Kanaka Durga goddess at Indrakeeladri appears as Bala Tripura Sundari

The Dasara Sharannavaratri celebrations of Goddess Kanaka Durga at Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada are under way in grand style. From Sunday until the 20th, the Goddess will appear in ten forms over ten days.

On Sunday, she is worshipped as Bala Tripura Sundari Devi. Devotees began arriving at the temple early to seek her blessings, and officials have made arrangements to manage the large crowds.

Scholars say Bala Devi is immensely powerful and that the ‘Bala Mantra’ is highly significant. It is the first mantra taught to those pursuing the path of knowledge, known as *Vidyopasakas*. Bala Tripura Sundari Devi occupies the first tier of the sacred Sri Chakra, the eternal abode of Maha Tripura Sundari Devi. It is believed that devotees can receive Maha Tripura Sundari Devi’s grace only after first gaining Bala Devi’s.

Scholars say Bala Devi’s *Alankaram* (divine adornment) during Dasara Navaratri offers devotees complete spiritual fulfilment. ‘Tripura Sundari’ refers to the three states of consciousness: *Jagrat* (waking), *Swapna* (dreaming) and *Sushupti* (deep sleep).

Bala Devi presides over these three states, or ‘Puras’ (cities), and is said to govern the universe while embodying them. Scholars say people move through these stages across lifetimes, changing only their physical forms, and that the Mother resides within us in this form.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pavan Bandari

[email protected]

I am content writer with six years of experience in entertainment and politics besides other modules as well.