Navagauri
Mahalakshmi Gauri (Kamala)
Lakshmi Kund · D 52/40
History & traditions
This Navagauri stop is associated with abundance and is identified with Kamala in the survey’s Mahavidya listing. The temple and tank share the Lakshmi Kund precinct.
The tank and temple anchor a cluster of worship sites in the survey. Mahalakshmi appears as a Gauri and as Kamala in the Mahavidya inventory. Shikhichandi is recorded behind the same temple, so ask there for the smaller Devi stop.
Deity & sacred image
- Deity or sacred figure
- Mahalakshmi Gauri (Kamala), a form of the Goddess in Kashi’s Shakti tradition
- Idol or shrine image
- The sources identify the deity. The image’s appearance and material are unconfirmed.
PILGRIMAGE CONTEXT
Navagauri
Kashi’s Navagauri tradition brings together nine forms of Gauri. The city’s heritage survey often identifies a Gauri by her host shrine or the lane above a ghat. For example, Lalita Gauri belongs to the Lalita Ghat precinct, while Bhavani Gauri is associated with Annapurna in Vishwanath Gali. Follow the name of the form when several Devi images share a precinct.
SKANDA PURANA
In the Kashi Khanda
The Gauri itinerary pairs goddess worship with rites at particular sacred waters. The chapter describes a ritual sequence, and the guide supplies present-day names and approaches where documented.
Browse the Kashi Khanda reading guide