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Dr.Surendra Kapoor 2018-11-14 09:54:53. Jagaddhatri Puja and Akshay Navami a holy tribute to the divine guardians

Just as Durga Puja festivities come to an end, the people of West Bengal gear up for yet another grand festive occasion- the Jagaddhatri Puja.Ma Jagaddhatri is one of the many forms of Devi Durga, the embodiment of divine power. The literal meaning of ‘Jagaddhatri’ is one who holds the earth (dhatri-holder; jagat-world). Jagaddhatri Puja is one of the significant cultural festivals celebrated in West Bengal. It is celebrated for three days commencing from the 9 th lunar day of Shukla paksha in the month of Kartik. This year Jagaddhatri festival falls on the 17 th of November.

Mythological tale

After Mahishasur was defeated, the gods became extremely egoistic.They thought that Mahishasur was vanquished only because they had lent their powerful weapons to Devi Durga. To break their false notion, the Brahman took the form of Yaksha and appeared before them. He told them to showcase their powers but to their dismay, all their powers failed in front of the Yaksha. They realized then that their powers were controlled by the supreme power who as goddess Jagaddhatri protects and saves the world from destruction. Thus, it came to be known that anyone who offers prayers to Jagaddhatri becomes free from ego and turns into a devoted servant of this world.

A festive time for all

Though Jagaddhatri Puja takes place all over West Bengal, the celebrations held in Chandannagar, Krishnanagar and Hoogly need special mention. These places are beautifully adorned and decorated with lightings to highlight the true spirit and fervor of the festival. The four-day-long Jagaddhatri Puja is celebrated by all and sundry. People of all castes and creed participate in the festival with equal interest, devotion and joy.

The symbolic image of Ma Jagaddhatri

The idol of Goddess Jagaddhatri rides on a lion, elephant or tiger.Elephant or tiger symbolize pride and power in humans which need to be controlled to live happily. She has a snake tangled around her neck, symbolizing a fight against all adversities in life. The idol, which is shaped in an old fashioned manner, has conch, discus, shaft and bow placed in her four hands. Conch represents purity and brilliance discus represents destruction of evil spirit; shaft symbolizes wisdom while bow represents the power of concentration.

Rituals of the pooja

Devi Jagaddhatri, who is revered as a symbol of Brahman on the first day of the puja, depicts spiritual upliftment. On the day of Asthami,Devi is worshipped as the provider of sustenance, fortune, wealth and prosperity. Special prayers are offered on Navami as it is considered to be the day when the goddess was sent to Earth. The last day or Vijaya Dashami is when the idol is immersed in the Ganga amidst a lot of fanfare and merriment.

Akshay Navami

Another popular festival celebrated on this holy day that is the ‘Navami’ of ‘Shuklapaksha’ in ‘Kartik’ month is Akshay Navami It is also known as the ‘Dhaatrinavami’ or ‘Kushmandanavami’. Performing ‘puja’, ‘tarpan’and bathing in holy rivers on this auspicious day is believed to bless one with a long life. Donating food and grains is also considered to be
extremely beneficial for the worshipper and his family. Let us know about the rituals that need to be observed on Akshay Navami to ensure good results for life.

Rituals of Akshay Navami

On the day of Akshaynavami, one should wake up early in the morning and take bath. Then, one should take water, flowers and unbroken grains of rice (akshat) in the right hand and chant the following ‘mantra’:

“Addhetyadi Amukgotrotmukh Sharmahang (Varma Gupto Va)
Mamakhilpaapakshaypurvakdhamaarthakaamokshasiddhidwara

Shreevishnupreetyartha Dhaatrimule Vishnupujanang Dhaatripujanang
Cha Karishye”

Offerings to be made under a gooseberry tree

After chanting this mantra and taking such a resolve in the mind, the devotee should sit under a ‘Dhaatrivriksha’ (gooseberry tree) and chant the ‘mantra’ ‘Om Dhaatray Namah’. Then the following ‘mantra’ should be chanted while pouring milk on the root of the tree and offering it to the ancestors (Pitaroko).

“Pita Pitamahashranyay Aputra Ye Cha Gotrinah

Te Pibantu Maya Danta Dhaatrimulekshayang Payah

Aabrahmastambaparyantang Devershipitrimanavaah

Te Pibantu Maya Danta Dhaatrimulekshayang Payah”

Then the devotee should tie a thread on a branch of the tree and recite this ‘mantra’:

“Daamodarnivaasayay Dhatray Devyay Namo Namah

Sutrenanen Badhnami Dhatri Devi Namostute”

Aarti ceremony

After this, an ‘aarti’of the divine tree with a lamp (diya) of ‘karpoor’ (camphor) or ‘ghee’ should be done and the following ‘mantra’ should be chanted:

“Yaani Kaani Cha Papaani Janmaantarkritani Cha

Taani Sarvaani Nashyantu Pradakshinpade Pade”

Offerings to be made to Brahmins

After this, one should make the Brahmins sit under this tree and serve them food. The devotee too, should eat food sitting under this divine tree. It is good to place money and jewellery in a ripe pumpkin and chant the following mantra:

“Mamakhilpaapakshaypurvaksukhsaubhagyadinamuttarottaravivriddha
ye Kushmandadanmangha Karishye”

Essence of the special festival

Akshay Navami has a special significance because all the good results of charity or religious deeds done on this day is never diminished and benefits an individual not only in the present life but also in the following incarnations. Offering prayers to the gooseberry tree highlights the pivotal role played by trees in our lives and also the urgent need to preserve them. Akshay Navami is one of the finest opportunities to show our gratitude to the best gift of nature, the trees.

The miraculous ‘amla’

Known as the ‘wonder fruit’, amla or gooseberry possesses therapeutic properties and is used extensively as an Ayurvedic ingredient for medicinal purposes. Amla is a fruit that can be consumed raw or in the form of juices, pickles, murabbas or jam (chawanprash). Consumption of gooseberry not only rejuvenates and nourishes the body but also builds our immunity.

Nature- the Almighty

Just as Mata Jagaddhatri is known to be the protector of this world, trees also play the role of our protectors. Hence, as we observe Akshay Navami and worship ‘amla’ who is also ‘dhatri’, let us take a pledge not to destroy trees for our survival and environmental stability.