Maa Mangala Appears in Her Kartik-Kharpara or Katyayani Form
Kakatpur (Tushar Ranjan Dixit), 19/10: Among the eight sacred sites of Odisha, the revered Maa Mangala of Kakatpur holds a prominent position. According to scriptures, she is one of the Ashta Chandis, regarded as the Primordial Mother, the Adi Shakti, and the Supreme Vaishnavi. She is the remover of sorrow, the grantor of devotion, the destroyer of obstacles, and the protector of her devotees. Maa Mangala is considered the embodiment of auspiciousness who shields her followers like the sound of sacred bells driving away evil.
Among the various seasonal festivals celebrated for the goddess, the Sharadiya Parba Puja held during autumn is especially significant. Beginning from the Ashwin Mulashtami, the traditional Sharadiya Puja continues until Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra).
Today, on Shasthi Tithi (the sixth day), as part of Nabapatrika Puja, Maa Mangala appeared before her devotees in the Kartik-Kharpara or Katyayani attire. According to mythology, all the gods and goddesses bestowed their divine weapons upon the goddess to empower her for the battle against the demon Mahishasura. Once she was fully armed, the form she assumed is referred to as Kartik-Kharpara Besha. In preparation, weapons such as the Kartik (sword), Kharpara (skull-shaped weapon), and Sara (blood-collecting vessel) were offered to the goddess.
As described in the Chandi Purana, before embarking on the battle with Mahishasura, Maa Durga completed specific divine actions. Following these traditions, Maa Mangala was adorned with all necessary divine weapons and appeared in a majestic form. A large number of devotees gathered at the temple to witness this captivating sight.
Temple Executive Officer Kailash Chandra Das and servitor Nalinikanta Dixit informed that tomorrow (Friday), the temple will observe the famous Singhavahini Besha, where the goddess appears riding a lion.
