Goddess Kanaka Durga will be adorned as Sri Mahalakshmi Devi on seventh day of Dasara festival atop Indrakeeladri on Friday, which happens to be Aswiyuja suddha saptami.
The temple priests adorn her as Sri Mahalakshmi Devi, who is one of the ‘thrisakthis', and is known for her dhairya. She played a vital role in Mahishasura mardhanam. She is greatly praised and her significance is given in detail in ‘Sri Suktam', and ‘Lakshmi tantra.' Sri Mahalakshmi Devi, who is the transfigured form of riches and wealth, appears with lotus in both hands, and ‘varadaabhaya hastha' (fear not, and blessings) to the devotees.
This avatar is the most ‘Shubhakara avataaram' (which brings luck). In this attire, the goddess is decorated with many ornaments. An elephant, which is the symbol of wisdom, a balanced and mature mind, not to be deterred under any condition, is found at her feet. Sri Mahalakshmi Devi born out of the Ksheera saagara, a sea of milk, when it was churned, showers her devotees with riches, ‘sarva saubhagyas' (all worldly pleasures) and Ashta Aishwaryas (eight treasures) and ‘ashtha siddhis (eight accomplishments). Hence, her statues of eight forms-- Adi Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi etc., are found around the sanctum sanctorum on Indrakeeladri.
Published - October 11, 2013 12:08 pm IST
