Balambika

Balambika- The Child Goddess of Knowledge

Shri Balambika is a Hindu goddesses, majorly worshipped in South India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. She is a 9 year old manifestation of Lalitha Tripura Sundari Devi and child of Sri Lalita Devi. She is worshipped for knowledge and wisdom. Though she is a nine year old Goddess, praised for her innocence and beauty, she is also known for her courage and battle skills.

Triumph over Asura Bhanda and his Sons

The Sakthi army was living in a beautifully built fire-walled fortress, which was protected by deities. Bhanda, a powerful Asura lived nearby and was scared of the new power. He made war strategies with his sons and commanders. He believed their strength was unmatchable and could surely destroy an army of women. Though he knew it was unfair to send men against women but he had an insatiable thirst for power. His sons were extremely powerful and wanted to destroy all the weapons and fire-walled fortress. They also had an urge of capturing Sri Lalitha Devi and swallow her army.

Sensing the evil deeds of Bhanda’s sons, Goddess Balambika requested her mother to let her participate in the war. She didn’t get permission at first as she was only nine years old and losing her was not an option for her mother but looking at her bravery and strong determination, she was allowed to participate in the war. She was given an armour and weapons and rode a chariot yoked with swans. She soon broke the will of the asuras and gave them a shameful defeat. She killed each of Bhanda’s son individually and pierced their heads with her arrows.

Balambika’s Beauty

Balambika had four arms and has a small circle made by aalta on each palm. She holds a book in one hand, symbolizing knowledge and education and a japa mala, symbolizing spirituality, in another. Her innocent face is said to emit glow. Her eyes are like sun spreading light in all the directions. Her diamond nose pin is famous among her devotes.

Legend

According to a legend Goddess Balambika wanted to marry Lord Shiva and wanted to devote her complete life to him. She sat under a Vanni tree and started meditating. Lord Shiva did want to marry her but after a confusion created by Narad Muni, the marriage... Read More