The presiding deity
Maa Pratyangira Devi
Maa Pratyangira Devi is a fierce, protective form of the Divine Mother, shown with the face of a lion. She is the presiding deity of the Akhara, and every pooja at Manali Ashram is offered to her.
Who she is
The lion-faced Mother
Maa Pratyangira is one of the most powerful forms of Shakti. In the Puranic story she arose to calm a fury that threatened the worlds, and so she is worshipped as the force that turns back destruction and restores balance.
She is also known as Atharvana Bhadrakali, and her worship is linked with the Atharva Veda. Her name is often understood as "the one who turns back": she reverses harm sent towards her devotees.
Though fierce in form, she is a mother to those who come to her. Devotees experience her as protective, swift and deeply compassionate.
Form and symbolism
Understanding her form
Every part of the Devi's form carries meaning.
The lion's face
Courage and fearlessness, the strength that faces any danger.
The Mother's body
The nurturing power of Shakti that holds and protects her children.
The sacred mantra
Her mantras are among the most powerful protective prayers in the tradition.
The protector
She turns back negative forces and restores harmony to the devotee's life.
Why devotees pray to her
When devotees turn to Maa Pratyangira
Devotees come to the Devi with many concerns. These are some of the most common.
Negative energies
Protection from the evil eye, ill intent and harmful influences.
Repeated obstacles
When efforts keep failing for reasons that are hard to see.
Fear and anxiety
Courage and calm in times of worry and uncertainty.
Family harmony
Peace at home and protection for loved ones.
Disputes and conflict
Strength and a fair outcome in legal and personal conflicts.
Health and wellbeing
Strength in illness and a protective presence through recovery.
Questions about Maa Pratyangira
Who is Maa Pratyangira Devi?
Maa Pratyangira Devi is a fierce, protective form of the Divine Mother, shown with the face of a lion and the body of a woman. Devotees worship her for protection from negative energies, for courage, and to remove obstacles. She is the presiding deity of the Sarveshwari Shakti International Women Aghori Akhara at Manali Ashram.
Why is Maa Pratyangira worshipped?
Devotees worship Maa Pratyangira for protection from negativity and ill intent, to overcome repeated obstacles, for courage in times of fear, and for peace in the family. Her worship is believed to turn back harm directed at the devotee and restore balance in life.
Which day is best for Pratyangira pooja?
Amavasya, the new moon day, is traditionally considered the most auspicious day for Maa Pratyangira's worship. The Akhara holds its main Pratyangira homa on Amavasya at Manali Ashram, and devotees can book a place or take part live online.
Can I take part if I cannot travel to the ashram?
Yes. When you book a pooja, the priests at Manali Ashram take your name and gotra in the sankalp, so the pooja is performed for you wherever you are. Many poojas can also be joined live through this portal, and replays stay available afterwards.
Offer a pooja to Maa Pratyangira
Request an upcoming pooja at Manali Ashram, performed in your name.