Goddess Vanashankari is an incarnation of Mother Goddess
Shakti. It is in this form she nourishes all living beings. She is popularly
worshiped in the northern districts of Karnataka and southern parts of
Maharashtra. She is essentially a forest Goddess.
In the Devi Mahatmya, it is mentioned that Goddess Shakti
appeared as Vanashankari after a period of hundred years of drought. All the
plants had died and there was nothing to eat. Vanashankari brought forth from
her body fruits, flowers, vegetables and herbs to suffice the hunger of the
people.
The form of Vanashankari is described in detail in Durga
Saptashati. Vanasankari is blue in color. Her eyes are like lotus flower. She
is depicted with numerous arms – one arm is shown as carrying a lotus with bees
circling it. The other hands carry bow, arrows, flowers, roots, and vegetables.
Her vehicle is a lion.
The most popular festival dedicated to Goddess Vanashankari is
held from Paush Shukla Paksha Ashtami to Paush Purnima.
The most popular temple dedicated to her is located at Banashankari
village, which is around 5 kilometer from Badami in Karnataka.