Sri Pratyangira AshtotharanamavaliGayatri, Kavacham, In some images she is shown with a dark complexion, ferocious in aspect, having a lion's face with reddened eyes and riding a lion, entirely nude or wearing black garments, she wears a garland of human skulls; her hair strands on end, and she holds a trident, a serpent in the form of a noose, a hand-drum and a skull in her four hands. She is also associated with Bhairava, and she has a variant form, namely AtharvanaBhadra-Kali. She is also known by the name Narasimhi. Narasimha is an ugra or ferocious from of Narayana, or Vishnu. By drinking the blood of rakshasas, Lord Narasimha was in a very destructive mode, which made everyone tremble. Shiva came to pacify him and he could not succeed. Lord Shiva took the form of Sharabha a bird and human combination with two wings of shakti. One wing was Shoolini and the other was Pratyangira. This form of Shiva is called Sharabheshwara. Sharabheshwara's efforts or Shoolini's efforts could not control the Ugra Narasimha. Pratyangira was released from his wing and then she took the female form of Narasimha, and calmed down the Lord. Pratyangira is the lion headed form of the divine mother. It is told that if her mantra is used to harm others for material gains and settle enmity it can react and adversely affect the individual performing such rites. Many of the protective forms of deities also have destructive powers, like Pratyangira, Shulini, Siddhakubjika, Raktakali, Aghora, Vatuka, Bhairava, Sharabheshwara, Narasimha, and Sudarshana. They all have destructive aspects and destructive applications are described in the scriptures. It is said that when Lord Narasimhadeva, an incarnation of the supreme Lord Vishnu, did not calm down after the slaying of the demon Hiranyakshipu, many great sages were praying for his peaceful form. Even Lord Shiva was asked to appear in his special form as Sharabha (a bird like creature who devours lions and elephants) to cool down Lord Narasimha. However, when Sharabha approached Lord Narasimha, he became even more ferocious and revealed His special form as Asta Muhka Ganda Berundha Narasimha, having 8 heads. Garuda (eagle face, giving health and counteracting poisons), Varahadeva (a boar face, removing black magic), Hanuman (monkey face, protecting from evil forces, and returning lost objects), Baluka (bear face, protectig in darkness and giving opulence), Hayagriva (horse face, giving wisdom and life force), Vyagra (tiger face, giving protection in battle and liberating from all kinds of diseases, evil spirits and demons), Gandaberundha (two faces of a special bird like phoenix, giving peace of mind) and Lord Narasimha himself (lion face, giving liberation and devotional service to the Supreme). The Sharabha Form of Shiva was then torn apart in a hundred pieces, and only Lakshmidevi in her secret tantric form as Sri Narasimhi was able to bring Lord Narasimha back to His shanti Rupa, peacefully reclining in company with Laxmi devi on Anantashesha. Sri Maha Pratyangira Devi :- is a powerful Devi who is said to have destroyed Sarabheswara's arrogance. Sarabheswara is an ugra avatar of Lord Siva. She is also known as Narasimhika [in Kalisahasranama Stotram], "She who is the Ferocious Half Human Half Lion of Courage". It is said that when Narashimhika shakes her Lion's Mane, she throws the stars into disarray. She is enveloped as bliss in the letter "Ksham". In the Rig Veda khila kAndam a suktam named Pratyangira sUktam occurs. (Note: Please see videos of Pratyangira Devi mantras and bhajans at the bottom of this article.) Another name of the atharvaveda is atharvAngirasa. Angirasa veda denotes black magic or witchcraft. Angirasa kalpa denotes a manual on witchcraft. Prati-Angirasa denotes counter-witch craft. I hazard a guess that the name pratyangira is derived from this. She is supposed to frustrate the witchcraft attacks by enemies. Sri Pratyangira Devi is also associated with Sri Cakra. She is considered to be a powerful repellent of the influences generated by witchcraft. In Sri Cakra worship, she protects the devotees against all odds and guides him/her along the right path. The most detailed source for worshipping Pratyangira is Meru Tantra. Pratyangira mantras are also given in Mantra-mahodadhi and some other texts. Pratyangira is sometimes identified with Bhadrakali and Siddhilakshmi. However it is far better to worship Devi in One form as Kali, Kamalatmika, Tara, Tripurasundari etc. Pratyangira sadhana is done mainly to protect yourself from attacks of black magic (Dhurmantravaadam) and to prosper in your life. There are many benefits of this sadhana. Those interested in hearing mantras and bhajans of Pratyangira Devi can find some videos on YouTube (see bottom of this article for one video). There are also a few MP3 albums available on Amazon.com for download: Sarabhesvara & Pratyangira Stothras Sarabhesvara & Pratyangira Kavacham Pratyangira Ashtotharam Sri Pratyangira Gayatri Sri Pratyangira Kavacham, Ashtotharanamam, Samoutikarna Manthram Many of the saints who've seen it's energetic expression have described it as half lion and half human. she is referred as "Angirasar Prathyangirasar Dyaname Potri". Pratyangira and Angiras.. The Pratyangira aspect of the Divine has been a bit of a secret for most of these past ages. Narasimhan Ugiram Thaniththavale Potri. However. They feared that his anger might destroy the three worlds and all creations will come to a stand-still. In her full form. she is humongous. riding majestically on a chariot pulled by 4 lions (representing the 4 Vedas). representing the union of Shiva and Shakti. The Gods approached Lord Shiva to help calm Narasimha Swami. Prathyangari". such a current can be understandably rough. in their deep meditation. Pratyangira comes from a deep. Many believed that direct experience with this energy was reserved for saints and rishis. In her Potri Malai. Seeriya Simha mugam etravale Potri. As Pratyangira energy manifests.. so it’s wise to approach with respect and some consideration of what our heart is asking for. The It is believed her creation came with thunder and lightning and as soon as Narasimha Swami saw her huge figure. we often find her mouth wide opened. and there to be awakened within. One is that with her mouth wide open. her head rising above the clouds and her feet well into the underworlds. Mahalakshmi & Saraswathi) and with their combined powers incarnated in the form of a Sarabha Pakshi as Lord Sarabeshwarar. And though this Mother is nameless. carrying many swords for removing obstacles. Maha Mayee". Narasimha swami's ugraham was unbearable and could not be pacified by other Gods. 1000 blood stained tongues protruding from her wide opened mouth.. because she hosts the face of a lion and body of a beautiful woman. In her dhyanam we may often see "Narasimhi Kripasindho. fearsome with 1000 faces of roaring lions. "Aval Samaanya Patta Deivam Illai. Lord Shiva worshiped the Tri Shakthis (Parvati. The Moola Mantram was then created. she honored these Rishis by giving the blessings to be named after them. it is also believed that Sages Angiras and Prathyangiras meditated on this Devi and as a result Prathyangira appeared in front of them and pleased with their bhakti offered to have their names combined as hers. she sucks in . deep place within the Divine Mother. Sri Maha Pratyangira Devi is all powerful and secretly protects devotees and others. She is always by the side of Her devotees. According to another story. People who think like that are ignorant of her karunai. it’s often a very swift and sometimes ferocious current. Engal Annai Sri Prathyangira Potri". Narasimhi. Her form was powerful. There are two versions that I have heard about this roopam. 2000 hands with multiple ayudham. Although the siddha masters and great maha rishis like Sri Dhurvasha Munivar and Puli Paani Siddhar have been devotees of this mother. An awareness of Sri Maha Pratyangira Devi has been only quietly known. Seeing Pratyangira in any form was considered an enormous blessing. 2000 protruded blood shot red eyes. The jaws of so many lions makes it very powerful for destroying negative karmas. and this makes many fear her.. Similar to Varahi Amman. and a great blessing for anyone on a spiritual path. until recently. discovered this goddess through her moola mantra in the ethereal waves of the sound current. and an indication that you were in similar company. She is within each and every being in all planes of existence. In her potri malai she is beautifully described as "Sarabeshan Rekkaiyaal Vandhavale Potri. When we look at her.Prathyangira Amman is believed to have been born to calm Narasimha Swami's anger and to save the world from his wrath after he killed Asuran Hiranyakashipu. From his wings appeared a huge fearful Goddess called Prathyangira. azhagu. many people fear to keep a photo of Prathyangira because she is once again thought of as a Ugraha Deivam or Dushta Deivam. She has hence been known as Sri Maha Pratyangira Devi. he realized the mission of his Avataram and calmed immediately. A third story even refers to Mata Prathyangira as having destroyed the ego of Lord Sarabeshwarar.. The lion head is that of a male and the body is that of a female. 1000 times larger than Sarabeshwarar. Two rishis in the ancient times. mahimai. One story from our purana states that when Hiranyakashipu was killed.beejaksharam (seed letter) of her mantra is ksham (bliss). with 1008 heads (symbolically representing the 1008-petalled Sahasrara Chakra. She is also called Narasimhi. the universal chakra of cosmic energy) and 2016 hands. In her Potri Malai. Paruppu-Vellam Payasam (made with Kadalai Paruppu. Avan Naalu Aru Madhangalai Kuzhavanai Vendi. she is described as "Val Vinaigal Yaavaiyume Theerpavale Potri. Ulundu Vadai 4.Deep Red (preferred by Shantha Prathyangira & Ugraha Prathyangira) 2. She bears 8 The following is Prathyangira Amman's moola mantram and some simple shlokams. Maha Vadhane. enemies. She is called Bhairava Pathnee or Atharvana Bhadra Kali (since Kali is considered to be Bhairavar's wife). Those who have Sarpa Dosham or often get scary dreams involving Snakes can worship Prathyangira Devi for instant relief.2 Ugram Veeram Maha Shakthim Jwalantham Sarvathomukham Prathyangira Bheeshanam Pathram Mrityum Mrithyum Namaamyaham . Sarva Shatru Karma Vidhdwamsini. selfrealization. Kondu Vandhaan Oru Thondi.Maha Bhairavi. flavoured with cardamom.Purple(preferredby Shantha Prathyangira) 3.Black (preferred by Ugraha Prathyangira) The following are special days for pooja for Prathyangira Amman: 1.1 Aparaajithaayaicha Vidhmahe Shatru Nishoodhinyaicha Theemahi Thanno Prathyangirayai Prachodhayaath : Slokam . By living in the graveyard. Sarva Dhushtaan Paksha Paksha. Adhai Koothaadi Koothaadi Pottu Udaithaandi" which conveys that Anyone Born Has to Die one day.. snakes on her body. Her Potri Malai describes her as "Ashta Nagam Konda Kali Thirisuli". surrounded by skulls. Amavasya Ashtami Sunday Tuesday Friday Second interpretation is that she is in a state of Dhyanam. Engal Annai Sri Prathyangira Potri". Thanjavur. She is Sri Chakra Swaroopini. "Ksham" is her Bheeja Mantram. she is revealing the truth associated with Maanida Janmam. accidents. Simha Vadhane. for her bhakthas. Pomegranate 7.Yellow(preferredby Shantha Prathyangira) 4. Devotees who have experienced her Mahima have shared stories wherein by just spreading her kumkumam around the house or at the entrance of the house acts like a barrier and protects the house and family from Dushta Atma.Sarva Bhoothaam Pandha Pandha. Coconut and Pure Milk) 3. While talking about Prathyangira Amman. she is seated in the middle of a graveyard. She is considered to be the protector of the Universe. Worshipping Prathyangira Amman relieves us from all kinds of dosham. Sarva Vignyaan Sindhi Sindhi. Karaala Vakhtre.. Jaggery. The following are Prathyangira Devi's favorite foods: 1. Paitham Paruppu. Ellu Urundai 5. She is not to be mistaken as someone who causes Death or is associated with Death. 5. she is often associated with Bhairavar. In Ayyawadi. diseases. Slokam . it is believed that the mouth is widely opened. Prathyangire Hreem Swaaha. bones and burning pyres. Prathyangira forever performs Dhyanam or Yoga for us. burnt ashes is the Truth of Life. In her Potri Malai. snakes and other Visha (poisonous) Jeevangal. Red Banana (Chevvazhai Pazham) 6. Sarva Bhootha Dhamani.. curses. dried ginger) 2. but like Lord Shiva. It is believed that Prathyangira Amman relieves us from Rahu Dosham and Varahi Amman relieves us from Ketu Doshams. the Nayaki of Atharvana Vedam. 3. obstacles. Dates The following are Prathyangira Devi's favourite colors (for sarees): 1. black magic. wrath. Theeya Shakthis and releases her bhakthas from Dhrishti and Seivinai. Valvinaigal. Mantram chanted in Sri Maha Prathyangira Homam: Om Ksham Krishna Vasase. Panakam (jaggery crushed in pure water.Sarva Vyadhir Nikrindha Nikrindha. she is the Amman who gives us Gnyanam.all the Dushta Shakthi. When one reaches the liberation point or Uccha Dhyana Nilai. We would have heard of this Siddhar Padal "Nandavanathil Ore Andi. 2. Karaala Dhamshtrey. The message we need to understand from this is not that she is a Dushta Devadhai. she is described as "Bhairavar Manam Niraindhai Potri". 4.Paramanthra Chetini.Jwala Jihwe. 3 Amma Prathyangira. just chant "Jay Prathyangira. Devi Prathyangira Sathyam Prathyangira. this village was once called as Aivar Padi. Sarvam Prathyangira Shozinganalluril Vaazhum Prathyangira Valvinaigal Theerkum Annaiye Prathyangira Sri Prathyangira Gayatri Mantra: Om Aparajeethaya Vidhmahey Pratyangiraya Dheemahi Thano Ugra Prachodhayaath. 3. A private temple at Solinga Nallur (Chennai). This temple for Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi is situated in a small village called Ayyavadi around 6 kms from Kumbakonam. 2. Shakthi accompanied Lord Shiva in the form of Sri Mahaprathyangira Devi seated on one of the wings of Sri Sarabeswara. It is beleived that from this Ayyavadi he performed the Yaga. worshipping Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi. it is beleived that the place was called as Aivar Padi which later changed as Ayyavadi. Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi's worship will take away all evil forces and unsolvable problems from one's life. Lord Vishnu took the Narasimha Avatar to kill the demon king Hiranyakasipu who is the father of . With so much of anger Narasimha couldn't make out between good and bad people and started disturbing everyone and no one could control him. after which huge volumes of Red Chillies are offered to the Goddess. son of Ravana performed a Yaga called "Nigumbalai Yagam". Lord Shiva took a new and powerful form or Avatar as Sarabeswara.. worshipped Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi and went around in the forests. the anger and the fierce of Narasimha didnt come down. In the corridor of the Karumariamman Temple (Chennai). with lion's face and eagle's wings. In Ramayana. Indrajit. People prayed Lord Shiva to save them. 4. kept their weapons under a tree. Sri Prathiyangira Devi Temples: These are some Prathiyangira Devi: of the temples of Sri 1. Prahalada. After being so furiously fought with so much of power to kill the king. Here the Devi is seated on the chariot with 4 lions. the 5 Pandavas visited this place. Located just 500 mts from Uppiliappan temple. If he had completed the Yaga successfully. Vedian Enthal a small village near Manamadurai (South India). Here she is five faced and seated on a lotus. In this temple Homams are conducted every full moon day and No moon day.Slokam .According to legends.. 8 arms with weapons possessing Lion's face. Sarabeswarar went and subsided Narasimha's anger to bring back peace. Jaya Jaya Prathyangira" as much as you can. But somehow it was spoiled by Lakshmana and Anjaneya before completion. Ayyavadi(Aivar Padi) near Kumbakonam (South India). he would have got the powers to kill Rama. As the five Pandavas worshipped here. Here her deity is lion faced with 18 hands. Om Pratayangiraya Vidhmahey Sathrunisoothiniya Dheemahi Thano Devi Prajothayaath For those who find this difficult.