Vishnavi

Vishnavi is a Hindu goddess, an aspect of the divine feminine power, often identified with the goddess Durga or as a form of Shakti. She is particularly revered in South India, with prominent temples dedicated to her in places like Srirangam and Kumbakonam. The name "Vishnavi" derives from Lord Vishnu, indicating her connection to the preserver god in the Hindu trinity. As a manifestation of Vishnu's energy, she is seen as the cosmic feminine power that sustains the universe.

Her iconography typically depicts her with multiple arms, often holding divine weapons such as a conch shell, discus, mace, and lotus. She is frequently depicted riding on Garuda, Vishnu's divine eagle mount, or sometimes on a lion, symbolizing her fierce and protective nature. Devotees worship Vishnavi seeking blessings for protection, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. Her festivals are celebrated with significant fervor, especially during Navaratri and other important Hindu occasions. She represents the creative and destructive aspects of the divine, embodying both nourishment and the power to vanquish evil. Her worship is an integral part of the broader Shakta tradition, which emphasizes the supreme power of the goddess.