Jagdamba


Jagdamba, 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 Mahagauri, Durga, Parvati, Bhavani, Chamunda, Chandika and Adi Parashakti to such an extent that they all are considered to be one and the same.

Temples

In the epic Ramayana, the protagonist, 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 Shiva and Parvati watching him from the skies. As Rama wept for his deceased wife, Sita, Shiva attempted to convince Parvati that Rama was indeed an avatar 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 Sita. 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 too much. When Parvati finally came back to the palace, she then stood before them as Jagdamba Mata.