Rākā
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Rākā literally means ‘the deity of the full-moon day’.
Origin of Rākā[edit]
Aṅgiras is one of the Prajāpatis, mind-born sons of Brahmā, the creator. He married Smṛti and begot four daughters:
Significance of Rākā[edit]
Rākā is the moon-goddess associated with the full-moon. She is of considerable antiquity. She also has a mention in the Ṛgveda.[1] Along with Sinīvālī, she is worshiped in temples during the ceremonies of installation and consecration. Rākā is invoked in mud-pots with fissures.[2]
Picturesque of Rākā[edit]
- She is described as white in complexion with golden tinges.
- She wears red garments.
- She has two arms holding flowers.
- The haṅsa or swan is her mount and banner.
- She is associated with the music of lute and flute.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore