Padmavati Devi
Yakshini (guardian deity) of Lord Parshvanatha
Yakshini (Guardian Deity)
Relations: Lord Parshvanatha
Place of Origin: India
Origin Date: Ancient period
Domain: Protection of devotees, safeguarding temples
Symbols: Lotus, Snake
Attributes: Protection, strength
Epithets: Padmavati, Ambika
Equivalents: None
Religion: Jainism
Sacred Texts: Various Jain scriptures
Iconography: Depicted with a lotus flower and a snake hood, and sometimes a small image of Parshvanatha in her crown. She is often portrayed in a protective stance.
Description
Padmavati Devi is the Yakshini of Lord Parshvanatha. She is known for her protective nature and is often depicted with a lotus and a snake.
Narratives
Birth and Origins:
Padmavati Devi is considered a yakshini (attendant goddess) of Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara. According to Jain tradition, Padmavati and her husband Dharanendra were originally a pair of serpents saved by Parshvanatha from being burnt alive. They were reborn as divine beings and became protectors of Parshvanatha.
Protection of Parshvanatha:
When Parshvanatha was meditating, the evil deity Meghmali, sent by Kamatha, created a storm to disturb him. Dharanendra and Padmavati emerged to protect Parshvanatha. Dharanendra shielded him with his serpent hood, while Padmavati provided support and protection. This story highlights their devotion and protective role.
Role as a Shasan Devi:
Padmavati Devi is revered as a Shasan Devi (protective goddess) in Jainism. She is often depicted with a snake hood over her head, sitting on a lotus flower. Her mount is a rooster. She is worshipped for her protective and benevolent qualities, and her association with Parshvanatha makes her an important deity in Jain rituals.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Padmavati Devi
Padmavati Devi is a revered goddess in Jainism, known for her protective nature and association with Lord Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara. She is often depicted with a lotus and a snake, symbolizing purity and protection.
Core Beliefs
Yakshini of Parshvanatha: Padmavati Devi is considered the Yakshini (attendant goddess) of Lord Parshvanatha. She is believed to protect and assist devotees in their spiritual journey, embodying the qualities of compassion and protection.
Symbol of Purity and Protection: Padmavati Devi represents purity and protection, emphasizing the importance of spiritual purity and the safeguarding of devotees from negative influences. Her association with the lotus and the snake highlights her role as a guardian.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Padmavati Devi is often depicted with a snake's hood covering her head, sitting on a lotus flower. She may be shown with four arms, carrying a noose, a rosary (japa mala), an elephant goad, and a lotus. Her mount is the rooster.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Padmavati Devi include the lotus, the snake, and the rooster. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke her presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Padmavati Devi are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Jain culture and mythology. She is a symbol of purity, protection, and the support of spiritual endeavors.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor Padmavati Devi. These include offerings of food, flowers, and other goods to seek her favor and protection. Rituals often take place in temples dedicated to Padmavati Devi, where devotees can offer prayers and make offerings.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Padmavati Devi can be found throughout India and other regions with Jain populations. Some of the most famous sites include the Padmavati Temple in Tiruchanur and the Akkana Basadi in Karnataka.
Offerings: Offerings to Padmavati Devi typically include food, flowers, and items related to her symbols, such as lotus flowers and snake figurines. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Padmavati Jayanti: Padmavati Jayanti is a major festival dedicated to Padmavati Devi, celebrating her significance and protective nature. The festival includes prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek Padmavati Devi's blessings for the coming year.
Cultural Celebrations: Padmavati Devi's story may be included in cultural celebrations and festivals that honor Jain heritage and traditions. These gatherings often include music, dance, and storytelling.
Prayers: Devotees pray to Padmavati Devi for protection, purity, and the successful practice of their spiritual beliefs. Traditional prayers often invoke her role as the Yakshini of Parshvanatha and a symbol of protection.
Padmavati Devi's role as the Yakshini of Parshvanatha embodies the core values and beliefs of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of purity, protection, and the support of spiritual endeavors.