizes abundance and the end of hunger.
Ecological Balance: Her green complexion and ornaments of fruits and foliage represent the health of the natural world.
Dual Nature: While she carries weapons to protect the righteous, her serene expression reflects her nurturing maternal grace.
Interconnectedness: Her worship emphasizes the bond between human survival and environmental stewardship.
Spiritual and Practical Importance
Agricultural Protector: Farmers and devotees seek her blessings for fertile soil and timely rains.
Famine Alleviation: Her mythology teaches self-reliance and the importance of water and vegetation in sustaining civilization.
Divine Motherhood: She is viewed as the "Eternal Mother" who feels the hunger of her children and provides for them unconditionally.
