About Jagadhatri Puja
Jagadhatri Puja is a popular and eagerly awaited ceremony which is predominantly observed in the state of West Bengal. The Puja is dedicated to Goddess Jagadhatri, a feminine deity who is an aspect of the Hindu Goddess Durga. This form of the Devi is worshiped as the protector of the world, as her name implies. The Puja is performed with great zeal and enthusiasm in the state and especially more so in Chandannagar, Rishra, Konnagar and Howrah. This 10 day Puja is observed in much the same way as the Grand Durga Puja celebrations. The Jagadhatri Puja is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. The practice of observing the ceremony was started by Sarada Devi, the wife of Ramakrishna. Many devotees believe that Sarada Devi was a divine deity by herself, and thus she is worshiped in Ramakrishna Mission centers all over the world.
Several Indian texts depict Kali, Durga and Jagadhatri as the three - past, present and future aspects of ‘Bharat Mata’ or Mother India.
Devotees erect massive pandals in which elegantly crafted idols of Goddess Jagadhatri are placed and decorated with lights and flowers. The images are decked up in beautiful red sarees and several gold ornaments. However, the image of ‘Mahishasura’ is conspicuous by its absence.
The Goddess is depicted holding a bow and conch in her two left hands and a chakra and a five-headed arrow in her right hands. A fierce Tiger serves as her “Vahana’ (vehicle). The Goddess is considered a calm and serene aspect of the Mother Goddess Durga.
Hindu devotees consider Goddess Jagadhatri as the ‘holder’ of the world and it is widely believed that is she were not doing so, the world would fall and slide down for all of eternity. According to the Hindu Puranas, (scriptures) the Devatas residing in heaven became vain and egoistic after Goddess Durga vanquished the demon Mahishasura. It was this that prompted Lord Brahma, the creator, to manifest as ‘Yaksha’ in order to curb the conceit of the Devatas. It was the belief of the Devatas that the weapons they had given Goddess Durga were instrumental in the downfall of the demon, Mahishasura.
Lord Brahma assumed this form to curb the growing vanity of the Devatas and impress upon them that it was the primordial feminine power of the Goddess which had ensured her victory.
To put their power to the test, Yaksha placed a blade of grass on the ground and asked the assembled Devatas to either move or burn it with all the power at their command. One by one, all the Devatas, including ‘Vayu’ the god of wind and ‘Agni’ the god of fire attempted to accomplish the feat but failed to do so.
Thus they had to acknowledge that it was the supreme power of the Divine Mother that was responsible for holding the entire Universe and all of creation. Thus, she is known as Jagadhatri. By worshiping this awesome form of the Divine Mother, one can shed all ego and go on to achieve incredible feats in a selfless manner.
The ten day Jagadhatri Puja is a major occasion of celebration which features traditional Bengali dance recitals and Rabindra Sangeet performances. It is also a time for shopping and indulging in purchase of various items. The neighboring state of Odisha conducts a grand Jagadhatri Mela, reminiscent of the magnificent Jagannath Rath Yatra.
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