Navaratri

The Utsava starts a day before the Navarathri on Bhaadrapada Amavasya with Abhishekam followed by Jagatprasutika Alankaram. With a smile on her face Mother Sharadamba fondles an adorable baby on her lap as if she is telling her devotee that “I am the mother of the creation, and you are my child. You will always be taken care as this baby on my lap, if you seek me”. This signifies “Jaganmata” given birth to the world as “Jagatprasutika” and will be the supreme mother for whole Jagat.

Hamsavahana Alankaram – BRAHMI: Mother Sharada who is the queen of Brahma Deva, sitting on Hamsavahana bless her devotees beholding in her hands the Kamandalu, Aksha Maala, Pustaka, Pasha & Chinmudra.

Vrishabhavahana Alankaram – MAAHESHWARI: Adi Shakti, the consort of Maheshwara, sitting on Vrishabhavahana, wearing Crest-Moon, beholding Trishula bless her devotees.

Mayuravahana Alankaram – KOUMARI: Mother Sharadamba sitting on a Peacock, beholding Shakti Ayudha, in the form of the Power of Kumaraswamy, protects the world with her grace.

Garudavahana Alankaram – VAISHNAVI: Devi as the Power of Sri Mahavishnu, sitting on Garuda, beholding Conch, Disc, and Gadaa, bless all her devotees.

Ashvavahana Alankaram – VARAHI: : Jaganmaata has taken the form of Varahi to lift the submerged earth from the ocean beholding the Maha Chakra (Disc), thus protects the mother earth and devotees.

Gajavahana Alankaram - INDRANI: Devi beholding Vajrayudha, sitting on Airavata, as the consort of Devendra and as the destroyer of demons like Vritrasura, takes care of devotees.

Veena Sharada Alankaram - SARASWATI: Mother Sharada beholding Veena in her hands, gives knowledge to every devotee. This Alankara is most beautiful to one during the festival

Simhavahana Alankaram – CHAMUNDI: Jaganmaata has taken this form of ChamundI to protect the good people and to destroy the cruel demons Chanda, Munda, etc. She sits on Simhavahana holding Trishula in her hand.

KAMADHENU Vahana alankaram – MOHINI Jaganmata carrying Amrita Kalasha in her hand, deludes the cruel demons by her charm and beauty for the sake of distributing the Amrita to the angels.

Rajarajeshwari Alankaram: Mother Rajarajeshwari who is the consort of Kameshwara, beholding Pasha, Ankusha, Pushpabaana and Chapa, with her merciful-eyes, adorned with all the ornaments, fulfills all the desires of her devotees through her divine grace.

Sri Sharadamba Abhishekam on Poornima.

At Sringeri Adi Sankara established Sarasvati in the form of Sharada, the counterpart of female form of Sri Dakshinamurti, the giver of jnana. Sarasvati is one of the many forms of the Supreme Goddess. She is well-known as the bestower of all vidyas and Brahma-jnana.