Spring is here at last and I am delighted - I think I have had enough of sub-zero temperatures to last for a lifetime. And now, finally, Mother Nature has woken up - the roads, and trees, and gardens blooming with the joy of spring. The dull white and grey backdrop has been replaced with shades of reds and greens and oranges and yellows, and the fragrance of various blooms just wafts in the fresh, crisp air. What a relief from the terrible winter!!!
Interestingly, the ever tropical climate in India has not deterred our ancestors from celebrating this season of joy. With spring comes a whole new life - a whole new year. And every year, a number of festivals fall around spring, glorifying the happiness that comes along with it. Baisakhi and Holi are two grand scale celebrations of the colours and bounty of the season. Filled with fun and laughter, these festivals bring out the celebrative mood in a very vibrant way. Bhangra, gulal, and Holika-dahan are widespread words of talk in the northern parts of India.
In the south, however, the people celebrate the dance of spring with a less vibrant worship of the divine Mother - the fountainhead of all creation. For nine days and nine nights they worship her in her various forms and thank her for all that she has given them and for all they believe that she would bestow on them. Yes, they celebrate the Vasantha Navarathri - a festival far less known than its cousin, the Ashada Navarathri that comes later on in the year in autumn, but just as potent.
The legend behind Vasantha Navarathri, its associated customs and rituals, and the various fruits of observing this celebration are detailed out in the Srimad Devi Bhaagavatham, in the third book from chapters 14 to 30. When Janamejaya asked Veda Vyasa to describe the glorious legends associated with Devi, Vyasa obliged to his request and started recounting some of the most memorable and mighty deeds performed by the Devi. The following narrative is based on this particular conversation between Vyasa and Janamejaya.
The illustrious Ikshvaaku clan of the solar dynasty, which ruled over Kosala, had the privilege of having given birth to many a valiant king – some of the very best of Bharathavarsha. King Dhruvasindhu was one such ruler, who ruled from the capital of Ayodhya. He was a kind, benevolent and strong monarch, who ruled over the entire kingdom with dignity and integrity. He had two queens - Manorama and Lilavati, exceedingly beautiful, intelligent, and qualified royal women. Through the two queens, Dhruvasindhu had two sons – Sudarshana from Manorama, and Shatrujith from Lilavati. Sudarshana was older than Shatrujith by a month and hence was crowned the heir-apparent, but Shatrujith was more popular amongst the people with his spontaneous and open speaking habits. Kosala flourished under Dhruvasindhu’s rule, with the people of all the varnas living a life of comfort and quality. But unfortunately, by the plays of fate, the valiant king’s life came to a sudden end during one of his hunting expeditions. Dhruvasindhu was attacked by a fierce lion, and after a deadly combat between man and beast, they both succumbed to the numerous fatal injuries.
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| The death of Dhruvasindhu |
The death of Dhruvasindhu put the entire kingdom of Kosala in a very tricky situation. Sudarshana, being the eldest, was the obvious choice for the next king. Preparations were immediately carried out by the Kulaguru Vasishta and the ministers to install Sudarshana on the throne of Kosala. However, King Yudhajith of Ujjain, Shatrujith’s maternal grandfather, wanted to see his grandson on the throne. Lesser to no one, King Virasena of Kalinga, Sudarshana’s grandfather, publicly announced that he would never allow that to happen as long as he was alive. Both the kings rushed down to Kosala to support their respective wards. Kings and princes of the surrounding lands also ended up at Kosala, each choosing a side between Yudhajith and Virasena. Words were hurled around, insults were thrown and curses uttered. Anarchy reigned at Ayodhya while many plunderers from the neighboring settlement of Sringaverpura penetrated into the kingdom and made use of the pandemonium to their thieving advantage. And finally the inevitable happened. War broke out between the armies of Kalinga and Ujjain to usurp the throne of Kosala.
As luck would have it, Virasena was killed in the battle, his head having been severed from his body by Yudhajith’s arrow. Yudhajith roared in triumph, and the armies of Kalinga scattered without a trace. He marched towards Kosala to crown his grandson as the king of the mighty Kosala Empire.
Having heard about the death of her father, Manorama shuddered. She realized that Yudhajith would always be a threat to her son’s life as long as he lived. Not knowing what to do, she consulted Viddala, the trusted chief minister of Dhruvasindhu.
“Viddala, be true to your heart and tell me what I should do. My father has been slain in a battle. My husband is no longer alive and my son here, is yet to come of age. When Yudhajith reaches Ayodhya, I can no longer guarantee the safety of Sudarshana. Where should I go?”
The venerable minister was touched by the queen’s pitiable condition and immediately came up with a piece of advice. “It is never advisable for us to stay here, Oh queen. We should immediately take refuge in the forests of Benares. There I have the support of my powerful uncle Subaahu. He is prosperous and has got a strong army. He will protect us. Do not worry, Oh lady. Prepare yourself to leave this kingdom at once.”
Manorama fled from Ayodhya on the pretext of performing the final rites for her father. She was accompanied by Sudarshana, Viddala and a handful of trusted servants, including a eunuch maid. Manorama performed her father’s final rites and finally, she reached the banks of the Ganges after two days of tiring journey. As fate would have it, the group was attacked by a band of robbers, who stripped them of all their wealth. With nothing but the clothes that clad them, the group reached the aashrama of Bharadhwaja Rishi. There, Viddala narrated the sad story of Manorama and Sudarshana to the sage. Extremely moved by their piteous conditions, Bharadhwaja offered them refuge and asked them to make the aashrama their home. “Oh queen, rear your child here, amidst the best of tapasvis. No sorrow will affect you as long as you remain within the confines of this aashrama. Your son will surely be a great king one day. Until that time comes, you are welcome to stay here.”
At Ayodhya, Shatrujith was crowned the king of Kosala amidst much fanfare, but Yudhajith was not satisfied. His hands itched for the blood of Manorama and Sudarshana. Gathering an army, he went in search of them. Eventually he reached Bharadhwaja’s aashrama.
“Bharadhwaja Maharishi”, Yudhajith bowed to him humbly, “I have come to take away Queen Manorama and her son. They pose a threat to my grandson’s reign and need to be eliminated. It is Kshatriya dharma to vanquish our enemy. Please don’t stand in my way. Hand them over to me peacefully. If not, I have no choice but to resort to brute force to achieve my means”
Bharadhwaja just smiled. “It maybe Kshatriya dharma to vanquish your enemies, Oh Yudhajith”, he said, “but it is a Mano-dharma to protect the one who has taken refuge in you. I am not going to hand over the people who have approached me for my help. It is highly recommended that you turn back, lest you want to feel the wrath of a brahmana. Oh King! If there be any strength in you, you can take away Manorama by force; but the result will be similar to that when King Vishwamitra wanted to take away the heavenly cow Nandini from the hermitage of Vasishta”, he ended calmly.
Yudhajith’s anger flared up at the rishi’s calm countenance and he raised his hands to attack the rishi, when his ministers pounced on him and pulled him back. The ministers reasoned out the rishi’s point of view to Yudhajith and also narrated the story of Vishwamitra (which would probably be another post) to the king. Having no other go, Yudhajith returned to Ujjain, without Manorama and Sudarshana.
Years passed and lady luck smiled on Sudarshana. He grew up in the aashrama along with the other sons and daughters of the rishis. They were taught the various shaastras and the Vedas along with war craft, horse riding, sword fighting etc. Soon the prince excelled in all the 64 forms of art.
One day, a hermit’s son came to the aashrama and called out to the eunuch maid using the Sanskrit word for the same - “Kleeba”. The young prince was fascinated by this new word and using the first syllable alone, he kept mispronouncing the word as Klee. Little did he know that it happened to be the Beeja Mantra (Kleem) of the holy Mother, one of the most sacred and potent mantras ever recited. The prince kept repeating the syllable in a playful manner, humming it like a favorite song - and unknown to himself he achieved a never-before-experienced sense of calmness.
Years passed again, but Sudarshana never forgot the mantra. He recited it all throughout the day – while he played or hunted or ate or laid down for a nap. The mantra was always present on his lips. One day, all of a sudden, a bright glow materialized in front of him and Shakthi stood there, in all her glory, shining with resplendence. The potency of the mantra, and the innocent, untainted devotion of Sudarshana had simply drawn her to his abode, just as a bee is attracted to a freshly bloomed flower. She blessed him whole-heartedly and bestowed upon him a number of divine weapons, an enchanted armour and a quiver that remains unexhausted. Blessing him once again, she disappeared, just as suddenly as she had come.
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| Sashikala pines for Sudarshana |
At just about the same time, the King of Benares, Subaahu, was zealously searching for a suitable groom for his daughter, Princess Sashikala. He sent messengers far and wide to the remotest of kingdoms to invite their princes to his daughter’s Swayamvara. The princess, however, had already selected her groom. Sashikala had totally fallen for the charm of Sudarshana, which was relayed to her through a soothsayer. She spent all her day dreaming about this yet-to-be-seen prince charming, who would marry her some day. Her prayers yielded their fruits when Devi appeared in her dreams one night and spoke highly of Sudarshana, declaring him to be the fit groom for Sashikala. Sashikala’s joy knew no bounds and she shared her dreams with her ladies-in-waiting.
The queen of Benares, was however, shocked to hear about Sashikala’s choice. Not only was Sudarshana in exile with nothing to claim as his own but he also lived under the constant threat of death at the hands of Yudhajith. Why would her daughter ever choose to marry such an insecure person? She shared her distress with the King, who at once agreed with her. Together, they tried to talk Sashikala out of this ridiculous match, but Sashikala remained firm in her decision. Having no other go, the King sent his envoys to invite Sudarshana to the Swayamvara.
On hearing from Subaahu’s envoys, Sudarshana expressed his desire to attend the Swayamvara to his mother. But Manorama was shocked at Sudarshana’s desire. "No my son! There's nobody to come to your rescue at Benares - not even a bodyguard - should any danger be fall you. Besides, King Yudhajith might want the princess to marry his grandson. He spared you once because of his fear of the sage. But once you are away from the forest and you prove yourself to be a rival to his grandson, I am sure that there would be no second chance!"
"Mother, I feel that I have divine protection from the Goddess herself. It is not for nothing that the princess has set her heart upon me. Don't worry, mother, I will return to the forest with glory," said the prince.
"In that case my son, let me go with you. I cannot be at peace even for a moment without you," said the queen.
And hence Sudarshana, along with his mother, got into a beautiful chariot which had been gifted to Sudarshana by the Nishada chief, and reached Kashi. King Subaahu received them with all the courtesy due to a royal guest. Benares wore a festive look with garlands hanging at every doorway, the entrances to homes decorated with colourful rangoli, and musical instruments being played at public halls and parks. Kings and princes from the states of Kosala, Anga, Madra, Mahishmati, Chozha, Ujjain and many more had come to grace the occasion. Amongst them was Shatrujith, Sudarshana’s step brother, who was accompanied by his overshadowing grandfather Yudhajith. On seeing Sudarshana, Yudhajith’s blood boiled with fury. He itched to put an end to him that very instant but he restrained himself. He vented his anger through his words. “I see no reason for Sudarshana to be here. He is an exiled prince, with no proper means to take care of himself. How does he expect the princess to choose him as her groom? And if that does happen, I promise that the princess would become a widow the very next moment.”
On hearing this, the other kings gathered at the Swayamvara chided Yudhajith for his thoughts. “Oh King, how could you speak such inauspicious words at this time. The princess is free to select her groom in this Swayamvara and once she has done so, it is our duty to bless and wish the married couple. Your words show your innate hatred towards Sudarshana, who is on an exile only because of your cruel deed.”
On the other hand, they also questioned Sudarshana about his presence there. “Oh prince in exile, how do you hope that Sashikala would garland you, who has neither the means nor the way to treat her like a queen? Why have you come here for a lost cause?”
On the other hand, they also questioned Sudarshana about his presence there. “Oh prince in exile, how do you hope that Sashikala would garland you, who has neither the means nor the way to treat her like a queen? Why have you come here for a lost cause?”
Sudarshana smiled gently at the kings, “It is true that I have neither the wealth, nor the power to treat her like a queen. But I do have the blessings of the Goddess upon me, and with Her on my side, I am sure no difficulty would be too big to overcome. I nurture no enmity towards Yudhajith either. Let him be in peace.” But Yudhajith was not humbled. He wanted Shatrujith to marry Sashikala, and he was leaving no stone unturned to make his wish come true.
The next day dawned bright and auspicious. All the suitors for the Swayamvara had assembled in the grand court room of Subaahu’s palace. The princes were adorned in their finest silks and the most exquisite of jewels. Diamonds and emeralds and rubies sparkled amongst the gathered crowd. Finally, at the appointed hour, Subaahu entered the hall, shining like a sun on the eastern horizon. He welcomed all the princes and kings and bade them to take their seats. Having thus taken care of everyone, he left the room again to talk to Sashikala.
Sashikala too had been adorned in the best of bridal silks, with rows of ordered necklaces, many coloured gems sparkling away at her ears and hands. She looked like a reincarnation of Lakshmi herself. Subaahu’s heart overflowed with joy at the sight of his beautiful daughter. His eyes brimmed up with tears as he said, “Oh child, pick up the holy garland and go choose the one who is worthy of you. The court is filled with hundreds of eligible princes and kings, just waiting to take your hand in marriage. Come child, let us proceed.”
But Sashikala just stood rooted to her spot, her head hung low. “Father, I have already let you know about my desire. I wish to marry Sudarshana alone and no one else. I will not enter the Swayamvara hall like a prostitute looking for the best of her bets. It is a great sin to be in the very sight of such kings, whose hearts know no love but only lust. I tell it again, I will accept Sudarshana alone as my husband. This is the very wish of the Goddess. Let it be very clear father, either I will marry Sudarshana and die with him, if he is ever attacked by Yudhajith, else I will end my life this very moment and rid you of all the troubles.”
Subaahu was shocked at his daughter’s words, but he realised that somewhere behind these harsh sentences, were hidden the tender feelings of a woman’s true love for a man. But what would he tell the crowd that had gathered at the Swayamvara hall? Who would take the brunt of the kings’ anger at Sashikala’s behavior? Who would accept the responsibility for any blood that would be spilt over this trivial issue? But he had no choice. With his head bent low, he proceeded to the hall and addressed all the suitors. “Oh valiant kings and princes. My dear daughter refuses to come into the hall to select her suitor, for she believes that she already knows her choice. Please consider her to be an innocent girl, who knows not much about the matters of the world and forgive her behavior. I apologize on her behalf. Do accept the very best of my humble gifts and take leave of us. It was an honour to serve you all for the past few days.”
On hearing Subahu’s humble apologies, the assembled kings remained silent, but not Yudhajith. His eyes became bloodshot with anger and sweat poured down his forehead. “Oh Subaahu, Do you realize the foolishness of the mistake that you are committing? After having invited the very best kings of this land to compete for your daughter’s hand, are you going to marry her off to Sudarshana without so much as a formal Swayamvara. If that is to happen, I will kill you and Sudarshana right now, and make Sashikala the bride of my grandson. I have no problems if she were to choose anyone else as her husband, but not Sudarshana. You have convened a Swayamvara and it is the right of the most eligible prince in the assembly to claim your daughter’s hand in marriage. Go speak sense into your daughter’s head and ask her to garland Shatrujith, the king of Kosala. It will be for the good of both the states. If you still disagree, blood will run through your city like a river in spate, Subaahu. Beware!”
Subaahu was now positively shuddering, but he knew his daughter’s answer. He stood in front of the crowd, fiddling with his hands when suddenly, an idea struck him. He placed his entire burden at the feet of the Goddess and once again, he addressed the assembly, “Oh virtuous rulers, I will try to talk sense into Sashikala and make her come to the Swayamvara tomorrow morning. Until then, please retire to your camps and enjoy the best of the Benarasi hospitality. We will reconvene here tomorrow once again. Thank you all for your understanding.” The kings were satisfied with Subaahu’s proposal and they all went back to their camps to rest and rejuvenate.
Subaahu too retired back to his rooms – not to talk sense into Sashikala, but to meet with the most trusted of his advisers, and to make arrangements for a secret wedding between Sudarshana and Sashikala. In the early hours of the morning, Sashikala and Sudarshana were escorted into a well-lit room, deep within the palace, strung with fragrant garlands and filled with the smell of various perfumes. There, in the presence of Manorama and the queen of Benares, accompanied by the vedic chants of the wise priests, and amidst the auspicious sounds of several musical instruments, Subaahu gave away Sashikala to Sudarshana, with the sacred fire and the 33 Crore gods as witnesses.
“Oh sister of mine”, the king addressed Manorama, “I entrust the welfare of my daughter into your hands. From this moment, she is as much your daughter, as she is mine. Please accept these humble gifts from my side on this joyous occasion.” Saying so, Subaahu showered Sudarshana with several jewels, soldiers, horses, chariots, elephants and other royal paraphernalia.
Manorama was touched by this act of Subaahu. "You are a noble soul, brother! It speaks of your courage and kindness, that you let your charming daughter marry my son, who lives in exile."
"Sister, no longer should you consider yourself to be hapless. I, my castle, my army, and my kingdom are at your disposal. I do not expect much trouble, but should there be any, I'm ready to face it with all my might. I have already submitted my problem to the Divine Mother and I now have no fear!" said Subaahu.
"In your speech I hear the voice of God, brother. I feel as if our luck has begun to take a turn towards the better. My innocent son, who should be enjoying the luxuries of his palace, has been living in a forest. Maybe, the time has come for him to assert himself," said Manorama, looking towards her now married son.
Subaahu smiled at Manorama’s hopes, and invited the group to enjoy a grand breakfast. He alone went to break the news to the rest of the kings, who on the other hand, had already come to know of the secret wedding through their trusted network of spies.
They stood in the courtroom, their voices laced with anger and vexation at the unforeseen happenings of the day. Yudhajith stood at the very front, his arms crossed across his chest, the very picture of an angry tyrant.
Subaahu approached them, with a smile on his face. "Oh kings, be pleased to come in and bless the newly-wed couple. I must confess that I had to marry my daughter off to the bridegroom of her choice rather secretly, for I feared trouble from some quarters. Do come in and join in the celebrations."
At Subaahu’s words, Yudhajith growled under his breath. It was obvious that the guests did not take the king's announcement kindly. The king understood their minds at once. He said again, "My noble friends, please do not misunderstand me. I tried my best to convince my daughter that she should appear before all of you and make her choice. But she refused to do so. She even threatened to kill herself if I did not agree to her marriage with Prince Sudarshana. You are a conscientious lot. You will excuse me, I trust. Please come in and partake of the feast."
Finally, some of the assembled kings calmed down and said, “Oh Subaahu, do not bother about entertaining us. We are sure that you have acted in the best of your interests as well as ours. Pray, go forward and take care of the wedding celebrations. Our blessings would always be with the bridal couple.” Saying so, they departed from Benares. Subaahu also, returned back to the palace, to make arrangements for his daughter’s journey to Sudarshana’s place. While the preparations were in full swing, many of Subaahu’s friends warned him about sending the bridal couple to the aashrama immediately. They feared that Yudhajith would seek revenge for his humiliation by making an attempt on Sudarshana’s life. Subaahu too felt the same way, and requested Sudarshana to postpone his date of return, but Sudarshana would not hear of it. “Oh King, don't have any fear about our lives. The Divine Mother will protect us both, for it was her will that we should unite in the sacred bond of marriage. I shall lead your daughter safely to my hut. I have no palace, but my forest is in no way less attractive than the best of the palaces.”
Subaahu no longer attempted to stand in Sudarshana’s way. With tearful eyes, he bid farewell to his daughter and son-in-law. He insisted on sending a regiment of his army to accompany them and later, Subaahu himself followed the couple at a safe distance, without the knowledge of Sudarshana. The small group had just reached the borders of Benares, when they were ambushed by Yudhajith and a few other vexed princes. Yudhajith drew his sword and ran towards Sudarshana, but suddenly he was blocked by Subaahu, who had rushed to the spot the moment he had sensed danger. And a fight broke out between Subahu’s regiment and Yudhajith’s group. Amidst all the sword clashes, and shouts of pain and anger, Sudarshana remained calm and repeatedly meditated on the Goddess.
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| The Goddess appears |
All of a sudden, there was a bright flash, and to everybody’s surprise, there appeared a luminous female figure riding a lion, in the very thick of the battle. She was stunningly beautiful to behold and was adorned with various exquisite ornaments. In her arms she wielded various weapons with the ease of a seasoned warrior. The kings blinked at this stupendous sight and were agape at the exceeding beauty of the lady. Who was this lady and how did she come here?
“Behold, Oh King of Benares! Our Mother is here to protect us. Why fear when she is here?” said Sudarshana to Subaahu. Stunned by the beautiful sight, they both bowed deeply in front of the Goddess.
The Goddess smiled at them, and suddenly the lion let out a roar of terror. Hearing this, the elephants of Yudhajith’s army trembled with fear and ran hither-tether. Yudhajith was furious now. “Oh kings, go ahead and catch that forest-dweller, who is stealing my grandson’s rightful bride. Don’t be afraid of this silly woman on a lion. Let us see what she can do.” Shouting out thus, Yudhajith ran towards Sudarshana’s chariot, when the Goddess jumped in the way, and with one neat sweep of her sword, severed his head from his body. Next to fall was Shatrujith. In quick succession many of Yudhajith's soldiers and collaborators died at the hands of King Subaahu and Prince Sudarshana. The rest fled from the field and soon the place was calm and quiet once again.
Sudarshana, along with his newly wedded wife, and his father-in-law, prostrated in front of the divine Mother. They sung her praises, and worshipped her repeatedly, with songs, mantras, and words. The Devi was pleased beyond measure, and she offered to grant a boon to Subaahu. Subaahu was elated at this and bowing humbly, he said “"Mother! Now that you have come to my rescue so compassionately, be pleased to dwell forever in the city of Kashi. I am told that Kashi will remain in existence as long as the earth exists. Do make this city your temple, and bless my people for all times to come.” Devi was extremely happy with Subaahu’s wish and granted it immediately.
Then, she turned towards Sudarshana, “Oh child, I am extremely pleased with your pure devotion. My grace will always be with you. Go back to Ayodhya, and rule over Kosala with kindness and justice. Worship me every day with all your heart, and I will protect you and your citizens for generations to come. Every year, with the birth of spring, honour me with a celebration for nine long nights. Your clan will achieve immeasurable success.” Smiling upon them, the Devi once again returned to her heavenly abodes.
Pleased with the turn of events, Sudarshana, along with Sashikala and Manorama, returned to the aashrama of Bharadhwaja to seek his blessings. The delighted sage blessed the couple and immediately escorted them back to Ayodhya along with Queen Manorama. The news of Yudhajith’s and Shatrujith’s deaths had already reached the city, and the ministers were eagerly waiting for the arrival of their eldest prince and his consort. Sudarshana and Sashikala were received at the city gates with rituals and auspicious music, and were then led to the palace. Sudarshana immediately went to meet Lilavati, and tried to console her at the loss of her son and father. “Oh mother, realize this that I nurse no ill-will towards anyone, least of all for you. My attitude towards you will be like my attitude to my own mother.” he said. With tears streaming down her cheeks, Lilavati blessed him and welcomed him back home.
On an auspicious day, at the court room of Ayodhya, Bharadhwaja and Vasishta installed Sudarshana on the throne, and crowned him as the regent of Kosala. The city rejoiced at the return of their king and the celebrations lasted for several months. With the aid of his bevy of ministers, Sudarshana ruled over Kosala wisely and justly.
As ordered by the Goddess, King Subaahu, installed an idol of the Goddess at Kashi, and celebrated various festivals in her honour. Sudarshana, similarly installed a golden image of Durga on a throne, in the palace, and worshipped it every single day of his life. He built several other temples dedicated to Durga all over Kosala, to facilitate her worship by the common masses. Sudarshana and Sashikala also performed the nine day worship for Devi on a grand scale year after year. He performed homas and yagnas in her honour, and donated generously to the public. The King of Benares also popularized the worship of the Mother at the advent of spring, for the welfare of one and all. The people soon followed their kings’ lead and began to recite the hymns as advocated by the agamas, and became deeply attached to the worship of the Goddess.
The splendour of the Ikshvaaku clan spread all over the nation. All the descendents of Sudarshana, followed in the footsteps of their fore-father, and upheld the custom of this spring festival, and the associated worship of the Goddess. True to Devi’s words, Shri Vishnu himself was born in their clan as Raama, who immortalized the glory of the solar dynasty.
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| Shri Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi |
Thus began the tradition of celebrating the Vasantha Navarathri, by the command of the Goddess herself, and true to her words, people who have observed the rituals of Vasantha Navarathri, with faith and devotion, are known to have achieved success in life - both materialistic and spiritual.
This year, Vasantha Navarathri started on the fourth of April (2011), the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra, and continues for nine days, culminating with Shri Rama Navami on the twelfth of April. The Goddess is worshipped in her three forms of Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Parvathi for three days each. Kalasha pooja, Chandi yagna and Mantra parayana also form an integral part of the celebrations. Devotees read the entire Devi mahatmyam or the Devi Bhaagavatham over the course of the nine days. It is also customary to invite unmarried virgin girls (2-10 years of age) into one’s dwelling, honour them as Devi herself, feed them and then send them away with gifts of clothes, kumkum, bangles and other auspicious articles. Chapters 26 and 27 of the Third book of the Devi Bhaagavatham explain in detail about the various customs and rituals that are to be observed during the pooja. These include several tasks, from the selection of the worship site, the preparation of the dais, the rituals to be followed on every single thithi from Amavasya to Navami, to the selection of suitable virgins for worship, the benefits of worshipping virgins of different ages, and the method of inviting and worshipping the virgins. I bet that you would not be able to find a more detailed compendium of worship than this.
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| Kumari Pooja |
So what are you waiting for? It’s high time to join in with the spring song (If only the dratted weather outside stabilizes once and for all… Sigh!!!).
Notes :
1. The temple of Durga that was established by King Subaahu is today famously known as the Durgakund Mandir at Kashi, and is one of the major centers of worship apart from the Vishwanathar, Vishalakshi and Annapoorni temples. It is located by a scenic water-body, locally known as Durga-Kund.
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| Varanasi Durga Devi |
2. The ancestry of Dhruvasindhu and Sudarshana can be traced from the Raamayana, which sings about the glory of the Ikshvaaku dynasty starting from Brahma himself.
3. While worshipping a virgin as an incarnation of the Goddess, virgins of different ages are called by different names, each associated with varied forms of the Goddess. The worship of each such virgin is believed to bestow certain benefits upon the worshipper as said below
Age
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Form of the Goddess
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Benefits
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2
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Kumari
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Extinction of miseries and poverty, extirpation of one’s enemies, and an increment of riches, longevity and power.
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3
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Trimurti
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Longevity and the acquisition of the three pillars of Dharma, wealth, and desires, and the coming in of riches, sons and grandsons.
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4
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Kalyani
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Learning, victory, kingdom, and happiness
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5
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Rohini
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Cure of diseases
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6
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Kalika
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Destruction of enemies
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7
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Chandika
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Prosperity and riches
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8
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Shambhavi
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Enchanting and overpowering one’s enemies
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9
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Durga
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Removal of miseries and poverty
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10
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Subhadra
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Victory in battles
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