Manda (goddess)


In Hinduism, Manda or Dhamini is the second consort of Shani and mother of Gulikan. She is a Gandharva daughter and princess. She is the goddess of Kalā. Her Nrtya/Dance can attract anyone in the whole Brahmand. Sometimes, Manda is mentioned as divine regent of Planet Saturn in India.

Naming

Manda's mother Divyanka died when Manda was little. Divyanka sacrificed her life fighting an Asura serpent trying to save baby Manda. Chitraratha mourned her death. Chitraratha, Manda's father, named her after the snake Dhamina as Dhamini since he wanted to keep that memory alive.

Curse

As per an ancient story, since his childhood Lord Shani was a keen devotee of Lord Shiva. When his father Lord Surya married him to the skillful daughter of Chitraratha, named Manda. He used to remain absorbed in the deep thoughts of Lord Shiva. One day, his wife came to him, after having taken a bath after her menstruation period, At that time Lord Shani was deeply absorbed in the deep thoughts of his deity. He didn’t even care to glance at his wife. His wife was affected by Mangal Dosha. So, his wife got much depressed and cursed him, “You may not be able to look at some one in future, and your sight would remain ever downward. Whomsoever you look at, would be ruined away." When she overcame of her rage, she repented a lot, but the curse could not be get undone, so the sight of Lord Shani remains downward forever. But, when Lord Shani accepted his rank, he gets liberate from this curse.

Chanting names of consorts of Shani

In the chants, Dhamini is the leading consort of Lord Shani. Chanting names of consorts of Lord Shani also helps to appease Lord Shani.
Chants are-
‘Dhwajini Dhamini Chaiva Kankali Kalahpriya Kantaki Kalahi Chaatha Turangi Mahishi Aja Shanenarmaani Patninametani Sanjapana Puman Dukhani Nashayennityang Saubhagyamedhate Sukham’.
Also see: Neela

Temples of son of Manda in Kerala, India

of son of Goddess Manda in known as Gulikan Temple. Lord Shiva is worshipped there. There are some popular Gulikan Temples in Kerala, India:
Also see: Gulikan Theyyam

In television

Dhamini was shown in the show of  Karmaphal Daata Shani, which aired on Colours TV. Her character was played by Tina Dutta.