Bhavani is a ferocious aspect of Hindu goddess Shakti or Devi. Bhavani means "giver of life", the power of nature or the source of creative energy. In addition to her ferocious aspect, she is also known as Karunaswaroopini, "filled with mercy".
Bhavani was the tutelary diety of the Maratha leader Shivaji. A temple to Bhavani, at Tuljapur in Maharashtra, dates back to the 12th century. The temple contains a meter-high granite image of the goddess, with eight arms holding weapons, and bearing the head of the demon Mahishasura, who she is said to have slain on the site of the temple.
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