Festive Worship Begins at the Shrine of Maa Mangala
Kakatpur, Dated 06/10:
Today, the Shodasha Upachara Puja (sixteen-fold ritual worship) of Maa Mangala has commenced. As part of the ritual, water was drawn in 108 pots from the sacred well located within the temple premises by the Puja Pandas and Gurukarṇa Sevayats. This water was then carried to the sanctum by the Sevayats. In a large brass vessel, ingredients like camphor, sandalwood, honey, raw milk, Ganga water, flowers, bel leaves, jayatri, nutmeg, and other fragrant items were mixed and sanctified with sacred chants.
After the purification, the Shodasha Upachara Puja Pandas took a vow (Sankalpa), and Maa Mangala was ceremonially bathed. This Sankalpa was performed by the temple priest Suresh Chandra Mishra. Devotees wait eagerly each year for this special day. During the bathing ritual, temple instruments like gongs, bells, conches, and kahalis are played.
Devotees were informed by the temple trust board that they could view the ritual from near the lion gate. The Sevayats of Maa Mangala ensure no one misses this rare darshan. Among all the rituals of the Kakatpur temple during the festive season, this one stands out as unique.
After the bath, ornaments offered by devotees — including gold necklaces (chikka), bangles, anklets, armlets, lotus-shaped pendants, and crescent moon-shaped adornments — are decorated on the goddess.
Following this, the Sharadiya Shola Puja (sixteen-day autumnal worship) begins at Maa Mangala’s shrine, lasting from Moolashtami to Mahashtami. While traditionally it lasts sixteen days, this year it will extend to seventeen days. Special Shodasha Upachara Puja Pandas are appointed for this worship.
Today, a devotee from Sebaka Sahi offered a gold necklace weighing approximately 50 grams for the adornment of Maa Mangala. The estimated value of this offering is around ₹3.5 lakhs. After accepting this offering from the Sevayats, the temple trust board issued an official receipt and took it into its custody.
Once the gold necklace was adorned on Maa Mangala today, many women devotees expressed emotional joy, sharing that the sight deeply moved them.ଚିକ୍କ ଲାଗିଲା ପରେ ବହୁ ମାତୃ ଭକ୍ତ ମାନେ ଏହାକୁ ଦେଖି ମାଙ୍କ ପାଖରେ ଆଖି ଲାଖି ଯାଇଥିବା କଥା ପ୍ରକାଶ କରିଛନ୍ତି
