Spring is in the air, a nine night's fair - Vasantha Navarathri

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.

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.

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?”

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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	Form of the Goddess	Benefits
2	Kumari	Extinction of miseries and poverty, extirpation of one’s enemies, and an increment of riches, longevity and power.
3	Trimurti	Longevity and the acquisition of the three pillars of Dharma, wealth, and desires, and the coming in of riches, sons and grandsons.
4	Kalyani	Learning, victory, kingdom, and happiness
5	Rohini	Cure of diseases
6	Kalika	Destruction of enemies
7	Chandika	Prosperity and riches
8	Shambhavi	Enchanting and overpowering one’s enemies
9	Durga	Removal of miseries and poverty
10	Subhadra	Victory in battles

Her ATM's Warranty Renewal - Kaaradayaan Nonbu

Damn, I hate the 5000 miles that separate me from home. One of the most irritating things about living in the US is the delicious festival feasts that you miss out on. And so it happens today, when in spite of unashamedly advertising my pathetic conditions on “Face Book”, I doubt if any soul is prepared to send warm Kaaradais to this cold dwelling sitting at the crest of Bishop St, Cincinnati. While my friends and relatives are enjoying hot, buttery Kaaradais and Kozhukattais, here I am eating Cheese Pizza for lunch (with that extra dash of chili flakes to make it more G-Land’ish)

It is Kaaradayaan Nonbu, a yearly celebration of Savithri’s victory over Yama and a festival that I always associated with the mouth watering Kaaradais that Jayashree Aunty, my mother’s friend, used to bring for me. Studded with kidney beans, the adais were made in two versions – the sweet and the savory, and both melted on my tongue, creating an explosion of senses in my food-o-philic brain. Yummmm.

Every year, when the Tamizh month of Maasi (Kumbha/Aquarius) gives way to the divine month of Panguni (Meena/Pisces), the ever-dutiful married women of India prepare for one of the most important vrathaas on their calendar- The Kaaradayaan Nonbu. Also known as the Sati Savithri Nonbu, the vrathaa is a common observance in many of the Brahmin families of South India. On this day, the women folk gather together and pray for the single most important boon in their life- the long lives of ‘their’ gods (read -Husbands). In observing the vrathaa, they follow the rituals that were carried out eons ago by Savithri, their heroine and role model - a heroine who was caught in a very grave situation.

The story of Savithri is mentioned in the Vana Parva (Book of Forests) of the Mahabharatha. It is narrated by Markandeya Maharishi to Yudhishtira when the latter, extremely astonished by the chastity and bravado of Draupadi, asks the former about any other ‘Stree’ (Lady) who could be so chaste and exalted.

अस्ति सीमंतिनी काचिदृष्टपूर्वाथ वा श्रुता

पतिव्रता महाभागा यथेयं द्रुपदात्माजा ||

“Hast thou ever seen or heard of such a

Chaste or exalted lady, as the daughter of Drupada?”

The aged King of Madra, Ashvapathi, though a just, generous and pious ruler, was however not blessed with an issue. Extremely worried about the future state of his Prajaas (citizens), Ashvapathi performed grand sacrifices to the Goddess Savithri (the wife of Savitr – the Sun) every day for eighteen long years. Extremely pleased with his intense devotion, Savithri emerged from the sacrificial fire and granted Ashvapathi the boon of having a divine daughter. Though Ashvapathi had prayed for a son, he gladly accepted this gift from the goddess and returned home. In due course, the queen Malavi conceived and gave birth to a baby girl who shone with the brightness of Shri Lakshmi herself. Since, she was begotten by the blessings of the goddess; she was named Savithri in her honour.

Savithri grew into a beautiful princess, with much learning and knowledge of the Vedas, shastras and other worldly affairs. Overcome by the burning splendor that always enveloped her, no suitor came asking for her hand in marriage, no prince fell in love with her. Ashvapathi grew extremely worried at the woes that surrounded his happy daughter

One day, not being able to take it anymore, he summoned her to his chambers and poured out his worries. “Savithri, you have now come of age and need to be given in marriage to a person who would be able to protect you and this kingdom after my time. You are beautiful, yes, but yet my heart worries about finding a fitting suitor for you. I fear that I may marry you off to the wrong person. Have you not heard the twice-borns chanting :

अप्रदाता पिता वाच्यो वाच्यश्चानुपयंपतिः

मृते भर्तरि पुत्रश्च वाच्यो मातुररक्षिता ||”

“The father who marries off not his daughter,

The husband who knows not his wife in season,

The son who takes care not of his widowed mother,

Disgrace shall fall upon these people full of sin”

Hearing her father’s anxious words, Savithri knelt beside the King and taking his hands into hers, she said, “Father, if it is not a problem for you, I would like to select my future husband on my own. Please grant me permission to do the same. I am sure that I will find one who will be a loving ‘Bharta’ and the best of kings”

Ashvapathi was relieved, “Then I will call for the grandest Swayamvara ever. You can choose from the best of princes from across the country” he said, beaming at his daughter

.

Savithri, however immediately cut him off, “No Swayamvara father, I will find him on my own. You must stop worrying about me and concentrate more on the affairs of the State.” The king reluctantly consented to his daughter’s wish and let the matter into her own hands

One day Savithri was roaming in the forests adjoining her father’s kingdom when a strange sight met her eyes. A man, strong and well built, with all Kshatriya lakshanas was walking along the forest path with two baskets hanging from a stick that was balanced on his muscled shoulders. In one basket sat an old man, and in the other an old woman, presumably the wife of the old man - strange indeed.

Driven by curiosity, she confronted the man. “Who may you be Sir, walking in this thick forest with two other old people?” The man set his baskets down and replied “I am Sathyavan and they are my parents in the baskets. They are blind and cannot walk. So I carry them this way. I live in an aashrama on the other side of the forest and was going there when you stopped me. Who are you, may I know?”. “I am Savithri, the daughter of the King Ashvapathi.”, she replied and all of a sudden she blushed and ran away, leaving Sathyavan truly confused.

At King Ashvapathi’s palace, a heated discussion soon followed. “Father, I am marrying Sathyavan. So what if he is a forest dweller? I am sure he would take good care of me. He was so devoted to his parents. I was in love with him from the very first sight”, Savithri pleaded. The king was furious, “I am not letting you marry him. You don’t even know his kula or gothra. What if he is not a kshathriya at all?”

At that moment, a palace informer came to the King’s chambers and announced the arrival of Narada, the celestial sage. The king immediately arose from his seat and welcomed Narada with all due respects. “We are blessed to have you here, Oh Devarishi! May we know the purpose of your fortunate visit?”

Narada, with that familiar twinkle in his eye, looked up at Ashvapathi and said “I heard that your daughter is of marriageable age, Ashvapathi. Whom have you selected to marry her off to?”

Ashvapathi’s joy knew no bounds “Oh Devarishi, we were just discussing it out. My daughter seems to be adamant on marrying this one Sathyavan, who happens to be a forest dweller. I am hardly able to talk sense into her. If your holiness could get the idea out of her head, I would forever be grateful.”

Narada shook his head “Ashvapathi, your daughter has made an excellent choice. Sathyavan is a Kshathriya by birth. He is one of the most learned and intelligent princes ever. He is the son of Dyumatsena, a Shalva and the erstwhile monarch of a prosperous kingdom. In energy he is like Surya an in learning he matches Brihaspati. He is brave like Indra, as handsome as the Ashvini Kumaras and a forgiving as mother Earth herself. Unfortunately, his father lost the kingdom to some evil conquerors, who took advantage of his untimely blindness, and now here he is, in your forests, serving his parents with complete devotion in spite of all the difficulties.”

The king’s face bloomed with joy on hearing this. He ran to tell Savithri the good tidings and brought her along with him to get Narada’s blessings. “Bless me with a long and happy married life, Devarishi”, asked Savithri and prostrated before him. Narada, however, remained silent.

“Why the loaded silence, Thavasreshta?” asked Ashvapathi, anxiety edging back into his voice all of a sudden.

“Savithri, though I am beyond sure that your married life with Sathyavan will be extremely happy, I am doubtful if it will be for long. He is cursed to die in one year from the day you marry him.”, said Narada, his voice full of pain

Savithri was shocked at this sudden revelation, but was quick enough to recover. “Father, I am not going back on my decision. Make all arrangements for my marriage with Sathyavan.” She said with a touch of finality.

सकृदंशो निपतति सकृत् कन्या प्रदीयते ।

सकृदाह ददानीति त्रीण्येतानि सतां सकृत् ||

“Death can fall only once, a daughter can be given away only once,

And only once can a person say – ‘I give away’. These three happen but once” - Manusmriti

And so Savithri married Sathyavan amidst much pomp and colour (the tinge of anxiety in the King’s mood was overlooked as the traditional sadness that accompanies the marriage of a dear daughter). Savithri moved into the aashrama with Sathyavan and started her duties towards her in-laws. Devoid of any rich attires and ornaments, she covered herself with dyed tree barks and tended the aashrama with love and care. So engrossed and devoted was she in her duties to her in-laws, that she even surpassed Sathyavan in his service towards the old couple. She started getting accustomed to the forest way of life and bore all the difficulties with cheer. And most importantly, she observed the vrathaa that Narada had preached to her before she had married Sathyavan. Every morning, for three days prior to the destined doomsday, she invoked Gowri, the divine mother, asking her to bless Sathyavan with a long life. She made simple adais as the Naivedhya and ate them alone for her everyday meal. Though the aged Dyumatsena constantly worried at the hardship that Savithri was enduring through the vow, he gave her his complete blessings for the successful completion of the vrathaa. Slowly and steadily, the year passed by and that fateful day dawned, sunny and bright.

As usual, Sathyavan left early in the morning for cutting wood. Knowing that the day had arrived, Savithri decided to go with Sathyavan, whatever maybe the outcome. With humility, she sought her father-in-law’s permission to accompany Sathyavan to the woods. Pleased with his daughter-in-law’s first request in over a year, the dethroned king gladly gave her his acceptance. And so Savithri and Sathyavan set off along the forest paths, with Sathyavan showing his wife the little wonders of nature and Savithri carefully watching him in his changing moods, the words of Narada echoing loudly in her ears.

They cheerfully gathered fruits and berries for food and finally Sathyavan got down to the hard task of cutting the tall trees and making logs out of them. He hacked and sawed and cut ceaselessly. Soon the noon day sun was scorching on his back and all of a sudden, he fainted and fell onto the forest floor.

Savithri, whose mind had been uneasy with her own calculation of the destined hour, immediately ran towards him. Picking up his head, she gently placed it on her lap and tried to revive him. His pulse was shallow and he was sweating profusely. Savithri sent up quick prayers to Gowri and continued to tap Sathyavan on his cheeks.

Suddenly, a dark shadow fell upon them. Looking up, Savithri beheld a terrible sight. There stood Yama, with his buffalo by his side. Strong and powerfully built, with a thick moustache and a dark skin, Yama was frightening enough. Add to that, the long noose and the almighty mace, the sight is enough to make a person faint from fear (and perhaps that is the whole point).

मुहूर्तादिव चापश्यत्पुरुषं पीतवाससं

बद्धमौलिं वपुष्मन्तमादित्यसमतेजसम् ||

श्यामावदातं रक्ताक्षं पाशहस्तं भयावहं

स्थितं सत्यवतः पार्श्वे निरीक्षन्तं तमेव च ||

“And the next moment she saw a person clad in red with a diadem on his head,

With a body of large proportions and effulgent like the bright sun.

Dark in colour, with blood shot eyes, he carried a noose and was terrific to behold.

And he stood near Sathyavan and stared at him ceaselessly.

Yama threw his noose around Sathyavan’s neck and commanded his soul to come along. And behold, a tiny Sathyavan, the size of one’s thumb, jumped out from his mortal body and attached to Yama’s noose . The moment the tiny figure (the soul of Sathyavan) came out, Sathyavan’s breathing stopped all of a sudden. His body lost its luster and he slumped down. The earthly life of Sathyavan had ended. Jumping up on his buffalo, Yama was about to start, when Savithri called out, “Dharmaraja, don’t you think it is too young for him to die?”

Now, Yama was shocked. He was never visible to the eyes of a mortal and yet here she was, calling out to him like as though he stood in plain sight. Deeply impressed by Savithri’s greatness, Yama said “Oh princess, I am visible to you only by the virtue of you being a true Pathivratha. But I have work to be done. You husband Sathyavan was a great man. He will find eternal happiness in my kingdom. By his virtues alone does he have the fortune of losing his soul to me rather than my emissaries. Go forth and prepare for your lord’s funeral. You are free from all your obligations to Sathyavan.” Saying so, he turned south, the direction of his kingdom.

Savithri left the body of Sathyavan alone and started to follow Yama. Yama’s buffalo charged through the thick woods. Savithri followed them, with much difficulty, her soft feet subjected to the torture of the sharp stones on the forest floor. Yama was impressed again by her perseverance, “You cannot follow him to the lands of death. Turn back now”, he bellowed.

Savithri calmly replied, “Just as it is your duty to take the life of my husband, so is it mine to stay by him, come what may. While taking the seven steps around the sacred fire, this is what I swore to do, to the end of my life. By virtue of my asceticism, my regard for the elders, my love for my lord, my observance of religious vows and by your own favour, this course of mine will be unimpeded.”

Yama was really awed by her loyalty. “That duty of yours is at an end. However, I am highly impressed by your sense of duty. I shall grant you one boon, but not the life of your husband.”

 “Then let my father-in-law regain his lost kingdom and let both my in-laws regain their sense of sight again.” demanded Savithri.

“Given”, said Yama and continued on his journey. Savithri, however still followed him. As they crossed a river bed, the thorns and shrubs at the bank parted to allow Yama through. Savithri on the other hand got her clothes torn and her body pricked by the vicious thorns. Yama was now getting concerned. “You have come far enough, Savithri. You look weary from the journey. Desist anymore efforts to follow me and return back.” he said, his voice more mellow.

“You say that my husband will find eternal happiness in your kingdom, but oh protector of Dharma, do you fail to realize that you are taking my happiness with you too? Just as Seetha followed Raama to lead the hard life of the forest, so will I too follow my lord. What weariness can I feel when I am in the company of my virtuous lord? Being in the company of the righteous is the most pious of all tasks and hence I will part him not.” Savithri pleaded.

“Your love is commendable. But death is natural. Even love has to bend to some power. Your devotion to your husband pleases me. Ask me one more boon, but the same rule applies - not the life of Sathyavan.” offered Yama.

“Then, let my father have many more offspring who may rule his kingdom justly after his time has come”, asked Savithri.

“Well, your father will have a hundred more valiant sons to carry on his generation. They will rule his kingdom and take it to greater heights. Now, I ask of you, please turn back.”

Yama now started climbing up a steep mountain. His buffalo seemed to float in the air and in no time he was gliding over the mountain slope. Savithri followed him yet again. She huffed and puffed up the hilly region and finally at the very summit, when Yama turned back, he was aghast to see Savithri right on his tail, sweat streaked and panting.

“Savithri”, he shouted, “You have reached the limits of the mortal kingdom. I forbid you from coming any further.”

Savithri confronts Yama

“Whatever you say, Dharmaraja, my heart refuses to leave Sathyavan. Oh Vaivasvata (Yama is the son of Vaivasvat), who deals out equal justice to all of creation, do listen to me. One does not have enough confidence in oneself as one does in the righteous. Hence does everyone wish for a particular intimacy with the righteous. It is the goodness of the heart which inspires the confidence of all creatures. And it is for this reason that people rely on the righteous and I rely on my lord”, said Savithri

“You will not come further”, said Yama, his voice laced with vexation, “But I have never heard such wise words from any other soul, save you. I will grant you one last wish for your courage, your firmness in the face of death and your timeless wisdom. Ask what you may, except… aah you know it.”

“Then, Oh King of Dharma, may the clan of my father in-law grow through me. Let them have the happiness of seeing a hundred strong and powerful grandchildren, who may perpetuate their race.”

“Thathaasthu” said Yama, granting her wish and turned back southwards.

“Then, Oh bestower of honours”, voiced Savithri, “return my husband back to me, for the boon that you have just granted me is incapable of accomplishment without my union with my husband. Deprived of my husband, I am as good as dead. Without my husband I do not wish for happiness. Without my husband, I do not wish for heaven itself. Without my husband, I cannot make up my mind to live. You yourself have granted me the boon of a hundred sons and yet you take away my husband. How can my in-laws have a hundred grandchildren through me, if their son, i.e. my husband, is not alive? Keep up your words, Yama Dharma Raaja”, she ended, her voice triumphant.

Yama’s jaws dropped down several inches. The clever girl, he thought. Turning back, he untied his noose and released Sathyavan’s soul. “Savithri, your wits are as sharp as your will. May you lead a happy life with Sathyavan. Along with you, he will live on this earth for four hundred years, free of disease and grief. He will attain wide fame, as will your hundred sons through him. At the end of your times, you will be guided to the eternal happiness of my kingdom. Dheerga Sumangali Bhava (Long live your husband)!!!”

Savithri bowed to Yama and praised him as the true protector of dharma. Yama then entered his legion leaving Savithri to hurry back to Sathyavan. The ash-colored body of Sathyavan was fast regaining colour and Savithri reached Sathyavan’s body under the tree to find him gently breathing. Sathyavan woke up as though from a deep nap and was amazed by the time for which he had slept. Gently chastising Savithri for her delay in waking him, he led her towards the aashrama.

The story ends with them both making their way back to the aashrama. There, Savithri recounted her adventurous day to all the assembled rishis and her parents-in-law. True to Yama’s words, the blind king regained had already regained his sight. The very next day a convoy from his kingdom came to inform him of the death of the enemy. Dyumatsena was once again crowned the king of his rightful lands. Ashvapathi’s queen Malavi gave birth to a hundred more valiant sons, who later came to be famous as the Malavas.

Sathyavan became the king in due course and begot a hundred sons through Savithri. At the end of their 400-year-lives, they were escorted into Yamapuri with all due respects, where they lived on happily for eons together.

Thus ends the saga of Savithri - the reason for her being catapulted into stardom among all married women. She not only exalted herself, but also her parents, her parents-in-law and the entire race of her husband. The vrathaa that Savithri observed for the entire year before her encounter with Yama, is what is today observed as the Kaaradayaan Nonbu (Wish they observed it like Savithri did – would have gotten to eat Kaaradais for breakfast every day :) ). 

உருகாத வெண்ணையும் ஓரடையும்

On the day of the festival, the women folk of the house get up at the crack of dawn and after their pious ablutions, set up a Kalasha in the worship-hall. The Kalasha is adorned with fresh blossoms, glittering jewels and new garments, and is revered as Shri Gowri, the holy Mother. The women then sit in front of this decorated Kalasha and sing the praises of Gowri. Sometimes, they even read out the story of Savithri. Then after all the customary songs and stories, each woman of the household places one Kaaradai, one Kozhukattai, one betel leaf, a betel nut, and a fruit of her choice in front of the Kalasha, and finally offers a dollop of butter on the Kaaradai. When everyone has had their due turn, they all prostrate to the goddess and chant unanimously:

உருகாத வெண்ணையும் ஓரடையும் நான் நூற்றேன்.

ஒருகாலும் என் கணவர் என்னை விட்டு பிரியாதிருக்கவேண்டும்

“With un-melted butter and one Adai, I take my vows to thee,

At no point of time should my lord ever be separated from me.”

The Kaaradai is then distributed to everyone as the prasad and I tell you, it is super yummy. The women also tie a turmeric-soaked-thread around their wrist as a mark of the completion of the Nonbu. The thread is not supposed to be removed until the next Kaaradayaan Nonbu. All the women then prostrate before their husbands and elders, asking them for their blessings (It would be more apt the other way round, after all that they go through). The Nonbu then ends with a grand feast for the entire household and all the invited guests, where delicious vegetarian food is served.

And so I believe live the men-folk of India - by the prayers of their devoted wives. I am sure that they would be totally lost were it not for the many Savithris, who make up a good size of our population. Whatever maybe, I have not eaten my due share of Kaaradais this year too and that is my matter of concern at the present.

P.S.

1. The Devi Bhaagavatham contains additional details of Savithri’s conversation with Yama, where they discuss Karma, the duties of our Jeevaatmas, the fruition of one’s Karmas and other such esoteric topics. In fact, the Devi Bhaagavatham version is more about the Savithri-Yama dialogue rather than Sathyavan regaining his life. Yama then preaches to Savithri, the Mula Prakrti Mantra, for which Savithri conveys her gratitude to Yama in eight beautiful slokas. These eight verses are today chanted as Yamaashtakam by the pious and the spiritual.

यमाष्टकमिदं नित्यं प्रातरुत्ताय यः पटेत्

यमात् तस्य भयं नास्ति सर्वपापात् विमुच्यते ||

“Those who read this Yamaashtakam every morning with true devotion,

Will lose the fear of death, and will be purified, by Yama, of all their sins.

 2. I hope everyone takes my choice of the post title in light jest. In no way is it meant to mock the devotion that every married Indian woman has towards her husband. I have the highest respect for all women (as can be inferred from several snide comments in my above post) and intend to keep it that way.