Who was Mhalsa and Banai?
Mhalsa represents “culture” while Banai “nature”; together they aid the god-king Khandoba. The oral legends and texts initiate a process of Sanskritization of the folk deity Khandoba by elevating him to the classical Hindu god Shiva; his two principal wives Mhalsa and Banai are equated to Parvati and Ganga.
Who is Khandoba wife?
He has two wives, Mhalsa and Banai (Banu, Banubai) being the most important. While Khandoba’s first wife Mhalsa is from the Lingayat merchant (Vani) community, his second wife Banai is a Dhangar (shepherd caste).
Is Mohini a Parvati?
The text tells just before the tale that Vishnu is Shiva’s Shakti (wife and power) Parvati in a male form. The legend begins with Shiva’s request and Vishnu’s agreement to show his illusionary Mohini form, that he assumed for the distribution of amrita. Shiva falls in love with Mohini and proposes a union with her.
Why Devi Durga is called Narayani?
Goddess Durga, not Lakshmi (the consort of Vishnu), is called Narayani because, she is revered as the sister of Lord Narayana. Another name given to is “Padmanabha-sahodari”. There are many names ascribed to the same feminine principle of God. Narayani is one of them.
What is the Tridevi?
Tridevi, or three goddesses, is a term used in Hinduism to describe the three main female deities . These are Saraswati (who is linked to Brahma ), Lakshmi (who is linked to Vishnu ) and Parvati (who is linked to Shiva ).
Who is the Goddess Mhalsa in Hinduism?
One such was goddess Mhalsa. She was considered to be an avatar of Vishnu, that is why she is also called Mhalsa Narayani. She also has an independent form in which she is called Mohini. She is also considered as companion of folk god Khadoba, a folk god.
What is the history of nevase?
Sant Dnyaneshwar referred to Nevase as Niwas and described it as a place extending 10 miles (five kos) near the Godavari and as the abode of Mahalaya (Shri Mahalasa), in the kingdom of the Devagiri Yadav King Ramchandra (1271-1310). His commentary bears the date 1290.
What does Mhalasa stand for?
Mhalsa ( Marathi: म्हाळसा, IAST: Mhāḷasā), also spelled as Mhalasa or Mahalasa is a Hindu goddess. She is venerated in two distinct traditions. As an independent goddess, she is considered as a form of Mohini, the female avatar of the god Vishnu and is called Mhalsa Narayani.
What is the story of Mhalsa Devi?
There are many stories regarding the appearances of Mhalsa Devi. According to Malhari mahatmya, a Marathi literary work, there were two demons Mani and Malla. They performed austerities to delight Brahma. Pleased by their efforts, Brahma blessed them with immense power.