Rakteswari
Rakteswari, identified as an aspect of Adi Parashakti, also known as Durga Parameswari, is a principal and popular form of Hindu goddess worshipped mainly in Parshurama Kshetras. Rakteswari is the iṣṭa-devatā of Tulu Nadu.
Worship and festivals
Rakteswari is worshipped in the Hindu temples of India by adherents of Shaktism. Her temples, worship and festivals are particularly popular in Indian subcontinent during every Sankramana. Coconut flowers, Vermilion and whole coconuts are the significant offerings for her worship.The beeja-mantra of Rakteswari, Om Kleem Ram Rakteswaryai namaha, is recited on Sikharagra, near a flowing river, any dense forest, Kadamba trees, garden, etc. under the guidance of a competent guru as any shakta tradition requires.
Deity Rakteswari is often misunderstood as a spirit/demon. Dakshinachara sects are dismissive of Rakteswari as a goddess who demands blood sacrifice. She is a fierce deity worshipped in her calm posture in dakshinachara with kumkum and whole coconut as bali.
Association with the planet Mars
In traditional Hindu astrology, Moon, Mars are the chief significators of blood in human body. When Mars is afflicted in any horoscope and it occupies an even sign, then goddess Rakteswari has to be propitiated to get rid of any blood related disorders. As per some local beliefs, contagious diseases like Smallpox and menstrual bleeding disorders can be cured by worshipping RakteswariThe vamamarga worship of Rakteswari is not ruled out in folklore genre. The Folk performances mandate music, folk dance, recital and other elaborate vesha as outlined in Dravidian Tulu Oral folk literature, Cow ghee lamp and Kumkum are offered to appease Rakteswari in typical household worship, like any other female deity.
Temple
The regions of Konkan, coastal Karnataka and Kerala, considered as Parashurama Kshetra, have numerous temples dedicated to Rakteswari. Worship of Rakteswari by Brahmins and many other various Hindus in mulasthana is famous in South Canara.Rakteshwari, in dakshinachara tradition, is depicted as srichakravasini and worshipped as Durga Parameswari by Durga sukta and Śrī Sūkta.