Goddess Durga, also identified as Shakti, Bhavani and Adi Parashakti, is always depicted as a fearless Goddess whose mythology revolves around winning of good over evil. The word ‘Durga’ is associated with the word ‘Durg’ meaning a ‘fortress’. The word ‘Durga’ literally means impassable and inaccessible. Durga Puja is the most celebrated festival in India as well as Nepal. As per the Hindu lunisolar calendar, the Durga Puja falls in the month of Ashvin, typically in September or October in Gregorian calendar.
Durga Puja spans over a period of nine to ten days, each day holds its own significance. The last four days are the most sacred and celebrated with much fervor. The Maha Puja begins on the seventh holy day which is also known as Maha Saptami. The Saptami is derived from the word ‘Sapt’ which means seven. In 2017, Maha Saptami falls on September 27.
Nine Plants, Nine Goddesses
On the early hours of Saptami, Goddess Durga is invoked in a group of nine plants bunched together, called Navapatrika, and tied to the twigs of white Aparajita plant with a yellow thread. These nine plants represent the nine manifestations of Goddess. The Navapatrika is given a pre-dawn bath in the Ganga water.
The nine plants of Nabapatrika represents nine Goddesses:
- Banana plant: Goddess Brahmani
- Colocasia plant: Goddess Kalika
- Turmeric plant: Goddess Durga
- Jayanti plant: Goddess Kartiki
- Bel leaves: Lord Shiva
- Pomegranate leaves: Goddess Raktadantika
- Asoka leaves: Goddess Shokarahita
- Arum plant: Goddess Chamunda
- Rice paddy: Goddess Lakshmi
Maha Snan
This is one of the most important rituals. A mirror is placed in front of Goddess Durga’s idol. The reflection in the mirror is given a bath. This ritual is called as Maha Snan.
Also read: Durga Puja 2017: A guide to pandal-hopping in Mumbai
Pranpratistha
The aim of Pranpratistha is to awaken the spirit of Goddess Durga. A Kalash with water is placed in front of the idol. A bunch of five mango leaves is placed on the neck of the Kalash and a coconut is placed on it. Hymns and prayers are chanted and the goddess is worshipped with sixteen special puja items.
