- Lajja Gauri
Lajja Gauri is a goddess associated with abundance and fertility, and she has been euphemistically described as "Lajja" (that is, modesty). Her earlier depiction dates to the 3rd century, and her worship is prevalent in the Deccan, a draught-prone region of the Indian subcontinent. Her fertility aspect is emphasized by symbolic representation of the genitals, also by the blossoming lotus replacing her head. She is invoked for abundant crops and progeny.
Devi , the GreatMother Goddess of Hinduism, in Her form as Lajja Gauri, is also known asAditi , Adya Shakti,Matangi ,Renuka , Kotari, KottaMahika, Kotmai, and many other names. She is the most ancient Goddess form in the religious complex that is today referred to as Hinduism. Lanja/Lanjika means 'naked', this reminds us of the geographical area in Konkan (Maharashtra) called Lanja. A description of this topic is done by Dr. Ramachandra C. Dhere in his book entitled, "Lajja Gauri".References
*Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola
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