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Kumari Puja: Significance, Rituals, Offerings
Rtv News
11 Oct 2024, 10:56
Photo: Sunil Sharma/Xinhua
Kumari Puja/Kanya Puja is an important ritual observed during Navratri or Durga Puja. This year Kumari Puja is observed today (Monday, October 11).
During Kumari Puja, an unmarried teenage girl is worshipped symbolically as a goddess. Kumari puja is held at the end of Mahastami puja, but can also be held on the day of Navami puja. Kumari puja may also be held during kali puja, jagaddhatri puja, Annapurna puja and Shakti puja.
According to Hindu scriptures, Kumari puja commemorates the killing of Kolasur by the goddess Kali. According to legend, Kolasur had once occupied the heavens and the earth. The helpless deities approached Mahakali for help. Responding to their appeal, she was born again and, in the form of a maiden, killed Kolasur.
The rituals of Kumari puja and its significance have been described in detail in Yoginitantra, Kularnavatantra, Devipurana, Stotra, Kavacha, Sahasranama, Tantrasara, Prantosini and Purohitadarpana.
Significance
As per religious belief, the Kanya Puja must be done on all nine days of Navratri. However, many opt to perform Kumari Puja on either Ashtami or Navami. As for the Bengalis, Kumari puja always takes place on Ashtami of Durga puja.
Worshipping these young girls is believed to bring good fortune, wealth, and happiness into people’s lives as Mother Divine resides with them. The girls, aged between 2 and 10, represent various forms of Maa Durga, which include Kumarika, Trimurti, Kalyani, Rohini, Kali, Chandika, Shambhavi, Durga, Bhadra or Subhadra.
According to the Bhagavad Purana, the ninth day of Navaratri is believed to fulfill devotees’ wishes. Those who fast for nine days and worship young girls at the end of Navaratri are said to receive blessings. Worshipping a kumari (virgin young girl) is believed to bring good luck, two girls symbolize insight and salvation, while worshipping three girls is associated with virtue.
Rituals
- Devotees invite nine young girls (between 2 and 10 years old) to their homes. Then, they wash the girls' feet with water, wipe them, and place them on a pedestal.
- Now, a holy thread, known as Kalawa or moli, is tied around their wrists, while vermilion is applied to their foreheads.
- Following this, they are offered a variety of special dishes such as poori, chana, ghee halwa, coconut, sweets, and kheer.
- People also offer money or gifts such as new dresses, bangles, and study materials.
- Lastly, devotees ask for their blessings by touching their feet.
Offerings
To mark the occasion and conclude the nine-day-long festival, a puja is performed in which flowers, incense sticks, lamps, and other sacred objects are offered while chanting mantras in honor of Goddess Durga. Then, young girls or kanjaks are given Dakshina (money), gifts, and prasad (holy food) as a token of appreciation and attain the blessings of all the divine forms of Maa Durga. The holy food includes halwa-chana, kheer, poori, coconut, fruits, and sweets.
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Significance of Eating Hilsa During Durga Puja
Hilsa or Ilish plays a crucial role in Bengali culture. From Wedding rituals to Durga Puja celebrations, Hilsa fish is crucial for holy sacrifice in the region, symbolizing the collective hope for a future filled with luck and happiness.
Ilish is not only considered auspicious but also the national fish of Bangladesh, apart from its importance in West Bengal during Durga Puja. So let’s know more about the Hilsa fish or Bangladeshi Padma Ilish.
What is Hilsa fish or Ilish fish?
The Hilsa fish, also called Ilish, holds an exceptional position in the culinary customs and social practices of Bengal. It is a fish that is highly prized because of its delicate flavor, distinct taste, and silky texture. It is a proper and authentic Bengali delicacy. Found primarily in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, the Hilsa fish has turned into an indispensable part of the local food in nations like Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar.
Hilsa has a rich history and social importance, making it a subject of admiration, motivation, and artistic expression. This fish generally holds an exceptional spot in Bengali culture and is even viewed as the state fish of West Bengal. Here, the well-known Hilsa is regarded as a culinary treasure and a symbol of honor.
It is likewise called the "king of fish". Bangladesh produces around 70% of the world's Ilish, making it a subject of public pride. Ilish is also the national fish of Bangladesh.
Why is Hilsa fish significant in Bengali culture during Durga Puja?
The significance of Ilish in Bengali cooking couldn't be overstated. The "king of fish" is a fundamental part of the culinary culture on both sides of the border. Hilsa from Padma graces Bengali tables for each special event. Durga Puja, the grandest celebration of all is no exception.
It is said that the Ilish from Padma is the tastiest of all varieties of fish. The rich fat and thick succulent texture of the kind make it distinct. The fish relocates from the Bay of Bengal to freshwater rivers and is exceptionally pursued its extraordinary flavor profile, which is upgraded by the particular water conditions of the Padma River, as per the International Collective in Support of Fishworkers. The kinds of Ilish from rivers like Ganga, Hooghly, and Mahanadi are no match when it comes to celebrating important events.
Hilsa plays an important part during Saraswati puja too, when the Hindu goddess of learning is worshipped, pairs of fish are presented to the deity as a sacred offering.
Padma Ilish is not only in high demand in West Bengal but also at markets in New Delhi, Jharkhand, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Bihar who also anxiously seek this valued fish while observing other vital rituals and festivals like Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) and Jamai Soshti.
The magnificent Padma Ilish rules among different kinds of Bangladeshi Ilish as well. The less popular Ilish varieties in Bangladesh are the Chandana Ilish from the Meghna River's downstream estuary and the saltwater Gurta Ilish.
Hilsa is a popular fish in both Bangladesh and India, and it is considered a delicacy during various Puja including Durga Puja. The festival is celebrated by millions of people in both countries, and the demand for Hilsa is expected to be high.
Source: BS
Hindu Community Takes Final Preparations for Durga Puja Across Country
The Hindu community of the country is poised to celebrate the "Sharodiya Durga Puja", their biggest religious festival, scheduled to start on Wednesday. BSS News.
Preparations are afoot for the annual five-day festival at temples and makeshift puja mandaps across the country to welcome Goddess Durga.
On Wednesday last, the Hindu community people celebrated Mahalaya inviting Goddess Durga to her paternal home earth from Kailash (heaven) along with her offspring Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh, and Kartik.
The Hindu community believes that Goddess Durga arrives on earth from heaven during the puja as she will arrive on Palanquin this year.
With only two days left for Sharadiya Durgotsab, idol makers and artisans are now passing their busiest time in giving the final touch to idols at puja mandaps across the country.
Work of clay in making idols has been completed and now the works of painting and ornamentation are underway.
Based on various themes, works of decorations and illuminations are also going on at puja mandaps.
A festive mood is in the air across the country as only two days left for Durga Puja. Hindus are waiting eagerly as the puja mandaps will be filled with devotional chants with the smoke of incense (dhup), beating of drums (dhak-dhol), kansar-mandira and ululation (uludhoni).
The five-day festival will begin with the unveiling of the face of the deity on the day of Maha Shashthi on October 9.
Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, and Maha Nabami will be celebrated in the next few days as the festival will come to an end with the immersion of the idols of the Goddess Durga on Bijoya Dashami on October 13.
According to government data, Durga Puja will be celebrated at 32, 666 mandaps across the country.
In the capital, preparations are going on in full swing at Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ramkrishna Math and Mission, Banani, Kalabagan, Shakhari Bazar, Shiddeshwari Kali Mandir, Ramna Kali Mandir, Jagannath Hall on Dhaka University campus, Khamar Bari at Farmgate, Lalbagh Rishipara, Rajarbagh Kalimandir and old part of Dhaka including Tanti Bazar.
Exquisitely crafted and decorated life-size clay idols of the Goddess Durga depicting her slaying the demon Mahishasura are being set up in temples and Durga Puja mandaps ahead of the celebration.
Generally, the idols are made diligently and methodically by the artisans to create exquisite pieces of artistry.
Marking the festival, Hindu community members are also passing busy times in shopping as shopping centers, malls, and stores are now crowded with customers.
As per the Hindu texts, during Treta Yuga, Lord Rama Chandra fought with Dashanan Ravana. Rama Chandra worshiped Goddess Adyashakti Mahamaya (Debi Durga) in autumn hoping to increase her strength with the aim of annihilation of sins Rama Chandra was able to rescue Goddess Sita and kill Ravana after winning the battle. Since then, Hindu community members have been celebrating Durgotsab in the autumn.
Ahead of Durga Puja, district administrations have already held preparatory meetings. Law enforcement agencies will ensure foolproof security for the peaceful and joyous celebration of Durga Puja.
About the puja schedule, Ramna Kali Mandir priest Harichad Chakrabarty said various rituals including Kalparambho will be performed in the morning on the day of Maha Shashthi on October 9 (Wednesday) while Adhibas and Amantran (invocation) will be held on the evening on that day.
On October 10, on the second day of the celebration, Maha Saptami puja will be held in the morning as Nabopotrika, nine plants including a banana tree tied together and wrapped in a white saree with red borders, and bathed in the water of the holy Ganges will be placed next to Ganesha on that day.
On the third day of Maha Ashtami on October 11, different rituals including Ashtami puja, offering of Anjali, Kumari Puja, and Sandhi Puja will be held in the morning.
Maha Nabami tithi will also begin on the same day this year and it will last till 6:12 am on October 12. So rituals of Maha Nabami will be performed on both days. Rituals of Dashami Puja will also be held on October 12 this year.
The festival will end on October 13 with the immersion of idols in nearby rivers or ponds.
Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar said massive preparations are underway for the Durga Puja celebration across the country.
BPUP has already given directives to celebrate the festival with due religious fervor and gaiety and engage people from all walks of life with the festival, he said.
Dhar said they have already held meetings with the government and law enforcement agencies ahead of the puja.
Home adviser, inspector general of police, and officials of the administration were present in the meetings, he said, adding that the law enforcement agencies assured that no kind of untoward incident would take place centering the festival.
The BPUP leader said his own volunteers will be deployed in every puja mandap across the country.
Sri Sri Ramna Kali Mandir Sharadiya Durgotsab Udjapan Parishad convener Aparna Roy Das said only two days left for Durga Puja.
"We are hopeful that we will be able to celebrate Durga Puja properly. Our overall preparations and work of making idols are at the final stage. Idol makers are now doing painting work. Decorations and illumination of pavilions are also underway," she said.
By Borun Kumar Dash
Sharadiya Durga Puja Begins Wednesday
Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Bangalee Hindu community, will begin on Wednesday (October 9) with the invocation of Goddess Durga on the day of Maha Shasthi at temples and mandaps across the country amid due religious fervor and festivity.
The annual five-day Sharadiyo Durgotsab will commence with Kalparambho in the morning which will be followed by various other rituals including Adhibash, and Amantran (invitation) in the late afternoon on that day.
On October 10, on the second day of the celebration, Maha Saptami puja will be held in the morning as Nabapatrika, nine plants including a banana tree tied together and wrapped in a white saree with red borders, and bathed in the water of the holy Ganges will be placed next to Ganesha on that day.
On the third day of Maha Ashtami on October 11, different rituals including Ashtami puja, offering Anjali, Kumari Puja, and Sandhi Puja will be held in the morning.
Maha Nabami tithi will also begin on the same day this year and it will last till 6:12 am on October 12. So rituals of Maha Nabami will be performed on both days.
Rituals of Bijoya Dashomi will also be held on October 12 this year. The festival will end on October 13 with the immersion of idols in nearby rivers or ponds.
The Hindu community believes that Goddess Durga arrives on earth from heaven during the puja as she will arrive on a Palanquin this year.
A festive mood is in the air across the country as only two days left for Durga Puja.
Hindus are waiting eagerly as the puja mandaps will be filled with devotional chants with the smoke of incense (dhup), beating of drums (dhak-dhol), kansar-mandira and ululation (uludhoni).
According to government data, Durga Puja will be celebrated at 32, 666 mandaps across the country including 257 in the capital.
In the capital, key puja mandaps would be at Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Banani, Kalabagan, Shakhari Bazar, Shiddeshwari Kali Mandir, Ramna Kali Mandir, Jagannath Hall on Dhaka University campus, Khamar Bari at Farmgate, Lalbagh Rishipara, Rajarbagh Kalimandir and old part of Dhaka including Tanti Bazar.
Apart from religious rituals, the performance of devotional songs, clothes distribution, Aroti competition, and voluntary blood donation will be arranged at Dhakeshwari National Temple.
Durga Puja will also be celebrated on a large scale in major divisional cities including port city Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet, and district towns including Faridpur, Dinajpur, Jashore, Kushtia, and Satkhira for the celebration of Durga Puja.
As per the Hindu texts, during Treta Yuga, Lord Rama Chandra fought with Dashanan Ravana.
Rama Chandra worshiped Goddess Adyashakti Mahamaya (Debi Durga) in autumn hoping to increase her strength with the aim of annihilation of sins Rama Chandra was able to rescue Goddess Sita and kill Ravana after winning the battle.
Since then, Hindu community members have been celebrating Durgotsab in the autumn.
Foolproof security measures will be ensured across the country during Durga Puja celebration.
A central police control room will be set up at the Dhakeswari National Temple premises likewise every year to monitor overall security at puja mandaps in the capital.
Today is Mahasaptami of Durga Puja
The occasion of Mahasaptami is observed on the seventh day of Navratri and the second day of Durga Puja. This year, according to the panchang, the auspicious days of Maha Astami and Mahasaptami are being celebrated on the same days.
Mahasaptami 2024: Shubh muhurat
According to Drik Panchang, Saptami and Ashtami will be celebrated on October 10. The Saptami tithi will last till 12:31 pm today. After that, Ashtami will be celebrated. As per panchang, the Atiganda yoga is up to 4:37 am on October 11. Meanwhile, Rahu Kalam is from 1:35 pm to 3:02 pm, and Bhadra from 12:31 pm to 12:24 am on October 11.
Know more auspicious timings:
Brahma muhurat: 4:40 am to 5:30 am
Pratah sandhya: 5:05 am to 6:19 am
Abhijit muhurat: 11:45 am to 12:31 pm
Vijaya muhurat: 2:04 pm to 2:50 pm
Mahasaptami 2024: Significance and Rituals
Mahasaptami during Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations holds much significance for Maa Durga's devotees. On this day, Maa Kalaratri - one of the divine incarnations of Maa Durga - is worshipped. Also known as Goddess Shubhankari, devotees worship her because she can destroy all darkness and bring peace. She also eliminates the harmful effects of Shani on her devotees' lives and brings them happiness.
Navapatrika, Mahasnan, and Pran Pratishtha are some of the important rituals of the festival. During Navapatrika, nine plants are tied together and taken to the river Ganges for a bath before sunrise. They are turmeric, bel, Ashoka, Jayanti, pomegranate, banana, paddy, colocasia, and arum. They represent the 8 goddesses that the Goddess Durga created to be her warriors in the battle against Mahishasura, and the ninth plant represents the goddess herself.
During Mahasnan, devotees place a mirror in front of Maa Durga's idol, and then the mirror is bathed. Here, the mirror is treated as the personification of the Goddess Durga.
Meanwhile, during Pran Pratishtha, a pot is filled with holy water and covered with a coconut surrounded by five mango leaves. It is placed in front of the idol of the Goddess. Then, it is consecrated by a priest with the spirit of the Goddess while chanting divine hymns. After this, the Goddess is worshipped using 16 special items.
Kumari Puja: Significance, Rituals, Offerings
Kumari Puja/Kanya Puja is an important ritual observed during Navratri or Durga Puja. This year Kumari Puja is observed today (Monday, October 11).
During Kumari Puja, an unmarried teenage girl is worshipped symbolically as a goddess. Kumari puja is held at the end of Mahastami puja, but can also be held on the day of Navami puja. Kumari puja may also be held during kali puja, jagaddhatri puja, Annapurna puja and Shakti puja.
According to Hindu scriptures, Kumari puja commemorates the killing of Kolasur by the goddess Kali. According to legend, Kolasur had once occupied the heavens and the earth. The helpless deities approached Mahakali for help. Responding to their appeal, she was born again and, in the form of a maiden, killed Kolasur.
The rituals of Kumari puja and its significance have been described in detail in Yoginitantra, Kularnavatantra, Devipurana, Stotra, Kavacha, Sahasranama, Tantrasara, Prantosini and Purohitadarpana.
Significance
As per religious belief, the Kanya Puja must be done on all nine days of Navratri. However, many opt to perform Kumari Puja on either Ashtami or Navami. As for the Bengalis, Kumari puja always takes place on Ashtami of Durga puja.
Worshipping these young girls is believed to bring good fortune, wealth, and happiness into people’s lives as Mother Divine resides with them. The girls, aged between 2 and 10, represent various forms of Maa Durga, which include Kumarika, Trimurti, Kalyani, Rohini, Kali, Chandika, Shambhavi, Durga, Bhadra or Subhadra.
According to the Bhagavad Purana, the ninth day of Navaratri is believed to fulfill devotees’ wishes. Those who fast for nine days and worship young girls at the end of Navaratri are said to receive blessings. Worshipping a kumari (virgin young girl) is believed to bring good luck, two girls symbolize insight and salvation, while worshipping three girls is associated with virtue.
Rituals
Devotees invite nine young girls (between 2 and 10 years old) to their homes. Then, they wash the girls' feet with water, wipe them, and place them on a pedestal.
Now, a holy thread, known as Kalawa or moli, is tied around their wrists, while vermilion is applied to their foreheads.
Following this, they are offered a variety of special dishes such as poori, chana, ghee halwa, coconut, sweets, and kheer.
People also offer money or gifts such as new dresses, bangles, and study materials.
Lastly, devotees ask for their blessings by touching their feet.
Offerings
To mark the occasion and conclude the nine-day-long festival, a puja is performed in which flowers, incense sticks, lamps, and other sacred objects are offered while chanting mantras in honor of Goddess Durga. Then, young girls or kanjaks are given Dakshina (money), gifts, and prasad (holy food) as a token of appreciation and attain the blessings of all the divine forms of Maa Durga. The holy food includes halwa-chana, kheer, poori, coconut, fruits, and sweets.
Maha Navami Being Celebrated Across Country
Today (Saturday, October 12) is Maha Navami. The day is being celebrated in every puja mandap across the country. The atmosphere of every mandap is filled with the farewell tune of Goddess Durga. Today is the day for the devotees to see the goddess once again.
Durga Navami or Maha Navami celebrations take place on the ninth day of Navratri and the fifth day of Durga Puja. The festival holds much significance for devotees of Maa Durga as the day marks the victory of good over evil. It is believed that on Navami, Goddess Durga defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
The celebrations on Maha Navami begin with Mahasnan, a ceremonial bathing ritual, followed by the Shodashopachar Puja, which consists of sixteen types of offerings made to the goddess. The timing of the rituals is crucial, as the performance can vary based on the lunar calendar.
Puja and Prayers
Devotees celebrate Maha Navami with elaborate ceremonies and prayers in honor of Goddess Durga. This includes beautifying the goddess’ idol or image with flowers and jewellery. The puja normally follows a set sequence that provides for mantra recitation and the offering of various things such as fruits, sweets, incense, and lamps.
Sandhi Puja
A special ceremony known as Sandhi Puja is carried out in some areas, especially in West Bengal, on the eighth day (Maha Ashtami) of Navratri, which coincides with Maha Navami this year. It is believed that at this precise moment, the goddess Durga changed into a warrior to defeat Mahishasura. Strong mantras are recited and special offerings are made to the deity during this period.
Kanya Pujan
Kanya Pujan, in which nine young girls are worshipped as the nine incarnations of the goddess, is one of the important ceremonies celebrated on Maha Navami. As a sign of respect and blessings, they are usually offered new clothes, food, and gifts.
Sacrifices
This day is traditionally marked by the offering of animals as sacrifices to the goddess in several parts of India, especially West Bengal. However, this ritual is often avoided nowadays. Instead, vegetables are sacrificed to live up to the tradition.
Significance
On Maha Navami, Goddess Durga is revered in her fierce form as Mahisasuramardini, meaning the Annihilator of the Buffalo Demon. This day is celebrated as the triumph of good over evil, marking the moment when Durga vanquished the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of righteousness.
Additionally, Navami Homa, a sacred fire ritual, is performed on this day and holds significant meaning during Durga Puja. The best time for this ritual is at the conclusion of the Navami Puja.
In conclusion, Maha Navami is a crucial day in the Durga Puja festivities, representing the culmination of devotion and worship. With its rich traditions and rituals, it is a day when devotees express their reverence for the goddess and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
Dr. Yunus to Visit Dhakeshwari Temple This Afternoon to Exchange Puja Greetings
Chief Advisor to the Interim Government Muhammad Yunus will go to Dhakeshwari National Temple on Saturday (October 12) afternoon to exchange greetings with the Hindu community and visit puja on the occasion of Saradiya Durga Puja.
Chief Advisor's Press Wing said that the Chief Adviser will visit Dhakeshwari National Temple at 3 pm today to visit the Durga Puja. He will participate in an exchange meeting with the Hindu community there.
In this regard, Manindra Kumar Nath, Acting General Secretary of Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Parishad, said that the Chief Advisor will go to Dhakeshwari National Temple at 3 pm today.
Foolproof security measures have been taken around the temple area centering the chief advisor's visit to the temple.
