Sahasra Kumbhabhishek Ritual Begins Today at Maa Mangala Temple
Kakatpur: 23/09/2024
Report: Tushar Dixit
With the arrival of the festive season on Earth, Sharadiya Puja celebrations have commenced across various Shakti Peethas. In line with this, the sacred seat of presiding deity Maa Mangala in Kakatpur, Puri district, has begun its Shodasha Upachara Puja from today. As per unique traditions, the servitors are offering worship to Maa Mangala following independent rites and rituals. Among all rituals held during the festive season at the temple, the Sahasra Kumbhabhishek stands out as a special practice.
On this day, the priests and servitors bathe the deity using 108 pots of sacred scented water, followed by a special cleansing ritual. After this, the independent Sharadiya Shola Puja begins from Mulashtami and continues till Mahashtami, spanning sixteen days of elaborate worship. While Maa Mangala is usually worshipped with Panchopachara (five offerings) throughout the year, during the festive season, she is venerated with Shodasha Upachara (sixteen offerings), performed by specially appointed Pujapandas.
During this time, special rituals like Chandi Patha, Simha Puja, Mantra Japa, Kalasa Puja, and Dwarapala Puja are performed. Maa Mangala’s Sharadiya Puja begins in the Hindu month of Ashwina, and women from various regions observe Nisha Mangalabar Osha on Tuesdays during this period. Many devotees and pilgrims from across the state come to the temple during these auspicious days. It is believed that one’s heartfelt desires are fulfilled by seeking her blessings during this time.
The Parbana rituals begin with Navapatrika, and after the completion of daytime pujas, Maa Mangala’s moving idol (Chalanti Pratima) is ceremoniously taken to Mandargiri alongside the idol of Maa Banadurga for a Bije Niti (ritual procession). Her moving idol is placed on a beautifully decorated palanquin (Mani Vimana), and the procession is accompanied by traditional instruments like ghanta-ghanti (bells), turi, and mahuri (flutes and trumpets).
It is believed that Maa Durga travels to Mandargiri to slay the demon Mahishasura, where a sacred Jagati Puja (ritual offering) is performed. Following this, devotees offer Pankti Bhoga (group offerings) to the goddess. Afterward, Maa returns to the temple. During this special puja period, entry into the sanctum sanctorum is restricted for devotees. They have darshan of the goddess from the Simha Dwara (Lion Gate).
As the festive season arrives, the entire region of Kakatpur becomes vibrant and lively with spiritual devotion and celebration.
