India, Sept. 25 -- Devi, or the goddess, is designated as "Shakti", the Prowess of Divinity, in the standard enumeration of the school of theology and sects of worship. She is conceived as the Female Principle, being the complement of the Male Principle, God.

Navratri is one of the most popular and important annual festivals in Maharashtra and many parts of India, where the Devi is worshipped. The festival is significant in temples dedicated either to Shiva and his consort or to the various independent goddesses.

The worship of Bhavani is important in many ways to the Maharashtrian cultural identity. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a great disciple of the Goddess, and the festivals of Navratri and Dasara became symbols of valour and str...