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MALUR SRI BALAMBIKA TEMPLE Address: Maruthi Extension 2nd stage, Kasaba Hobli, Malur Taluk, Kolar District, Karnataka - India Website : http://malurbalambikatemple.com Email : contactus@malurbalambikatemple.org Instagram: balambikadivyasangam
Issue 4 | Volume 15 | August 2025 Balavin Kural
Kshetra Varalaru series: "Sri Har Siddhi Matha temple - Shakti peetam at Ujjain", by Smt. Indumathi Om Gurubyo namah Balambika charanam We are going to see another temple in Ujjain, called Harsiddhi Matha temple. This is also a Shakthi peetam where Ambal's upper lip fell. This is also called Rudralaya peetam as it is opposite Rudralay lake. It is said that King Vikramaditya and poet Kalidasa prayed in this temple. There are 2 huge cone-like structures where many lamps are attached in front of this temple. They are lit in the evening during evening arati and this gives a divine aura. This temple is very near to the Mahakaleshwar temple. For Her protection there is Bairavar in the temple. Navaratri is celebrated very grandly and it is visited by many devotees. Image courtesy: https://www.tripadvisor.com/
What's inside:
Cultural Connect: "The Invisible Essence: Chandogya Upanishad" by Thulasinathan Kandasamy Once, in ancient India, lived Svetaketu, the beloved son of the sage Uddalaka Aruni. At his father’s urging, Svetaketu studied the sacred scriptures for twelve years. He returned home, proud of his knowledge and learning. One day, noticing Svetaketu’s pride, Uddalaka gently asked, “My son, you appear wise and accomplished. But have you learned that by which the unheard becomes heard, the unthought becomes thought, and the unknown becomes known? In other words, have you discovered that, by knowing which, everything else is known?” Svetaketu was confused. Despite all his learning, he realized there was a knowledge beyond what he had grasped. Now understanding why his father has asked this question, Svetaketu answered with humility, “Please teach me that higher wisdom, father.” Uddalaka gazed at his son and began to reveal the profound unity behind all diversity—the truth of the Atman, the Self: Just as a single lump of clay is the essence of all things made of clay, and just as by knowing gold, all golden objects are understood, so too, by knowing the Self, all creation is known. In the beginning, my son, there was only pure existence, one without a second. That Being wished, ‘Let me become many!’—and so it manifested as everything—fire, water, earth, plants, and all living beings. To help Svetaketu understand, Uddalaka gave simple, wondrous examples: He dissolved salt in water: “Taste the water from anywhere. It always tastes salty. The salt is unseen but present everywhere—just like the Self pervades all.” He said, “You cannot see the subtle essence, but it is there within—That is the true Self of all. That, Svetaketu, is what you are.” (Tat Tvam Asi – Thou art That) Svetaketu listened—the pride left his heart, replaced by a radiant humility and peace. He saw that beneath all forms—beneath trees, rivers, birds, people—there is one infinite, eternal spirit.
In Hindu tradition, the ornaments, or Abharana, of gods and goddesses are not merely for aesthetic appeal. Ornaments are deeply symbolic. It serves as a powerful visual language that communicates their divine attributes, powers, and cosmic roles. Each piece of jewelry is a sacred symbol with a specific meaning. Abharana is Symbolic Representation of Divine Powers. Every ornament on a goddess's body is a symbol of a specific divine quality or power: Here are few significance of goddess ornaments and Abharana. 1. Crown (Mukut): The crown signifies supreme authority, sovereignty, and divine rule over the cosmos. A goddess wearing a crown is the ultimate queen, the source of all power and creation. 2. Earrings (Kundala): Earrings often symbolize cosmic balance and the duality of creation, such as the sun and the moon. They also represent wisdom and the ability to hear the prayers of devotees. 3. Necklaces (Haar): Necklaces symbolize abundance, prosperity, and the interconnectedness of all things. The beads or jewels often represent the cosmic elements or the manifold blessings the goddess bestows upon the world. The number of strands can also have symbolic meaning, such as the 108 beads in a mala representing the 108 names of a deity. 4. Armlets and Bangles (Angada and Kangan): These ornaments on the arms and wrists represent strength, power, and the goddess's ability to act in the world. They symbolize her divine energy (shakti) and her capacity to protect her devotees and destroy evil. 5. Waistband (Kamarbandh): The waistband, often adorned with jewels, represents the goddess as the center of the universe. It symbolizes her creative energy and her role as the foundation from which all life emerges. 6. Anklets (Nupura): Anklets and the sound they make are often associated with cosmic rhythm and the dance of creation. The gentle ringing of anklets is believed to create a sacred vibration that purifies the environment and invokes the goddess's presence. Form of Divine Alankara (Adornment) Alankara is the act of decorating and beautifying a deity, whether in the form of an idol (murti) or a mental image. This act of adoration is a central part of temple worship and home rituals. Honoring the Divine: Adorning a goddess with beautiful ornaments is a way for devotees to express their love, respect, and devotion. It is an act of puja (worship) that mirrors the way one would honor a revered guest or a beloved family member. Invoking Presence: By decorating a goddess's idol, devotees believe they are transforming the physical form into a living, divine presence. The adornments are not just "decorations", but a means to bring the divine essence into the physical realm. Visualizing the Divine: The ornaments help devotees visualize the goddess in her full glory, making it easier to meditate on her divine qualities. The sight of a beautifully adorned deity, known as Ratnadarshana, is believed to generate blessings and prosperity. Cosmic and Philosophical Significance Beyond the specific symbols, the sheer number and variety of ornaments on a goddess speak to her all-encompassing nature, which shows abundance and wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, both material and spiritual, like ornaments worn by Goddess Maha Lakshmi. And also shows a manifestation of the Universe worn by goddess Lalitha and other gods and goddesses. These ornaments represent the various forms and aspects of the cosmos and manifestation of the universe. Different gems, metals, and shapes are believed to correspond to cosmic energies and the building blocks of the universe itself. Ornaments represent Auspiciousness: Wearing and adorning with ornaments is considered auspicious and a way to attract positive energy. By embodying this principle, goddesses are seen as the ultimate source of all that is pure and fortunate. In essence, the Abharana of a goddess is a spiritual roadmap. It's a system of sacred symbols that helps the devotee understand her powers, express their reverence, and connect with the profound, all-encompassing energy of the divine feminine. Balambika Charanam. Taken from Abharana shastra. Image courtesy: https://yogaacademyinternational.com/lakshmi/
Devotee Speaks: "Abharana of Gods and Goddesses", by Smt. Roopa V Rajan
Know your Mythology: "Jagatam Mata: Maa Kamakhya", by Thulasinathan Kandasamy Long ago, in the mystical hills of Assam, lived the sage Rishi Vasishtha. Though wise and powerful, Vasishtha yearned for a deeper spiritual grace: the darshan (vision) of Goddess Kamakhya, embodiment of Shakti - the primordial creative energy of the universe. Vasishtha performed intense penance, seeking Kamakhya Devi’s grace. Yet the Divine Mother did not appear. Crossing inner and outer realms, he arrived at Nilachal Hill, where the very earth seemed to pulse with hidden power. During his visit, Vasishtha sensed the presence of the Dasa Mahavidyas- the ten great forms of wisdom. Realizing their divine energy was near, he searched for Mahamaya Kameshwari Herself. It was here that Vasishtha discovered the ancient truth: Kamakhya does not reveal Herself through force, ritual, or pride - but through humility, surrender, and reverence for the cycles of nature. The land shimmered with mysterious energy. Local villagers spoke in whispers of the sacred yoni-shaped stone, marking the Goddess’s abiding presence - symbol of creation, transformation, and unity in all life. Understanding now, Vasishtha abandoned ritual practice and meditated with pure devotion, honoring the earth and every living thing. At dawn, a gentle wind swept the hill, flowers bloomed out of season, and the air filled with sweetness. Suddenly, a radiant power surrounded him - the Devi revealed Herself not in form, but as the living force in existence. It was as though Maa Kamakhya, Neela Parvatha Vasini, Jagatam Mata, spoke directly to his heart: "The greatest power is not captured in words or form - it is felt in every birth, every blossom, and every act of compassion. Shakti is the dance of life, the pulse of earth, and the secret in all hearts. Surrender, and you become one with the infinite flow." Vasishtha’s pride melted away. He touched the holy water, drinking a few droplets. Instantly, he felt nourished as a child at Mother’s breast - his energy and understanding lifted to a new level. He returned to his people, teaching that true worship of Devi is to honor creative, sustaining, and transformative energy everywhere - in women, on earth, and in oneself. Jai Maa Kamakhya. Image courtesy: https://kamakhyadevi.org/kamakhya-temple/
Devotee Speaks: "Abharana of Gods and Goddesses", by Smt. Roopa V Rajan In Hindu tradition, the ornaments, or Abharana, of gods and goddesses are not merely for aesthetic appeal. Ornaments are deeply symbolic. It serves as a powerful visual language that communicates their divine attributes, powers, and cosmic roles. Each piece of jewelry is a sacred symbol with a specific meaning. Abharana is Symbolic Representation of Divine Powers. Every ornament on a goddess's body is a symbol of a specific divine quality or power: Here are few significance of goddess ornaments and Abharana. 1. Crown (Mukut): The crown signifies supreme authority, sovereignty, and divine rule over the cosmos. A goddess wearing a crown is the ultimate queen, the source of all power and creation. 2. Earrings (Kundala): Earrings often symbolize cosmic balance and the duality of creation, such as the sun and the moon. They also represent wisdom and the ability to hear the prayers of devotees. 3. Necklaces (Haar): Necklaces symbolize abundance, prosperity, and the interconnectedness of all things. The beads or jewels often represent the cosmic elements or the manifold blessings the goddess bestows upon the world. The number of strands can also have symbolic meaning, such as the 108 beads in a mala representing the 108 names of a deity. 4. Armlets and Bangles (Angada and Kangan): These ornaments on the arms and wrists represent strength, power, and the goddess's ability to act in the world. They symbolize her divine energy (shakti) and her capacity to protect her devotees and destroy evil. 5. Waistband (Kamarbandh): The waistband, often adorned with jewels, represents the goddess as the center of the universe. It symbolizes her creative energy and her role as the foundation from which all life emerges. 6. Anklets (Nupura): Anklets and the sound they make are often associated with cosmic rhythm and the dance of creation. The gentle ringing of anklets is believed to create a sacred vibration that purifies the environment and invokes the goddess's presence. Form of Divine Alankara (Adornment) Alankara is the act of decorating and beautifying a deity, whether in the form of an idol (murti) or a mental image. This act of adoration is a central part of temple worship and home rituals. Honoring the Divine: Adorning a goddess with beautiful ornaments is a way for devotees to express their love, respect, and devotion. It is an act of puja (worship) that mirrors the way one would honor a revered guest or a beloved family member. Invoking Presence: By decorating a goddess's idol, devotees believe they are transforming the physical form into a living, divine presence. The adornments are not just "decorations", but a means to bring the divine essence into the physical realm. Visualizing the Divine: The ornaments help devotees visualize the goddess in her full glory, making it easier to meditate on her divine qualities. The sight of a beautifully adorned deity, known as Ratnadarshana, is believed to generate blessings and prosperity. Cosmic and Philosophical Significance Beyond the specific symbols, the sheer number and variety of ornaments on a goddess speak to her all-encompassing nature, which shows abundance and wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, both material and spiritual, like ornaments worn by Goddess Maha Lakshmi. And also shows a manifestation of the Universe worn by goddess Lalitha and other gods and goddesses. These ornaments represent the various forms and aspects of the cosmos and manifestation of the universe. Different gems, metals, and shapes are believed to correspond to cosmic energies and the building blocks of the universe itself. Ornaments represent Auspiciousness: Wearing and adorning with ornaments is considered auspicious and a way to attract positive energy. By embodying this principle, goddesses are seen as the ultimate source of all that is pure and fortunate. In essence, the Abharana of a goddess is a spiritual roadmap. It's a system of sacred symbols that helps the devotee understand her powers, express their reverence, and connect with the profound, all-encompassing energy of the divine feminine. Balambika Charanam. Taken from Abharana shastra. Image courtesy: https://yogaacademyinternational.com/lakshmi/