Jagaddhatri Pooja
Goddess Jagadhatri is the incarnation of Goddess Durga and the universal mother. This worship is very similar to Durga Puja. Jagadhatri Puja is celebrated from Shashti, the sixth day to Dasami, the tenth day during Shukla Paksha, (waxing Moon phase), in the Hindu month of Karthik (October – November). This is also observed essentially in and around the state of West Bengal, in the eastern parts of India.
Importance of Goddess Jagadhatri
The word Jagadhatri means, ‘the one who rules the world’ and refers to the all-powerful divine feminine power. She is regarded as a Goddess of the Tantras and is believed to be holding all the worlds in her hands. She is generally depicted as a three-eyed and four-armed Goddess, holding the conch, discus, bow and the arrow in her hands, riding a lion, dressed in red and decorated with bright ornaments. She is also seen as standing on the corpse of a demon called Karindrasura, who is in the form of an elephant.
The legend associated with Goddess Jagaddhatri
Goddess Durga destroyed demon Mahishasura and saved the universe from his atrocities. The Devas (heavenly beings) were very happy but began thinking that the Goddess could win only because of their powers. This made them arrogant. To make them see the truth, Lord Brahma placed a small blade of grass before them and requested them to destroy it. The Devas tried their best but could do nothing to the simple grass even with all their might. They realized that the source of all their powers is only “Shakthi”, the ultimate divinity. All Devas immediately shed their illusion and arrogance, and began worshipping the Goddess as Jagadhatri.
This pooja was first started by “Maharaja Krishnachandra” of Krishnanagar, Nadia in Bengal. During the British period, he was arrested for a felony, which hampered the celebrations for a long time. He again started the Pooja, to bring decorum in his state. For more than three centuries, the festival has been celebrated with the same pomp and glory. It has also attracted people from all parts of the world to enjoy and cherish the celebrations.
Jagaddhatri Pooja Celebration
The Pooja involves a five-day celebration, from Shashti (6th day of a 14-day phase of the moon) to Dasami (10th day of the 14-day phase of the moon). The festivities begin with a ‘Pran Pratishta’ on the first day, when an idol of Goddess Jagadhatri, usually made of clay is installed at the appointed place. This is followed by the ‘Bodhon’ ritual when the Goddess’ face is ceremoniously unveiled.
The Pooja as such begins on the next day of Saptami (7th day of the 14-day phase of the moon), when Mahasnan, the ceremonial sacred bath, is given to the deity. On the third day of Ashtami (8th day of the 14-day phase of the moon), people chant mantras in her praise, and worship her with flowers, seeking wealth, prosperity and good fortune. They also make an offering of Ashtami Bhog, a special food item and later distribute it as Prasad to the devotees. The penultimate day of Navami (9th day of the 14-day phase of the moon) is held very sacred as it is on this day that the Goddess is believed to have incarnated on earth. A special offering called ‘Chalkumro’ comprising vegetables and fruits like cucumber, pumpkin, and bananas are offered to her.
The Vijayadashami day or ‘day of victory’ is the last day that worship is offered to the Goddess. Then, her idol is carried in a procession to the accompaniment of dance and music and immersed in water bodies. Jagadhatri Puja concludes with this final ritual, known as ‘Visarjan’ or ‘Bishorjon’ (immersion). Jagadhatri Puja thus marks the ultimate victory of good over evil, when people offer sincere prayers to the mother Goddess for the welfare of the world.
