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Rakteswari[1][2] (alsoRakteshwari), identified as an aspect ofAdi Parashakti, also known as Durga Parameswari, is a principal and popular form ofHindu goddess worshipped mainly inParshurama Kshetras.[3][4][5] Rakteswari is theiṣṭa-devatā (tutelary deity) ofTulu Nadu.[6]
Rakteswari is worshipped in theHindu temples of India by adherents ofShaktism.[7] Her temples, worship and festivals are particularly popular inIndian subcontinent during everySankramana (or Sankranthi days/ Sun transit days of every month in Hindu calendar). Coconut flowers, Vermilion and whole coconuts are the significant offerings for her worship.
Thebeeja-mantra of Rakteswari,Om Kleem Ram Rakteswaryai namaha, is recited on Sikharagra (on top of a mountain), near a flowing river, any dense forest,Kadamba trees, garden, etc. under the guidance of a competent guru as anyshakta (Shakta Upanishads) tradition requires.
Deity Rakteswari is often misunderstood as a spirit/demon.Dakshinachara sects are dismissive of Rakteswari as a goddess who demands blood sacrifice. She is a fierce deity worshipped in her calm posture indakshinachara ("right-hand path") withkumkum (Vermilion) and whole coconut asbali (offerings).
In traditional Hindu astrology, Moon, Mars are the chief significators of blood in human body. When Mars is afflicted in any horoscope and it occupies an even sign, then goddess Rakteswari has to be propitiated to get rid of any blood related disorders.[8] As per some local beliefs, contagious diseases like Smallpox and menstrual bleeding disorders (Mars represents private parts of body too) can be cured by worshipping Rakteswari[9]
Thevamamarga worship ("left-hand path") of Rakteswari is not ruled out in folklore genre.[10] The Folk performances mandate music, folk dance, recital and other elaborate vesha (costumes ) as outlined in DravidianTulu Oral folk literature,[11] Cow ghee lamp andKumkum (Vermilion) are offered to appease Rakteswari in typical household worship, like any other female deity.
The regions ofKonkan, coastalKarnataka andKerala, considered asParashurama Kshetra, have numerous temples[4][12][13] dedicated to Rakteswari. Worship of Rakteswari byBrahmins[14] and many other various Hindus in mulasthana[14] is famous inSouth Canara.
Rakteshwari, indakshinachara ("right-hand path") tradition, is depicted assrichakravasini (peaceful and soothing deity as a resident of the tip of Sri Chakra) and worshipped[15] as Durga Parameswari by Durga sukta and ŚrīSūkta.[16]
Sword, one of the divine weapons ofAdi Parashakti, which represents elimination of Discrimination according toDevi Mahatyam, is a symbolic form of goddess Rakteswari. The tip of Sri Chakra is an iconic form of the supreme goddess, Durga Parameswari.