Bhavani

Bhavani
Goddess of Power
A shrine to Bhavani
Devanagari	भवानी
Affiliation	Shakti, Parvati
Weapon	Bow and Arrow
Consort	Shiva
Mount	Tiger

Bhavani (also known as Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita, and Amba) is a form of the Hindu deity Parvati. Bhavani translates to "giver of life", meaning the power of nature or the source of creative energy.

Bhavani was the protective patron deity of the Maratha leader Shivaji, in whose veneration he dedicated his sword, Bhavani Talwar. The town of Tuljapur in Maharashtra is the location of the annual Tulja Bhavani fair during Navaratri (September to October), and home to the Tulja Bhavani Temple which dates to the 12th century. The temple contains a granite icon of the goddess, one metre (approximately 3 feet) in height, with eight arms holding weapons and the head of the slain demon Mahishasura.

The Tulja Bhavani temple in Tuljapur in the Osmanabad District of Maharashtra is considered one of the 51 Shakti Pithas (pilgrimage sites). This temple was built close to the 12th century CE. Another Tulja Bhavani temple was constructed between 1537 and 1540 CE in Chittorgarh, located at coordinates 18°00′41″N 76°07′32″E / 18.011386°N 76.125641°E / 18.011386; 76.125641.

Worship of the primeval energy, Shakti, in the form of the mother Goddess is seen in the four Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra: Bhavani, with her seat at Tuljapur; Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur; Mahamaya Renuka at Mahur; and Jagadamba at Saptashrungi. Sri Bhavani Amman is also worshipped in the state of Tamil Nadu (Periyapalayam). Other Shakti temples in the Maharashtra state are those at Ambejogai and Aundh.