Goddess Aparajita is one among the numerous forms of Goddess Durga (as per some scriptures of Goddess Parvati. Aparajita means the unconquered and unconquerable. In this form, she is worshipped on the Vijayadasami or Dasara day. People worship this form of Durga for winning the battles of life.
The popular belief is that in the Aparajitha form, Mother Goddess vanquished all those that were practicing Adharma. She protected those following dharma.
In Hindu iconography, she is depicted as a formidable and
powerful woman with three eyes. Her hair is intricately styled like a crown,
adorned with the crescent moon. She possesses four arms, each holding a
different symbol: the pinaka (Shiva's bow), an arrow, a sword, and a shield.
Her wristlet is formed by the serpent Vasuki, and she is often portrayed riding
a lion.
Another Scripture States:
"She is another form of Durga. Chaturbhuja (four-armed)— in four hands she holds the conch and discus (shankha-chakra), or alternatively, in two hands she shows the Varada (boon) and Abhaya (fearlessness) mudras. Her complexion is deep blue, or alternatively, like bright crystal. She is Trinayana (three-eyed) and has the moon on her forehead (Shashibhali). Chakravaka birds or Ruddy Shelducks surround her."
The Devi Mahatmya features a captivating hymn known as the 'Aparajita
Stotram' (5.8-82). In this hymn, the Devas, led by Indra, sing praises to
Devi to seek her favor in vanquishing the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha.
It was a tradition in ancient times for kings to venerate her on Vijayadashami, securing
their belief in assured victory in battle.
"According to some scriptures, this particular form of Durga is Shivdooti, meaning in this form she sends Shiva as a messenger to Shumbha. The message is for him to retreat with all his demon hordes to the depths of Patala (the netherworld), or else face their complete destruction."
The form and attributes of Goddess Aparajita is mentioned in the Devi Purana and Chandi Patha.
The rituals and pujas associated with Aparajitha are mentioned in Tantric texts.
Goddess is worshipped by drawing an eight-petalled lotus in the Ishana (North-East) corner of the mandap and placing an Aparajita creeper there. The eight-petalled lotus signifies the unleashing of all spiritual attainments (Siddhis). The bud is blossoming. Hence, she is Aparajita, the Giver of Victory.
Some devotees observe a fast on the Vijaya Dasami day. Special pujas are held on the day dedicated to this form of Durga in Orissa, Jharkhand, Bengal and other parts of eastern India.
There is also a belief is some Hindus that Goddess Aparajita resides in the Shami Tree.
Shami Puja is also held on the Vijayadasami day.
In Jainism, there is a Goddess known as Aparajita and she is a Yakshi or demi goddess.
An Vrata dedicated to the goddess known as Aparajita Saptami Vrata is observed on the seventh day during the waxing of light phase of moon in Bhadrapad month (August - September) - Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Pratipada tithi.
Meditation Of Goddess Aparajita
"Om! She who shines like pure crystal, who is cool like a crore (ten million) moons. Whose hands show the boon-giving and fear-allaying gestures, who is adorned with white garments. Decorated with various ornaments, and surrounded by Chakravaka (Ruddy Shelduck) birds. The practitioner should thus contemplate that Goddess Aparajita.
