Turmeric plant symbolises Devi Durga, Jayanti (Sesbanitia sesban) represents
Kartiki, Bel or wood apple Goddess Shivaa, Pomegranate plant represents
Raktadantika, Ashoka tree symbolises Sokrahita , Arum plant represents
Chamunda and the Rice plant symbolises Goddess Lakshmi. Again Shakambari
form of supreme feminine power as mentioned in Devi Mahatmya, clearly
indicate worship of Mother Nature as Goddess Durga.
Shakambari is also known as Vanashankari /Banashankari, or Banadevi (Ban or
Van meaning forest, and Shankari, a name of Parvati, consort of Shiva.
The story goes like that, after thorough penance to Lord Brahma, the creator,
demon Durgam, acquires all the four Vedas, total knowledge. He conquered
entire creation, challenged all the laws of nature, As a result, entire earth faced a
severe draught for hundred years. The world was hit by famine, disease and
pestilence. There was extreme drought everywhere, and sages retrieve to the
caves at Mount Sumeru to save whatever they could. They meditate to the primal
force to invoke the Supreme Mother Shakti.
Mother was moved by their plights and appeared in a delightful form. Seeing the
horror, she manifested herself as Goddess Satakshi with countless eyes on her
body. First shedding tears of compassion as Shatakshi Devi and then offering
fruit, flowers and vegetables from her own body, with a peaceful smile, She came
to be called Durga, as she slayed the Demon Durgam, restoring balance to the
earth.
So, in this special season of Nature worship, we would like to declare, the
inauguration of Vasundhara, where we have blended Environment, science and
culture together. My heartiest thanks are due to our Chief Advisors, Editorial cum
Advisory Board Members, Advisors of Documentary section, CREESS-IJENAS
family.
I am thankful to all the contributing authors for being a part of this family.
With regards,
Dr. Pinki Purkayastha
Special Volume 1, October 2015
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