Shakambari Jayanti 2026: Date, Legend, Rituals & Temple Celebrations
Date (2026):
January 03, Paush Poornima
Duration: Concludes the nine-day Shakambari Navratri (Paush
Shukla Ashtami to Paush Poornima)
Celebrated in: Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh,
Himachal Pradesh
Major Temple: Shakambaripuram Sakambari Temple, Chennai
Significance
- Celebrates
the birth of Shakambari Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga,
revered as the goddess of vegetation, fruits, herbs, and nourishment.
- She
is depicted wearing green leaves and vegetables, symbolizing her
role as the provider of life-sustaining food.
- The
festival honors her divine intervention during a mythical drought, where
she restored life by manifesting food from her own body and bringing rain.
Legend
- As
per Devi Mahatmya, a devastating drought lasted for hundreds of
years.
- Saints
prayed to Goddess Durga, who appeared as Shakambari Devi.
- She
nourished the Earth with fruits, vegetables, and herbs, ending starvation
and reviving life.
Temples & Regional Names
- Known
as Banashankari Devi in Karnataka and South India.
- Temples
dedicated to Shakambari Mata are found in:
- Karnataka
(Banashankari Temple, Badami)
- Rajasthan
(Sambhar Lake region)
- Uttar
Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Tamil
Nadu (Shakambaripuram, Chennai)
Celebrations
- A
nine-day Navratri begins on Paush Shukla Ashtami and ends on
Paush Poornima with Shakambari Jayanti.
- Devotees
decorate the goddess with vegetables, fruits, and green leaves.
- Special
pujas, bhajans, and community feasts are organized.
- Grand festivities are held in Chennai’s Shakambaripuram Temple and Banashankari temples in Karnataka.
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