Shakambari Navratri - Importance of Shakumbhari Devi Navratri January 2025 - 2026

Shakambari Mata, or Shakumbhari Devi, is an incarnation of Shakti and is worshipped in many parts of India.  In 2025, Shakambari Mata Navratri begins on December 28, 2025 and ends on January 3, 2026. The day is of great importance in many regions in India. It is believed that she feeds those who are hungry with vegetarian food. She is Mother Earth who suffices hunger.

Shakambari Ma is known as ‘the bearer of the greens’ – Shaka means vegetables and Ambari means who bears. Goddess Shakambari is mentioned in the Devi Mahatmya.

Shakambari Mata is worshipped during Navratri and Durga Puja but one of the most famous Navratri dedicated to her happens in Paush month or Pushya Month (December – January).

Shakambari Mata Navratri is a major puja and festival in some parts of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

In the Devi Mahatmya, it is said that Goddess Durga appeared as Shakambari after a dry period of hundred years. She brought forth from her body fruits, flowers, vegetables and herbs to suffice the hunger of the people.

Major Temples dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari are located in Badami and Bangalore Karnataka, Nagewadi and Kumbhoj in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

In Karnataka, she is known as Goddess Banashankari and Banada Ashtami is a major event during Shakambari Mata Navratri.

The festival concludes on the full moon day in Paush month and is known as Shakumbhari Purnima.

Greatness and Importance of Shakambhari Devi in Hinduism

Shakambhari Devi, also known as the Goddess of Vegetation, is an important deity in Hinduism. She is an incarnation of Goddess Durga or Parvati and is revered as the nourisher of life. Her name "Shakambhari" comes from the Sanskrit words "Shaka," meaning vegetables, and "Ambhari," meaning bearer. This epithet highlights her role as the provider of food and sustenance, particularly in times of drought or famine. Her worship is deeply rooted in the acknowledgment of the earth's fertility and the divine feminine energy that sustains life.

Symbolism of Shakambhari Devi

Shakambhari Devi symbolizes abundance, nourishment, and ecological balance. Often depicted with green skin, adorned with fruits, vegetables, and foliage, she embodies the nurturing aspect of nature. Her representation underscores humanity’s dependence on nature and reminds devotees to treat the environment with respect and gratitude.

The goddess is often depicted holding weapons in her hands, symbolizing her protective and warrior aspect, while her serene expression reflects her nurturing nature. This duality of a provider and protector showcases her as the ultimate maternal force capable of sustaining and defending life.

Shakambhari Devi’s association with vegetation and water highlights her importance in agriculture and sustenance. Her mythology often includes stories of her appearing to alleviate famine, teaching the value of self-reliance, ecological stewardship, and the interconnectedness of all life forms.

Benefits of Worshipping Shakambhari Devi

1. Nourishment and Prosperity: Devotees believe that worshipping Shakambhari Devi ensures the availability of food and water, especially in times of scarcity. She is often invoked for agricultural prosperity and ecological harmony.

2. Healing and Well-being: As the goddess of vegetation, her blessings are linked to health and healing. Many believe her worship can remove diseases and promote vitality.

3. Ecological Balance: Worshipping her encourages respect for nature and promotes conservation practices, aligning spiritual devotion with environmental awareness.

4. Spiritual Growth: Devotion to Shakambhari Devi fosters gratitude for nature's bounty, leading to inner contentment and spiritual growth.

5. Courage and Protection: Her warrior aspect assures devotees of protection from adversities and enemies.

Simple Puja Method to Worship Shakambhari Devi

Worshipping Shakambhari Devi can be done through a simple and heartfelt ritual. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Preparation: Clean the space where the puja will be performed. Arrange a clean altar with an idol or picture of Shakambhari Devi.

2. Offerings: Arrange offerings such as fruits, vegetables, grains, flowers, and water. These symbolize nature's abundance and are key to her worship.

3. Lighting the Lamp: Light a diya (oil lamp) and incense sticks to purify the environment and invoke her presence.

4. Invocation: Chant the mantra "Om Shakambhari Devyai Namah" to invoke her blessings.

5. Prayer and Offerings: Offer the arranged items one by one to the deity while praying for nourishment, protection, and well-being.

6. Aarti: Perform aarti with a small lamp while singing devotional hymns or Shakambhari Devi stotra (hymns).

7. Meditation: Sit quietly and meditate on her form, focusing on gratitude and her blessings.

8. Prasad Distribution: Conclude the puja by distributing the offered fruits and vegetables as prasad among family or the needy.

Mantras Dedicated to Shakambhari Devi

Mantras are a powerful way to connect with the divine. Here are some key mantras for Shakambhari Devi:

1. Om Shakambhari Devyai Namah
   This is a simple and powerful mantra to invoke her blessings.

2. Shakambhari Stotram
   A devotional hymn that narrates her glory and the significance of her role as the nourisher of life.

3. Durga Saptashati Verses
   Recitation of specific verses from the Durga Saptashati also pleases Shakambhari Devi, as she is an incarnation of Durga.

Temples of Shakambhari Devi

Several temples in India are dedicated to Shakambhari Devi, showcasing her widespread veneration:

1. Shakambhari Devi Temple, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh
   This is one of the most famous temples dedicated to the goddess. Located in the Shivalik Hills, it is a major pilgrimage site.

2. Banashankari Temple, Badami, Karnataka
   Known as Banashankari or Vanashankari (another name for Shakambhari Devi), this temple attracts devotees seeking her blessings for prosperity and protection.

3. Shakambhari Devi Temple, Sikar, Rajasthan
   This temple is another significant site where devotees offer prayers for ecological harmony and nourishment.

4. Shakambhari Temple, Kolar, Karnataka
   A revered shrine in South India, known for its serene environment and spiritual significance.

Lesser-Known Facts About Shakambhari Devi

1. Origin Story: According to the Skanda Purana, Shakambhari Devi appeared during a severe drought to nourish humanity. She created a lush green environment, providing food and water to save lives.

2. Warrior Form: In some stories, she is depicted as slaying a demon named Durgamasura, who had stolen the Vedas and caused famine.

3. Seasonal Worship: Her worship is particularly significant during Navaratri and post-monsoon harvest seasons when devotees express gratitude for a bountiful yield.

4. Symbol of Ecological Consciousness: In modern times, Shakambhari Devi's worship is seen as a symbol of ecological preservation, reminding humanity to cherish and protect natural resources.

5. Festivals: The Shakambhari Navaratri, celebrated primarily in December and January, is dedicated to her. Devotees observe fasting and offer special prayers during this time.

Shakambhari Devi’s worship is a profound blend of spirituality and ecological consciousness. She reminds humanity of the divine role of nature in sustaining life and the importance of gratitude and preservation. Through her mythology, symbolism, and devotion, she teaches lessons of abundance, healing, and harmony. Worshipping her not only ensures material prosperity but also fosters a deeper connection to the earth and its cycles.

By honoring Shakambhari Devi, devotees embrace the ethos of sustainable living, rooted in reverence for the earth and its nurturing spirit. Whether through simple pujas, recitation of her mantras, or visits to her temples, her devotees find spiritual solace and material blessings, making her an enduring and beloved deity in Hinduism.