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Vaishno Devi
Hindu mother goddess From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Vaishno Devi (also known as Mata Rani, Sherawali, Trikuta, Ambe and Vaishnavi) is an unmarried form of the Hindu mother goddess Mahalakshmi, embodying the tattva of Mahasarasvati and Mahakali.[1] Vaishno Devi is worshipped as a combined avatar of the trinity goddesses.[2]
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Origin
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Purāṇa
According to Mahābhāgavata Upapurāṇa (23.44b-45.39), she is mentioned as "Viṣṇupriyā".[3]
In the Varāha Mahāpurāṇa's Triśakti Māhātmya, she originated from the Lakṣmī bhāga (portion) of Goddess Trikalā (the goddess who was born from Trimūrtis) and slayed an asura called Mahiṣāsura on Śataśṛṅga Parvata where the current Trikūṭa Dhāma of Vaiṣṇōdēvī is situated.[1] (Disclaimer: this event is of a separate Kalpa – Mānava Kalpa – and not of our Śvēta Varāha Kalpa). The Nārada Mahāpurāṇa (1.103.1-3) [4] and Matsya Mahāpurāṇa (53.38-40) [5] clarify that the Varāha Mahāpurāṇa's events take place during the Mānava Kalpa.
Pāñcarātra
The Lakṣmīnārāyaṇa Saṃhitā (1.4.22-25) mentions the Triśaktis (Brāhmī, Vaiṣṇavī, and Raudrī) of the Varāha Mahāpurāṇan and when describing Vaiṣṇavī, directly calls her "Viṣṇuśakti" and "Lakṣmī". It also says that only because of her Viṣṇu is able to preserve, making it clear that she's a form of Lakṣmī. This event is directly mentioned at the beginning of creation during Kṛta Yuga, where the Tridēvas’ Prakṛtis are introduced. This is in the exact same manner as the Varāha Mahāpurāṇa notates. Vaiṣṇavī directly is stated here as Lakṣmī.[6][7]
The Lakṣmīnārāyaṇa Saṃhitā's Kṛtayuga Santāna (1.334.53) [8] and Dvāparayuga Santāna (3.237.154) [9] calls her "Māṇikī", the Śakti of Kalki, as she resides on Māṇika Parvata (another name of Trikūṭa).
She is mentioned in the Garga Saṃhitā (5.15.33b) as "Sukṛti", the Śakti and future consort of Lord Kalki.[10]
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Legends
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Trikuta Rani/Vaishno devi Legend
The incarnation of Vaishno Devi took place during the Treta Yuga, when the demon Ravana and his brothers and other demonic forces were committing atrocities on the earth. The Tridevis or the three great goddesses, Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati decided to combine their respective energies (tamas, sattva and rajas) to give birth to a single divine powerful energy for the preservation of Dharma.[11] From this unified brilliance, a beautiful divine goddess emerged.[11][12][13] This goddess was given the name Vaishno Devi.[12][13] She was commanded to take birth as a daughter in the home of a man named Ratnakar Sagar in Southern India.[11] Ratnakar Sagar gave her the name Trikuta.[11] Her mission was specifically defined as upholding dharma on Earth and assisting in the rescue of Sita, the abducted wife of Lord Rama, an avatar of Vishnu[11][12][13] Even from a young age, Trikuta demonstrated her divine magical powers, attracting sages, seers, and the deities themselves. Trikuta became popular among the three worlds (Earth, Sky and Heaven).[11][12] With her father's permission, she moved to a secluded area on the seashore, meditating solely on Lord Rama and performing a severe penance (tapasya). When Lord Rama reached the seashore with his army of monkeys during his hunt of Ravana, who had abducted Sita, he saw the young girl absorbed in deep meditation. When Rama questioned her about the purpose of her penance, Trikuta introduced herself as the daughter of Ratnakar Sagar and stated her firm resolve to obtain Rama as her husband.[12][13] Rama, who had taken a vow of monogamy (acknowledging none other than Sita as his wife) in that avatar, set a condition. He promised that after killing Ravana and rescuing Sita, he would return to her hut in a disguise, and if she recognized him, he would accept her.[13] When Rama returned, disguised as an old sadhu after conquering Lanka, Trikuta failed to recognize him.[13][12] Upon realizing his true identity, Trikuta was distraught, but Rama offered her solace and assurance.[12][13] He instructed her to travel to a beautiful cave on the Trikuta mountain in North India, where the three mountains represent the three goddesses, and immerse herself in meditation.[11][12] Rama promised that in the upcoming Kali Yuga, when he takes his Kalki Avatar, she would become his companion. She would become immortal there, and the brave monkey warriors (Nala, Neela, Hanuman and Jambavan) would stand as her protectors. Her fame and glory would eventually spread throughout the World, and she would be famously known as Vaishno Devi. Around 700 years ago, a devotee Shridhar lived in the village of Hansali, approximately 2 km from Katra. Shridhar was a devout worshipper of the goddess Vaishno Devi and customarily performed kanya puja (worship of young girls as manifestations of the goddess).[11][12] Grieved by his childlessness, he intensified his devotion to the goddess.[13][11] He made a strict vow that he would fast until the goddess herself came to his home and fed him.[13] Touched by his unshakeable faith, Vaishno Devi appeared before him in the form of a young girl. The girl instructed Shridhar to organize a bhandara (feeding a group of people for free), the following day and invite people from his village and nearby areas. While distributing invitations, Shridhar encountered the ascetic Guru Gorakhnath and his disciples, including Bhaironnath. Gorakhnath, upon hearing of the grand feast organized by a poor Brahmin on the advice of a young girl, remarked scornfully that Shridhar must be mistaken in inviting him and his 360 disciples. Nevertheless, Gorakhnath and Bhaironnath agreed to attend, deciding to test the veracity of the girl's power.[13][12] When the day arrived, a huge crowd gathered, and the divine girl arranged for everyone, including Gorakhnath and his 62 followers, to be seated comfortably in the small hut. Using the akshaya patra (a magic vessel that never goes empty) , the girl began serving food that fulfilled every guest's specific desire. Bhaironnath then realized that the girl had magic powers. When the girl approached him, Bhaironnath, intending to test her and driven by his impure desires, demanded meat and wine. The girl, however, stated firmly that this was a Brahmin's feast, and only vegetarian food would be served. Bhaironnath, attempting to seize the girl in his anger, found that the girl instantly vanished. Bhaironnath immediately began chasing her up the Trikuta mountain.[12][11][13] Darshani Darwaza is where the girl vanished from the hut and proceeded toward the Trikuta mountain. It is considered the first gateway to the Trikuta mountain and is located approximately 1 km from Katra. The goddess called Hanuman and he appeared in front of her as her guardian. As the goddess continued her path, Hanuman, grew thirsty. To quench his thirst, the goddess struck the rocks with an arrow, causing a pure water stream to spring forth. This stream is now named as Ban Ganga (Ganga of the arrow). She also washed her hair in this water, contributing to the name Bal Ganga (Ganga of the washed hair). This sacred place is about 2 km past Darshani Darwaza. After that the goddess paused and looked back to check if Bhaironnath was still following her. Her footprints became imprinted on the rock where she stopped, hence the name Charan Paduka (holy footprints) . It is considered the second holy spot on the pilgrimage route. The goddess traveled a considerable distance from Charan Paduka before stopping near a small cave.[12] She asked a nearby ascetic not to disclose her presence. The goddess then took refuge inside the cave, meditating there for nine months, symbolizing the time by a fetus in the womb. This cave became known as Adikumari (cave of the primordial virgin) or Garbh Gufa (womb-like cave). [12][13] When Bhaironnath reached this spot and questioned the ascetic, he revealed that pursuing the goddess was like inviting his own death. When Bhaironnath forcefully entered the cave, the goddess struck the back wall with her trishul, creating an exit and running away from there. She climbed a steep hill-face now known as Hathi Mattha (wall shaped like an elephant's forehead). It is situated 2.5 km from the Adikumari cave. She then walked downwards to a plateau, now known as Sanjhi Chhat. The pursuit continued until the goddess reached another cave on the Trikuta mountain. She asked Hanuman to guard the entrance and prevent Bhaironnath from entering. When Bhaironnath tried to barge into the cave, a fierce battle erupted between Bhaironnath and Hanuman. When Hanuman almost lost the fight, the Goddess herself assumed the ferocious form of Goddess Mahakali and beheaded Bhaironnath. Bhaironnath's headless body fell near the cave, while his severed head landed far below in the valley, which is now known as Bhairon Ghati. As his head separated from his body, Bhaironnath's head was still alive due to his magic powers and regretted his actions and repeatedly begged the Goddess for forgiveness, worried that the future would call him a sinner. Hearing him call her "Maa" (Mother) repeatedly, the Goddess forgave him and declared that Bhaironnath will receive worship. One who visits Bhaironnath after Vaishno Devi will have their wishes fulfilled. [13] This promise ensured his moksha (spiritual liberation). The Bhairon Temple, built at the spot where his head fell, is located about 1.5 km from Sanjhi Chhat.[12] Vaishno Devi then went inside the new cave and transformed herself into three rocks (pindikas), each of different colours. The white rock on the left represents Saraswati, the yellow rock in the middle represents Lakshmi and the black rock on the right represents Kali. Shridhar was heartbroken when he heard that the goddess disappeared and gave up food and water, eventually losing consciousness. Goddess Vaishno Devi then granted him a vision of the entire journey and the location of her divine abode. Following the directions shown in his dream, Shridhar eventually found the holy cave. Upon entering and finding the three rocks, Shridhar was blessed with four sons, and his descendants arranged for a grand temple to be built and continue the worship till this day. The shrine is located on the Trikuta mountain, approximately 2.5 km from the Bhairon Temple and stands at an elevation of 5,200 feet above sea level. Inside the holy cave, devotees see the goddess as the three stones. The central stones is sometimes identified specifically as Goddess Vaishno Devi, reflecting her origin as a form of Lakshmi or Vishnu's power.[11] A stream of pure freshwater, known as the Charan Ganga (Ganga that originates from the bottom of the stones), flows near the stones inside the cave. Worship is conducted with offerings such as flowers, betel nuts, holy scarves, and coconuts. It is believed that Goddess Vaishno Devi remains in deep meditation in this cave, awaiting the arrival of Lord Vishnu's Kalki avatar at the end of the Kali Yuga.[12]
The Seven Sister
Main Page - Saat Behna (Seven Sisters goddesses)
Vaishno Devi has been designated as the elder sister among the other six. Vaishno Devi has become much more popular than the other Six Sisters - Mansa Devi, Chintpurni Devi, Naina Devi, Jwala Ji (Jwalamukhi), Kangra (Kangre wali Devi or Vajreshvari), and Chamunda Devi.[14]
The Legend of Baba Jittoo
Baba Jittoo, also known as Jitmal, is a poor peasant devotee associated with a local variant myth linked to the Vaishno Devi shrine. This story functions as a powerful narrative demonstrating the Goddess's defense of the common people against ruling class exploitation.[14] The identity of the Vaishno Devi shrine is deeply intertwined with regional Dogri folklore. A prominent example is "The Story of Baba Jittoo," described as a "long and complex myth" originating from the Jammu region in the 15th century.[15] In this legend, Baba Jittoo is depicted as a "poor peasant" and a devout "devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi."[16] As analyzed by scholars, the myth functions as a social charter, illustrating "how Vaishno Devi blesses her devotees with bountiful harvests, and protects them from all enemies and evils," particularly supporting the "poor peasants who are exploited by kings and landlords", here as in the aforementioned folklore.[15] This narrative exemplifies a classic syncretism, where the pan-Hindu goddess assumes an immanent, a socio-economic role as the protector of the oppressed, in local Dogri traditions.[16][14]
The Story of Baba Jittoo
Jittoo Baba, a devotee of Vaishno Devi, managed to produce a bountiful crop of grain. This bountiful harvest was attributed to Vaishno Devi, who had been incarnated as his daughter. When the local ruler, King Vir Singh, observed this abundance, he demanded half of the harvest instead of the previously agreed upon one-fourth, and sent his men to seize the grain. In his despair over the king's greedy actions, Jittoo prayed to the Pahadavali Maa (Vaishno Devi). She instructed him to leave the world (take his own life) and assured him that she would then deal with the king. Following her advice, Jittoo killed himself and lay bleeding on the grain, thereby polluting the entire crop. Divine Justice and Legacy: In the conclusion of the myth, King Vir Singh suffered consequences for his tyranny: he became a leper, his property burned, and he and his associates went insane. The death of Baba Jittoo, who died 500 years ago while fighting feudal tyranny, is commemorated today at the Jhiri Fair, held west of Jammu city at the height of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage season. During this fair, the descendants of the thieves who had robbed Jittoo of his grain are traditionally compelled to provide free food for a feast.[14]
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Pilgrimage route
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According to Hindu legend, the pilgrimage route follows the path the Goddess took while fleeing the tantric Bhairav Nath.[17] The first major stop is Ardh Kunwari, a cave where the Devi is said to have meditated for nine months.[17] This cave is also known as Garbh Joon, or the "Womb Cave," as the shape of the cave is narrow and devotees must crawl through it, symbolizing a spiritual rebirth.[18]
The legend states that when Bhairav Nath located her at Ardh Kunwari, the Goddess used her Trishul to strike the back wall of the cave, creating a new opening. She then escaped through this passage and continued her journey to the main Holy Cave on Trikuta Mountain.[19]
The final confrontation occurred at the entrance of the Holy Cave (now the Bhawan). After being pursued to this location, the Devi assumed the ferocious form of Ugrachandika and beheaded Bhairav Nath. According to the narrative, his body fell at the entrance to the Holy Cave, while the force of the blow flung his head to a distant, adjacent peak.[19]
The legend concludes with Bhairav Nath's repentance. As his head lay on the peak, he realized the Devi's true divinity and begged for forgiveness. The Goddess granted him salvation and a boon: that no pilgrimage to her shrine would be considered complete unless the devotee also paid respects at the Bhairav Nath Temple, which now stands at the location where his head is said to have fallen. This is why pilgrims traditionally visit the Bhairav Nath temple after having darshan at the main Holy Cave.[19]
Temple
The Vaishno Devi Temple is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Vaishno Devi located in Katra at the Trikuta Mountains within the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.[20][21][22] The temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Vaishno Devi.[23] It is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers of India. Every year, millions of visitors visit the temple.[24][25] During festivals like Navaratri, the count even increases to one crore visitors.[26] Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the richest temples in India. Authors Michael Barnett and Janice Gross Stein says, "Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu has an annual income of about $16 billion, mainly from offerings by devotees".[27]
The temple is sacred to all Hindus. Many prominent saints, including Vivekananda, have visited the temple.[28]
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