Durga Puja Celebrations!! Joy Ma Durga! - Page 5

Posted: 12 years ago
Friends, today is Jagaddhatri Puja in Bengal (Mata Jagaddhatri is another form of Maa Durga) 😊 so thought to share some information about this pious occasion.

Goddess Jagaddhatri: the protector of the world



In Hinduism, Jagaddhatri or Jagadhatri (is a form of Devi, the supreme goddess. Her worship is more common in West Bengal than the other parts of India. Her cult is directly derived from Tantra where she is a symbol of sattva beside Durga and Kali, respectably symbolized with Rajas and Tamas.

In Tantra and Purana, Jagaddhatri is depicted as being the colour of the morning sun, three-eyed and four-armed, holding Chakra, conch, bow and arrow, clothed in red, bright jewels and nagajangopaveeta, a symbol of Yoga and the Brahman. She rides a lion standing on the dead Karindrasura, the Elephant Demon. "Jagaddhatri arises in the heart of a person," said Sri Ramakrishna, "who can control the frantic elephant called mind."

Though she is worshipped all over West Bengal, Jagaddhatri Puja in Chandannagar, Hoogly, Rishra, Tehatta and Krishnanagar, Nadia is a special socio-cultural celebration in this region. In Kolkata, too, Jagaddhatri Puja is a major autumnal Hindu event after Durga Puja and Kali Puja. In Ramakrishna Mission, Jagaddhatri Puja was initiated by Sarada Devi, Sri Ramakrishna's wife who was, according to popular Bengali belief, an avatar of Devi and observed in the centres of the Mission all over the world.

Etymology

Generally, Jagaddhatri is referred as another name of Durga. In Sanskrit and Bengali, the word 'Jagaddhatri' literally means 'Holder (dhatri) of the World (Jagat)' . According to Sri Ramakrishna, "(Jagaddhatri) holds the World. If she wouldn't, the World might fall down. This explanation can be applied for both Durga and Jagaddhatri. That is why in the hymns, the goddess is always referred as 'Jagaddhatri Durga -

Jayade jagadanande jayadekaprapujite. jaya sarvagate Durge Jagaddhatri namahstute.

(- I hail Thee, o all-pervasive Jagaddhatri Durga, Thou art victorious and symbol of the joys of the world; it is only Thou in the world, who can be worshipped properly. Victory to Thee.)

Like most of other Hindu deity, Jagaddhatri is also known as other names like Karindrasuranisudini (Slayer of the Elephant Demon), Maheswari (the Great Goddess), Shaktacharpriya (the Goddess who loves to be worshiped as according to the practices of the Sakta sect of Hinduism, or Shaktism), Adharabhuta (the Bearer of the World) etc.


Pauranik lore

'Jagaddhatri Puja' in Kolkata

As per ancient Pauranik lore of the Hindu scriptures, soon after the victory over Mahishasur the Devatas became highly egoistic. They thought because of lending to Durga their instruments the mighty asuras were vanquished. To make them understand that the primordial power is alone behind every action, the Brahman appeared before the Devatas in the form of effulgent Yaksha.

Bewildered by its presence one by one the Devatas approached Yaksha. First the god of wind Vayu. The Yaksha asked him what he could do. The Vayu replied that he could throw away huge trees, tumble high mountains. The Yaksha then placed a small grass and asked him to move it. The Vayu utilised all his powers but lo! he could not even displace it. So also the god of fire Agni, could not even burn it. Likewise one by one the Devatas failed.

And it dawned on them that their powers are in reality not their own but derived from the supreme power who as protecting mother holds the entire creation and therefore called Jagaddhatri. Anybody who worships Jagaddhatri becomes absolutely egoless and a true servant of the world which is nothing but a manifestation of the Brahman.

Edited by Urmila11 - 12 years ago
Posted: 12 years ago
History of Jagadhatri Puja in Chandannagar

W
hen the entire Bengal, nay India, was under the British rule, inspite of being under the French administration at that time Chandannagar created a distinct tradition. Jagadhatri Puja is a major socio-cultural event in this region. The ancient history of Jagadhatri Puja in Chandannagar is unknown even today. It is heard that Indranarayan Chowdhury introduced the Jagadhatri Puja in Chandannagar in the manner of King Krishnachandra of Krishnanagore. The time of beginning of Jagadhatri Puja in Krishnanagore was 1762. Indranarayan Choudhury died in 1756. So Indranarayan Choudhury by no means introduce the Jagadhatri puja in Chandannagar. The beginning of Jagadhatri puja in Chandannagar probably dates back earlier than 1750. Indranarayan Choudhury performed the Jagadhatri puja at his own house in Chandannagar, at the time Krishna Chandra used to come to borrow money from Indranarayan Choudhury. Perhaps Krishnachandra was attracted to greatness of Jagadhatri at this time. The formal difference between Durga and Jagadhatri occurs in 'Mayatantra' and Jagadhatri is mentioned with reference to Durga in Krishnanda's 'Tantasaar'. The ruling to perform the special puja of the goddess on the ninth lunar day of the light fortnight in the month of Kartick has ben referred in 'Krityatattarnab' by Srinath Acharyachuramoni of the 15th-16th century. The fourhanded goddess is carried by the lion everywhere, an elephantlies of the feet of the lion. The idol has an old fashioned shaping, i.e. the face cutting is of a longish pattern; it has large eyes spread upto the years and the four hands display conch, discus, shaft, and bow respectively. The snake is her sacred thread.One of the main attraction of Jagadhatri idol of Chandannagar is the ornamental decoration of the goddess with sola and beautiful canvas of mats with painting at the back of the image.
The number of community pujas in Chandannagar, Bhadreswar and Champdany Municipal areas crosses 190 mark. Of these, 132 Puja committees in different localities in Chandannagar and Bhadreswar areaffiliated to the Chandannagar Central Jagadhatri Puja Committee. The Central committee renders all possible assistance to its constituents in getting permissions and clearances for holding Puja. The immersion procession is really memorable and enjoyable sight to witness which lakh of people throng in Chandannagar from far and near. The beautiful decorated tall images loaded on trucks are taken around the cityin a procession. This year 51 puja committees will take part in the procession.


Jagadhatri Puja Festival of Bengal



About Jagadhatri Puja


Jagadhatri Puja is devoted to Mother Jagadhatri who is considered and known as another form of Shakti, the Supreme mother goddess of the Hindus. Next to the well known Durga Puja celebrated all over the state West Bengal, Jagdhatri Puja is also celebrated with the same fervour and enthusiasm. Jagadhatri worship is mostly celebrated only in the state of West Bengal and is not much known much outside the state.
The cult of Jagdhatri is derived from the Tantra where she is the symbol of Sattva beside Durga and Kali and is respectably symbolised with Rajas and Tamas. Jagadhatri Puja is celebrated on the 9th lunar day of the light fortnight of the month of Karthika as mentioned in the "Krityatattarnab" by Srinath acharyachuramoni of the 15th and 16th century.


Depiction of the Mother Jagadhatri for the Puja


Goddess Jagdhatri is depicted as of the colour of the rising morning sun, three eyed and four armed, in the tantras and Puranas. Armed with Chakra, Conch, bow and arrow she is decked up with red attires, bright jewels and nagajangopaveeta which is a symbol of Yoga and the Brahman. She sits there riding on the lion standing on the Elephant Demon Karindrasura accompanied by Dhak, Dhunuchi nachh and the mild fragrance of Sheuli

How the Jagadhatri Puja was started at Sri Ramakrishna Mission Centers


According to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa " Jagadhatri arises in the mind of the person who can control the frantic elephant called the mind".
Jagdhatri Puja celebrated in Chandan Nagar , Hoogly, Krishnan Nagar is a special socio cultural celebration and is considered as a major autumn event . In the Sri Ramakrishna Mission, Sarada Devi, the wife of Sri Ramakrishna, initiated the Jagdhatri Puja celebrations. According to the popular belief ampong the masses of West Bengal , Sarada Devi is considered to be the an avatara of the Goddess Devi and is similarly considered in all the centres of Sri Ramakrishna Missions all over the world.

Last three day Rituals of the Jagadhatri Puja


The Puja Rituals are done on the 3 days of Ashtami, Navami and dashami as for the Durga Puja.
Ashtami is the starting point of the 3 day celebrations of the Jagadhatri Puja. On te Ashtami day Devi is worshipped as the giver / provider of Wealth, Sustenance, Good luck as well as prosperity. All the devotees together recite prayers to invoke the Goddess's Blessings and distribute Ashtami Bhog / prasada of the offerings to the goddess, to all the devotees present there.
Navami is the second day which is considered to be the day the Goddess was conceived and sent to the earth. Animal Sacrifices are the main rituals of this day but this has been substituted by Chalkumro, cucumber and banana.

The Final Day of Jagadhatri Puja Festivals


Dashmi is called as the Vijayadashmi when the Goddess is taken over the area in a procession and gets immersed in the river. This yearly visit of the Goddess Jagadhatri is celebrated as a festival of the victory of good over evil and brings happiness to the people.
The city as well as the suburbs of Kolkata, never sleeps during these five days and the people enjoy a lot. There is no caste, religion or creed and all participate in this great festival, giving rise to a brotherly spirit.
The beat of drums, the clash of cymbals, the ringing of bells, dances before the image of Devi, incense wafting in the air, all form an integral part of the Puja. All too soon on Dashami, the day when the images are taken in a procession and immersed in the river Hooghly.


Posted: 11 years ago

Subho Sharodiya Durga Puja to everyone here!

Posted: 11 years ago
@Sema 😊

I am So Late in acknowledging 😳 - Really Wonderful posts on Kaali Puja and Jagaddhatri Puja  ⭐️ . Very Rich Content! ⭐️  I am So Proud of all those Posts by my Dear Sis 🤗 






This thread remained in my 'Pending Replies' List for the whole year 😳  ... Can't believe I am THAT slow in responding 😔 ... 😃






Dear Friends , Durga Puja has come 😊  ... This thread has come alive again!!! 🥳 






@Vrish, 😊
 
Thanks a lot for the timely reminder to out Dear DT about unlocking this Thread 😊





@Lola,   🤗 🤗 





 
Friends, 15th Oct was Mahalaya, a great Day for all of us ... 

Here I am re-posting the same Content I posted in the thread 'Bhakti Lounge', last yr about this particular day. (A link of the original post is also there in the 1st page of this thread.)


Edited by Debipriya - 11 years ago
Posted: 11 years ago
Mahalaya,  is a very auspicious day for us (all the Bengalees 😃), from this day we ACTUALLY start to FEEL the Spirit of Durga Puja!
 
 
 
What is Mahalaya?
In Bengal Mahalaya is an auspicious occasion observed seven days before the Durga Puja, and heralds the advent of Durga, the goddess of supreme power. It is an invocation and invitation to the mother goddess to rise, awake and descend on earth and annihilate the evils of the world by her Supreme Goodness -This is done through the chanting of mantras and shlokas and singing devotional songs. The day of Mahalaya ushers in the aura of Durga Puja. Durga Puja is widely celebrated in West Bengal. Durga Puja includes the worships of Shiva, Lakshmi, Ganesha, Saraswati and Kartikeya also. Modern tradition have come to include the display of decorated pandals and artistically depicted idols of Durga, exchange of Bijoya Greetings and publication of Puja Annuals.

The day of Mahalaya is also the day of Remembrance. On this day, people offer Tarpan in memory of their deceased forefathers, who were our near and dear ones but who are no longer alive with us today, though we cherish them in our hearts and minds. The banks of River Ganges in India are peopled with many priests seen busy performing Tarpan for devotees in groups. The rituals start from early dawn and last till mid-day. Devotees and worshipers observe a fast since morning and offer food, water, clothes and sweets to their forefathers. After offering Tarpan, people break their fast and have their first meal of the day. 


Mahalaya signifies the termination of Pitri Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha, thus ushering in the season of religious festivals. Durgotsav, as this festival is known in Bengal, commences from Mahalaya – this is the day that Goddess Durga is supposed to begin her journey with her children from her husband Shiva's abode in Mount Kailash in the Himalayas to her parental home in the plains. 

 (Source: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090917222510AAVErMz )
 

 Why's Mahalaya So Special? 

Since the early 1930s, Mahalaya has come to associate itself with an early morning radio program called "Mahisasura Mardini" or "The Annihilation of the Demon." This All India Radio (AIR) program is a beautiful audio montage of recitation from the scriptural verses of "Chandi Kavya", Bengali devotional songs, classical music and a dash of acoustic melodrama. The program has also been translated into Hindi set to similar orchestration and is broadcast at the same time for a pan-Indian audience.
This program has almost become synonymous with Mahalaya. For nearly six decades now, the whole of Bengal rises up in the chilly pre dawn hours, 4 am to be precise, of the Mahalaya day to tune in to the "Mahisasura Mardini" broadcast.
 
 
The Magic of Birendra Krishna Bhadra

One man who'll always be remembered for making Mahalaya memorable to one and all is Birendra Krishna Bhadra, the magical voice behind the "Mahisasura Mardini." The legendary narrator recites the holy verses and tells the story of the descent of Durga to earth, in his inimitable style.
Bhadra has long passed away, but his recorded voice still forms the core of the Mahalaya program. In a sonorous, reverberating voice Birendra Bhadra renders the Mahalaya recital for two thrilling hours, mesmerizing every household with the divine aura of his narration, as the Bengalis submerge their souls in quiet moments of prayer.
 
 
A Landmark Composition

"Mahisasura Mardini" is a remarkable piece of audio drama matchless in Indian culture. Though the theme is mythical and the mantras Vedic, this program is a landmark composition. It's scripted by Bani Kumar, and narrated by Bhadra. The enchanting music is composed by none other than the immortal Pankaj Mullick, and the songs are rendered by famous singers of yesteryears, including Hemant Kumar and Arati Mukherjee.
As the recital begins, the serene morning air resonates with the long drawn sound of the sacred conch shell, immediately followed by a chorus of invocation, melodiously setting the stage for the recitation of the Chandi Mantra.
 
 
The Story of "Mahisasura Mardini"

The story element is captivating. It speaks of the increasing cruelty of the demon king Mahisasura against the gods. Unable to tolerate his tyranny the gods plead with Vishnu to annihilate the demon. The Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara (Shiva) come together to create a powerful female form with ten arms - Goddess Durga or 'Mahamaya', the Mother of the Universe who embodies the primeval source of all power.
The gods then bestow upon this Supreme creation their individual blessings and weapons. Armed like a warrior, the goddess rides a lion to battle with the Mahisasura. After a fierce combat the 'Durgatinashini' is able to slay the 'Asura' king with her trident. Heaven and earth rejoice at her victory. Finally, the mantra narration ends with the refrain of mankind's supplication before this Supreme Power:
"Ya devi sarbabhuteshshu, sakti rupena sanksthita Namasteshwai Namasteshwai Namasteshwai namo namaha."
 
 
 
 
 
Audio version of 'Mahisasura Mardini'  from YouTube:- (most of the track is in Bengali  😊, except some of the Sanskrit parts)
 
* a) With some matching images by HMV Saregama .
 
Part 1:
 
 
Part 2:
 
 
(It has total 6 parts.)
 
 
* b) Here is a shorter version of the same audio track:
 
Part 1
 
 
Part 2:
 
 
(It has total 5 parts).
 
 
Joy Ma Durga! 😊
 
 

Posted: 11 years ago
Links of some related threads 😊 -



About Mahalaya:-

Mahishasurmardini-Short story on Maa Durga

https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3222715




About Navdurga:-

Ma Shailputri- 16/10/12
https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3241817


Dusri Bramhacharini manbahye 17/10/12
https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3243177


Maa Chandraghanta &Kushmanda 18/10/12
https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3245016


Devi Skanda Mata 19/10/12
https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3246665


Katyayini the marriage Goddess 20/10/12
https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3248297


https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3250911


https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3255119


https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3255117


Edited by Debipriya - 11 years ago
Posted: 11 years ago
Significance of all the particular days of Durga Puja (Shashti, Saptami, Ashtami, Navmi and Dashami) are already there in this thread, posts by our Dear Sema 😊. I am giving below the links of those pages-



Maha Shashti, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami and Maha Navmi:


http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1878605&TPN=2



Vijaya Dashami:


http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1878605&TPN=3







Members are Welcome to bring any post related to Durga Puja here 😊...




Lots of Best Wishes and Love to all of you on the occasion of Durga Puja 🤗 🤗 🤗



Joy Ma Durga! 😊

Posted: 11 years ago
Wish everybody who's celebrating it today a very happy Lakshmi Puja.  Here is the pandal where I live (hours b4 the puja itself)


Originally posted by Debipriya




Lakshmi Puja is another Bengali festival that is celebrated in every household. Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth is worshipped just after Durga Puja. Lakshmi is one of the daughters of Durga who symbolizes wealth, peace and prosperity. On a full moon night people worship her at their homes and pray for her bessings. All the rites performed during the Lakshmi Puja are followed with utmost care and

The Lakshmi Puja time schedule is also maintained well by the devoted. Delicious Bengali Recipes on Lakshmi Puja night are cooked and are then given to Goddess Laxmi as an offering.It is considered that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes of the devotees and replenishes them with wealth.


The Myth

Goddess Lakshmi is generally represented as a beautiful golden woman, usually sitting or standing on a lotus, her symbol. She is also known as 'Sri' and attained importance as the consort of Vishnu.


 
Goddess Lakshmi has generally been thought to have existed first as the daughter of the sage Bhrigu and to have taken refuge in the ocean of milk during a period when the gods were exiled from their kingdom as a result of a rishi's curse. She was reborn during the churning of the milk ocean as Lakshmi, one of the fourteen precious things.The Goddess of Wealth, emerged from the ocean forth fully grown
and radiant, bearing a lotus in her hand. Goddess Lakshmi was then married to Vishnu and has a clear share in Vishnu's activities as preserver, and this reinforces her earlier character as goddess of fortune and giver of wealth.



(Source- 







Lakshmi Puja in Kolkata is celebrated both by the Bengali community and the non-Bengali community. The Bengalis celebrate Lakshmi on the full moon day that succeeds Maha Dashami. Maha Dashami marks the end of the Durga Puja. Goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, prosperity and peace. It is basically meant for housewives, who pray for the well being of their family but nowadays Lakshmi Pujas are also done in Pandals. On most occasions, the public Lakshmi pujas are done in the pandal, which was previously used for Durga Puja. The non-Bengali community conducts Lakshmi puja during the diwalis.

Description of the Idol of Goddess Lakshmi

The idol of Goddess Lakshmi is painted yellow and has four hands. She is draped either in 'Daker Shaj' ora sari and crown. She holds a lotus in one of her hands, a vermilion case in one hand, the ripe wheat flowers one another hand. Her bearer is the white owl.

Lakshmi Puja in Bengali Homes

The priest conducts the Puja and at times, the housewife herself conducts the rituals. The Ouja take place in the evening or night nut within the specified time span. The homes are decorated with 'Alpana'. The white color of the alpana is made from ground rice and water. Small, face to face 'S' shapes are drawn all over the homes to symbolize the footprints of the goddess. In some homes, symbols are used instead of idols. The symbolic representatives includes ripe wheat and containers or painted mud plates. The priest performs rituals and ararti. The unique feature is that they unlike other Indian pujas no musical instruments are played. Only the shell is sounded. 



Edited by .Vrish. - 11 years ago
Posted: 11 years ago
Kali Puja greetings to everyone who celebrates it

Here is a pic of the Kali Puja idol in our society complex


I have a question - what is the jackal in this setup - magnified for clarity??

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