Jeshta (Jyestha)
Jeshta (Jyestha) is the goddess of poverty, evil and unhappiness. Jeshta
appeared at the time of churning the ocean of milk, she in reputed to be
the elder sister of Laksmi. Since she had an uncouth figure, none came
forward to marry her. Risi Kapila accepted her as his wife, and so she came
to be known as Kapilapattini. With a crow in her flag and with the donkey
as her vadhana, she is dancing merrily in blood.
Tirukkural, one of the eighteen minor works of Kilkanakku, states that
Jeshta (Jyestha) is the deity of adversity. The eight names of Jeshta are
enumerated in the Tamil Nigandu, Divakaram. A figure of Jeshta is found in
the niche to the north of the facade of the cave temple at Vallam in
Tiruchirappalli. This sculpture is the first among the ones found in Tamil
country. Unlike in other places where she is seen in the company of her son
and her daughter. She appears in solitude here. Her image is seen in three
places, in the Kailasanatha temple, at Kanchipuram the Pallava capital.
Here Jeshta, looking obese, pot-bellied and gruesome is found seated on a
rectangular pitha with her son and daughter.
A Vattelettu inscription dating back to the 8thcentury A.D., found on a
pillar in the rock cut cave temple of Subramanya in Tirapparankunram
declares that a shrine was formed for Jeshta (Jyestha). The records of the
early Cholas show that the Jeshta shrines were exempted from taxes An
inscription in Trichirappalli district declares that an endowment was made
in the name on Jeshta. In this Adavalleswarar temple the figure of Jeshta
(Jyestha) is carved as a bas-relief.
The Cholas who worshipped Jeshta considered her as a parivara devata. She
had a separate sub shrine for her worship. Jeshta is one of the seven parivara
devatas with a shrine in the Sundaresvarar temple at Tirukkattalai. Her
image is installed there in her worship was once popular during the Pallava
region, but later it became extinct with the advent of the Nayanmars and
Alvars.
In the Adavalleswar temple, she appears slim and tidy, unlike her normal
caricatures elsewhere. This figure is flanked by her daughter of the
Agnimata on her left, and her son Vrsavaktra on her right. All the figures
are seated on a rectangular pitha with two arms each. Jeshta (Jyestha)
slightly, bigger than the others, is seen older than the others. She holds
a lotus flower in her right hand and rests her left hand on the seat,
seated in a sukasana pose. She is found with a smiling face a well
proportioned torso and broad waist. Her daughter Agnimata the younger
female holds a lotus flower in her right hand and rests her left hand on
the pitha. She sports a serene face with brimming youth. Her son
Vrsavaktra, a bull faced masculine figure, indicates youth. He is found
holding a mace in the left hand, and resting the right hand on the pitha.
The mother, son and daughter are seated each in a sukasana pose and adorned
with karandamakutas and other ornaments. Her face, head gear, full lips and
broad shoulder confirm the date of its sculpting as the early Chola period.
Origin of JESHTA was from 300BCE only. Another interesting deity who
was once popularly worshipped in south India is Jyestha devi. Tondaradippodi
(Bhaktanghrirenu), one among the Alwar saint (a devout Tamil Vaishnava
saint), is heard lamenting in his 8th c. CE verse about how the foolish
common people would worship Jyestha devi of low origin, for good health and
prosperity, instead of worshipping his lord, Vishnu deva. This lament shows
quite clearly that Jyestha devi was once very popular among masses, so much
so that even the powerful families, including royal members, succumbed to
her influence too. Hence, it is not surprising to find Jyestha devi in
early temples and temple walls, even though she is no longer worshipped.
The Bodhayana Grhyasutra has an entire chapter on the worship of this devi
who rides a chariot pulled by lions with tigers following her, and is
variously named as Jyestha, Jyaya, Nirrti, Hastimukha, Kapila-patni, and
Vighnaprasada (Shama Sastri, pp. 294-296).
There is an interesting story associated with this devi in a
Shiva temple in Tirupparangunram near Madurai. it is believed that a
Pandyan queen of 8th c. CE had sculpted a Durga rock shrine where she had
got the murti of Jyestha devi carved in half relief (Rao, 1914). However,
over time, as Jyestha devi’s worship declined, the central figure of her
got draped in a man’s attire, and she was then worshipped as Subhramanyam.
The figure on her right with the bovine head (Jyestha devi’s son) was seen
as Nandikesvara, while her daughter on her left became Subramanyam’s first
wife. These changes over time stand as evidences of changing cultural and
religious practices that keep altering as per sect popularity and need of
the day. Another interesting story is associated with Jyestha devi and a
Chola princess who was supposedly born with the head of a jackal. The
grieving father prayed to god to change her face, and was asked in a dream
to build a temple for Shiva in the Nangapuram village (Trichinopoly
district) that would cure his daughter. After the king built the temple,
his daughter visited it and lost her jackal face, which then became the
face of the figure which we see sitting on Jyestha’s right (Rao, 1914,
Plate CXXI).
Jyestha variously known as Mugadi, Kaladi, Thavvai/ Tauvai,
Mudevi, kettai, and Ekaveni. It is believed that she was perhaps originally
a Mother goddess associated with agricultural fertility and wealth. Her
vahana is an ass and her banner emblem is that of a crow
(kakadhavajasama-yukta), while her weapon is a broom. In a variation of
Suprabhedagama, Jyestha is referred to as the demon Kali’s wife riding a
donkey (Khararudha Kaleh patni). In India it is a common practice to hang
seven chilies and a lemon from a thread and place it at the main doorway to
ward off the baneful influence of Jyestha /Alakshmi.
The description of Jyestha devi as found in various texts
(Surprabhedagama, Vishnudharmattora) show the devi as two armed, with
sagging lips and a long nose, and pendulous breasts and flabby stomach. Her
right hand may be in abhaya mudra or she maybe holding a blue lotus in her
right hand while her left hand rests on the seat. Her hair is tied up in
knot and she is seen wearing a crown. She is accompanied by her children
(kanyaputramvita). Her two armed bejewelled son with the head of a bull
sits on her right, holding a rope (left hand) and a danda (right hand). On
her left sits her daughter named as Agnimatha. She is young, wears many
ornaments and dons a red garment, wears a karanda mukuta, and in her right
hand carries a blue lotus. It was said that when Jyestha or Alakshmi
entered a household, she brought with her “jealousy and malice in her
trail. Brothers fell out with each other, families and their male lineages
(kula) faced ruin and destruction” (Chakrabarty, 2000, p. 227). The devi is
associated with poverty and unhappiness, and since fights and arguments
follow her wherever she goes, she is also known as Kalahapriya.
There is an interesting puja associated with Alakshmi known
as Alakshmi bidey (getting rid of the Alakshmi) during the Dipanwita
Lakshmi puja, which takes place on the day of Kali puja. Many Bengalis from
West Bengal perform Lakshmi puja on the day of Kali puja, when both the
devis are greeted (boron kora) with series of oil lamps. However, it is
believed that Alakshmi came out of the ocean before Lakshmi; hence, she is
the elder sister of Lakshmi, so must be worshipped first, and then removed
(as she symbolises unhappiness) before preparing the seat for Lakshmi. On
the day after Bhoot Chaturdashi or Narak chaturdashi, the women of the
house wake up much before sunrise and start preparing for the Alakshmi
bidey and Lakshmi puja. Two crude symbolic feminine figures are made at
that time: one of Alakshmi using cowdung, and one of Lakshmi using alo
chaal (a type of rice grain). The figure of Lakshmi would be then kept on a
banana stem, and a tulsi leaf and flower are placed along with it, which is
then kept aside somewhere inside the house. Once the Lakshmi figure is made
and kept aside, the figure of Alakshmi is made with cowdung in the open
space under the still dark sky; and decorated with torn clothes, torn hair,
and sindoor, and placed on a banana stem. Next a flower and batasha are
offered to her, incense sticks and a lamp are lighted to welcome her home.
After the boron or welcome, the banana stem holding the Alakshmi is then
carried out of the house accompanied with the beating of winnowing fans and
discarded under any tree. At the same time all the collected garbage (the
entire house is thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned on bhoot chaturdashi night)
are burned as a bonfire, symbolising the removal of all that is
inauspicious for the household. After disposing off the Alakshmi, the women
then head for the nearest pond to take a bath without turning back to look
at the discarded figure of Alakshmi. Once bathed and back home, the women
light many diyas, light incense sticks, and give dhuna. The house is
sprinkled with Ganga jal, conch shells are blown, and the women place the
Lakshmi figure in the puja-sthan, while singing songs in praise of the
devi. Devi Lakshmi is now ready to take her puja, as the ritual of
‘Aakshmi bidey’ has been completed and the house is now pure. After the
completion of this ritual, the women of the house however do not go back to
sleep or rest; they start with cleaning the courtyard once again, putting
alpona all across the house, and making further puja arrangements required
for the Dipanwita Lakshmi pujo.
K Rajaram IRS 121025
On Sat, 11 Oct 2025 at 18:15, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty <
[email protected]> wrote:
> *JESHTA DEVI SUB-SHRINES IN **KANCHIPURAM** TEMPLES-TAMILNADU*
>
>
>
> 1 Ekambareswarar Temple, primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, houses *a
> significant shrine dedicated to Jyeshta Devi*. Devotees visit this shrine
> to seek her blessings for good fortune and protection from misfortune.
> *Rituals
> here focus on removing obstacles and resolving personal difficulties*.
> The shrine’s peaceful setting within the temple offers a peaceful
> atmosphere for prayer. The temple’s 60-metre-tall gopuram (vimana), with
> its intricate carvings, symbolises the connection between the earthly and
> divine realms, making it a spiritual and architectural marvel.
>
> Location: Car Street, Periya Kanchipuram
>
> Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
>
> 2. Kailasanathar Temple. Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram with Primary
> deity Lord Siva, known for its architectural style and historical
> significance. *It houses a revered shrine dedicated to Jyeshta Devi*.
> Devotees visit this shrine seeking relief from misfortune, believing
> prayers here bring peace and dispel negativity. The temple’s intricate
> sandstone carvings, especially the deity sculptures. Visitors can also
> explore 58 small shrines within the temple compound. The temple, built in
> the 8th century, is one of the oldest in South India. It attracts pilgrims
> and tourists who wish to witness its grandeur and divine heritage.
>
> Location: Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram
>
> Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
>
> 3. Kamakshi Amman Temple-Kamakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess
> Kamakshi, also houses a shrine for Jyeshta Devi. Pilgrims worship
> Kamakshi for prosperity and Jyeshta Devi for protection from misfortune.
> The temple’s golden gopuram and grand halls make it a key attraction in
> Kanchipuram. *The Jyeshta Devi shrine, while lesser-known, offers a
> peaceful space for personal reflection*. Special prayers during Navratri
> and other festivals add to the temple’s spiritual significance. This
> combination of vibrant worship and serene contemplation makes the temple a
> vital spiritual destination.
>
> Location: Kanchipuram East
>
> Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 4 PM – 8:30 PM
>
> 4. Ulagalantha Perumal Temple-Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, has a famous
> Jyestha Devi temple in Kanchipuram.
>
> Primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, *features
> a lesser-known but powerful Jyeshta Devi shrine*. This shrine is unique
> for its ancient design and peaceful surroundings, attracting devotees
> looking for a calm, spiritual experience.
>
> The temple is also famous for its depiction of Lord Vishnu in his Vamana
> avatar. *The Jyeshta Devi shrine is an important part of Kanchipuram’s
> religious landscape*. It serves as a place of solace and devotion for
> many pilgrims who seek blessings and spiritual upliftment during their
> visit.
>
> Location: Kanchipuram
>
> Timings: 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
>
> 5. Chitragupta Swamy Temple-Chitragupta Swamy Temple is unique for its
> dedication to Chitragupta, the Hindu god of records and karma. *It also
> features a small shrine for Jyeshta Devi.* Locals frequently visit this
> shrine to seek her blessings for overcoming life’s adversities. The
> temple’s peaceful atmosphere, combined with its unique deities, makes it an
> appealing destination for spiritual seekers. Special pujas are conducted on
> auspicious days. The temple’s rituals are believed to provide relief from
> obstacles and misfortunes, enhancing its significance in the community.
>
> Location: Nellukara Street, Kanchipuram
>
> Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
>
> 6. Varadharaja Perumal Temple-Varadharaja Perumal Temple, is one of the
> 108 Divya Desams, known for its grand festivals and devotion to Lord Vishnu*.
> It also houses a small but revered shrine for Jyeshta Devi, where devotees
> pray for protection from financial misfortune and hardships*. The
> temple’s intricate stone carvings and towering gopurams enhance the
> spiritual atmosphere. During major festivals, special prayers are held at
> the Jyeshta Devi shrine, drawing large crowds of worshippers seeking her
> blessings.
>
> Location: Vishnu Kanchi
>
> Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
>
> 7. Thiruparuthikundram Jyeshta Devi Shrine-Thiruparuthikundram is home to
> a lesser-known yet *powerful Jyeshta Devi shrine, situated near the
> ancient Jain temple.* Local devotees and visitors seek blessings here to
> avoid misfortune. The quiet, off-the-beaten-path location of this shrine
> makes it an ideal spot for peaceful worship. Though it may not attract many
> tourists, its deep-rooted spiritual traditions make it an important temple
> for devotees. Offerings and prayers made here are believed to bring peace,
> stability, and protection from life’s challenges.
>
> Location: Near Thiruparuthikundram Jain Temple
>
> Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
>
> *8. Jyeshta Devi Temple, Little Kanchi*
>
> Little Kanchi is located in the quieter part of Kanchipuram. *Little
> Kanchi is a well-known temple dedicated to Jyeshta Devi.* Popular among
> locals, the temple is known for rituals that focus on removing obstacles
> and negativity from life. The temple’s simple but serene atmosphere offers
> a space for reflection and meditation, attracting spiritual seekers. Its
> peaceful location enhances its appeal as a place for undisturbed worship.
> This makes it a frequent stop for devotees who seek tranquillity and
> spiritual relief.
>
> Location: Little Kanchi, Kanchipuram
>
> Timings: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM
>
> 9. Sri Jyeshta Devi Temple, Outer Kanchipuram-Sri Jyeshta Devi Temple is
> located on the outskirts of Kanchipuram, a hidden gem for peaceful worship.
> Though
> smaller than other temples, it is revered by locals for its spiritual
> traditions. The annual festival, featuring special prayers and rituals,
> draws devotees from nearby areas. Worshippers believe that praying here
> removes obstacles, protects from misfortunes, and brings stability. Its
> secluded location enhances the serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot
> for reflection and devotion.
>
> Location: Outer Kanchipuram
>
> Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
>
> Visiting the Jyeshta Devi temples in Kanchipuram offers spiritual retreat
> and connects visitors with the religious history. Each temple is unique in
> its history, architecture, and the blessings it offers, making it an
> integral part of Kanchipuram’s spiritual landscape.
>
>
>
> This was an interesting read that many temples in Kanchipuram has separate
> shrine for Jeshta Devi and worship is done now also.
>
> *Compiled and posted by R.Gopalakrishnan 11-10-2025*
>
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