Bonalu is more than a festival—it’s the heartbeat of Telangana’s devotion to the Mother Goddess. Rooted in ancient village traditions and the worship of Grama Devatas, it transforms Hyderabad into a living tapestry of devotion, ritual and culture. From trance-induced prophecies to the fierce dance of Pothurajus, every moment is an embodiment of Shakti — both protective and powerful.
This true story from Tamil Nadu's Tirukadaiyur temple recounts the the story of Shri Subramania Bhattar, a priest who, despite facing severe trials, remained steadfast in his devotion towards Devi Abhirami. His Bhakti was rewarded when the goddess herself transformed a new moon night into a full moon, silencing his doubters. This tale serves as a powerful reminder that, even in our darkest times, unwavering faith and surrender to the divine can help us find light.
In Hinduism, females and males are the two halves of 'one whole’ in the form of Shiva and Shakti. The Hindu scriptures extol the quality of the female divine as well as the spiritual equality among male and female deities, while highlighting the differences in their manifested forms.
The origin of Saraswati worship is in the Vedas, which have a very precise and detailed exposition of her role and place in the spiritual universe.