Bhimchandi Devi is a powerful manifestation of Mother
Goddess Shakti. Her murti is worshipped in many temples in North
India . An important Bhim Chandi Devi temple is located in Varanasi and is one of
the halting places during the famous Panchakosi Parikrama. Another temple is
located at Pinjore in Haryana.
Legend has it that Mother Goddess Shakti appeared in an
unimaginably huge form in the Himalayas to
protect Sages and people who followed Dharma. She gets her name from the huge
figure in which she appeared – Bhima. This is mentioned in the Devi Mahatmya.
Bhimchandi Devi is often referred as the ‘Ugra’ or fierce
manifestation. Her fury is uncontrollable and unimaginable. Next moment she can
be benign, kind and caring mother. Due to her volatile temper, she is feared by
the devotees.
It is believed that Goddess Bhimchandi creates trouble in
the life of those who practice Adharma. She protects her devotees from all
troubles. But if her devotees stray from the path of Dharma, she creates
mountains of trouble for them.
Vermilion is the most important offering to the Goddess.
Other offerings include red flowers, sweets and water.
Apart from Navratri, the most important day dedicated to
Goddess Bhimchandi Mata is the second day during the waning phase of moon in
Bhadrapad month (Bhadrapad Krishna Paksha Dwitiya) as per traditional Hindu
calendar in North India .