Jagdamba
| Jagdamba | |
|---|---|
 Devi Jagdamba, The Mother of the Universe | |
| Affiliation | Mahadevi |
Jagdamba (Sanskrit: जगदम्बा) also known as Devi Jagdamba, Jagdamba Mata, Jagdambika or Amba-bai is a Hindu goddess who is mostly worshiped in Maharashtra, India. Jagdamba translates to "Universe Mother" and she is considered to be the mother of the entire universe.
Devi Jagdamba is often identified and linked to goddesses Durga, Bhavani, Chamunda, Chandika and Adi Parashakti to such an extent that they all are considered to be one and the same.
Temples
- Devi Jagadambi Temple of a group of about 25 temples at Khajuraho (World Heritage Site) in Madhya Pradesh, India.
- A temple of Jagdamba mata at a village named Ashvi in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.
- Ambabai Temple, Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The goddess here is known as “Karveer Nivasini Sri Aadimata Ambabai” (करवीर निवासिनी श्री आदिमाता अंबाबाई), the mother of the universe, Adimata Ambabai. She is known as the mother of Trideva vis. Bramha, Vishnu and Shiva.
Origin of Jagdamba
During the epic, Ramayan Lord Rama, the main character/hero, Rama, was wondering along a path when he came upon the village, Tahakari. His mind in a distressed state, Rama picked and smelled flowers in an attempt to calm his nerves, unaware of Lord Shankar, Shiva, and Parvati watching him from the skies. As Rama wept for his deceased wife, Shiva attempted to convince Parvati that the lord Rama was indeed an avitar of Vishnu. Parvati remained unconvinced of this, and decided to test this theory. Appearing as Sita in front of Lord Rama, both Shiva and Rama saw that Parvati was not Shiva. In reply to her costume, Rama asked Parvati: "Oh mother? Have you come to earth to visit me?" Rama smirked as he spoke his words. Embarrassed as Parvati realized her plot did not unfold as it was meant to, she ran away from Shiva's mocking cries and taunts, for they had become to much. When Parvati finally came back to the palace, she then stood before them as "Jagdamba Mata"
<ref> http://jagdambatahakari.com/temple-history/story-of-the-jagdamba-mata/