Akilandeswari
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Akhilandeshwari ( संस्कृत - अखिलांडेश्वरी ) or Akhilāṇḑeśvarī is one of the main forms of the Hindu goddess, Adi Parashakti. The famous abode of Akhilandeshwari is the Jambukeswarar Temple of Thiruvanaikovil. Other important forms of Adi Parashakti are Meenakshi of Madurai, Kamakshi of Kanchipuram and Vishalakshi of Varanasi.
The deity's name means: Supreme Goddess ("Ishwari") - who rules ("Aanda") ( आंड ) - the Universe ("Akhilam") ( अखिलम् ) in Tamil or Ruler of ("Ishwari") the entire ("Akhila") Universe ("Aanda") in Sanskrit. Hence, Akhilandeshwari( अखिलांडेश्वरी )
Akhilandeshwari is the presiding deity in the Jambukeswarar Temple in Thiruvanaikovil along with her consort Jambukeswarar who is an avatar of Shiva.
She is sometimes depicted riding on the back of a crocodile.
In Popular Culture[edit]
Muthuswamy Dikshitar, the 18th century composer of Carnatic Music, composed three songs in honour of Akhilandeshwari, specifically at the Jambukeshwarar Temple in Thiruvanaikovil.
| Kriti | Raga | Tala | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akhilandeshwari Rakshamam | Dwijavanti | Adi | |
| Ahilandeshwaryai Namaste | Arabi | Adi | |
| Sri Matah Shiva Vamanke | Begada | Adi |
In 2012, P. Unni Krishnan and Harini, the renowned vocalists rendered songs on Lord Sakthi through a devotional album titled Om Nava Sakthi Jaya Jaya Sakthi, in which Goddess Akilandeshwari was also praised through a dedicated song. This song contains depiction on the Jambukeshwarar Temple and its complete history captured in a most charming manner.[1]
References[edit]
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