Why devotees offer lemon garlands to the Goddess: the legends and beliefs behind the practice

Shakti worship is held in high regard in Hinduism. In the worship of goddesses such as Goddess Durga, Kalika Mata and Tuljabhavani, a garland of lemons is offered in some places along with flowers, garlands, kumkum and coconut. The tradition has a prominent place especially in the worship of the fierce forms of the Goddess. Several mythological stories, folk beliefs and symbolic meanings are cited behind the practice.

In some folk traditions, it is said that Goddess Shakambhari or Kalika Mata slew a demon named Nimbasur. The tradition of the lemon garland is linked to this tale. It is said that the Goddess destroyed evil forces and protected her devotees, and the lemon garland is offered to her in memory of that. However, it cannot be said with certainty that the story has any universally accepted basis in the Puranas.

In Indian folk tradition, lemons are used to ward off the evil eye and protect against bad influences. The practice of offering the Goddess a lemon garland grew out of this belief. Devotees believe that offering a lemon garland at the feet of the Goddess removes troubles and gives protection from negative forces. But there is no scientific evidence that lemons have any special power to absorb negative energy or remove planetary afflictions.

The number 108 has special religious significance in Hinduism. A prayer garland has 108 beads, and the number is used in chanting of mantras and in many rituals. Likewise, some Devi temples have a practice of offering a garland of 108 lemons. The garland is regarded as a symbol of devotion to the Goddess, reverence and complete surrender.

Mahishasuramardini Durga and Kalika Mata are regarded as powerful forms of Adishakti. By offering a lemon garland in their worship, devotees pray for the strength to face troubles, protection from enemies and relief from life's obstacles. In some places it is said to be a folk belief that the sour taste or special properties of the lemon calm the fierce nature of the Goddess. But this is not a universally accepted doctrine of the scriptures.

The tradition of offering the Goddess a lemon garland is linked to faith, folk culture and Shakti worship. Methods of worshipping the Goddess may differ from region to region. The core spirit of these traditions is to express gratitude to the Goddess, pray for her grace and gain spiritual strength to fight life's difficulties. For the devotee, each lemon in the garland becomes a symbol of faith in and surrender to the Goddess.

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