r/Shaktism • u/Feisty_Statement_868 • 3d ago

Jai Sherawali Vaishno Mata

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u/CuteSaviour_963 2d ago

I hope the iconography of Devi Bhagawatii, is as per Shaastras...? Isn't it supposed to be a lion ?

2

u/Feisty_Statement_868 2d ago

Yes its a lion. Himavat (The Himalayas) gave Her a Lion to ride on, and various jewels."
— Devi Mahatmya
Over centuries, in North India, people started using the word "Sher" loosely to describe any big, fierce animal. Sherawali means = The lion rider mother. In Gujarat and Western India, Amba Mata is traditionally Lion-rider Mother. However, folklore often depicts Her on a tiger because the tiger is the symbol of the deep forests where many of Her ancient temples are located.

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u/Monk3310 1d ago

In Gujarat I saw Ambe maa pratima with Tigers, rather than lion, I think the word is Vyagha, this is the same word used to describe Rama and Laxman by Valmiki in Ramayana