Bhadrakali Jayanti
The festival of Bhadrakali Jayanti celebrates the birth
anniversary of Goddess Bhadrakali. It is observed on the ‘ekadashi’ (11th day)
of the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight of moon) in the month of ‘Jyeshta’ in
the Hindu calendar. This occurrence falls during the months of May to June in
the Gregorian calendar. ‘Bhadra’ is a Sanskrit word for ‘good’ and it is
believed that on worshipping the Goddess on the day of Bhadrakali Jayanti, She
protects the good. This day is also celebrated as ‘Apara Ekadashi’ in some
states of India and in Orissa it is observed as ‘Jalakrida Ekadashi’.
According to the Hindu mythological
stories it is believed that on this auspicious day, Goddess Bhadrakali appeared
from Lord Shiva’s hair, after He got furious hearing about Devi Sati’s death.
The main reason of the ‘Avataran’ of the Goddess Shakti was to demolish all the
demons from Earth. Bhadrakali Jayanti is an important worshipping day for
Hindus and is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm all over the
country. It is one of the chief festivals of the Aryan Saraswat Brahmins and
the celebrations are very renowned in the Indian states of Haryana, Himachal
Pradesh and Kashmir.
Significance
of Bhadrakali Jayanti:
The glories of Bhadrakali Jayanti
are mentioned in the ‘Nilmat Purana’ also known as ‘Vitasta Mahatmya’. By
worshipping Goddess Kali, on the day of Bhadrakali Jayanti, it is believed that
overcome all the obstacles in their life. by offering prayers devotedly to
Goddess Bhadrakali all the horoscope problems including any ‘Grah Dosha’ can be
completely resolved. There is also a popular belief that by offering prayers on
this day one can fulfil eleven desires as Bhadrakali Jayanti falls on Krishna
Paksha Ekadashi’. Also in some states of India, for this reason, this day is
also observed as ‘Bhadrakali Ekadashi’. Furthermore when this occurrence falls
on a Tuesday and during the time of ‘Revati’ Nakshatra, it becomes even more
auspicious. When Bhadrakali Jayanti comes during the time of ‘Kumbh Mela’ it
gains even more significance.
Rituals
during Bhadrakali Jayanti:
- Hindu devotees worship Goddess Bhadrakali
with full devotion and dedication. They get up early in the morning and
after finishing the morning rituals wear black clothes on this day. On
Bhadrakali Jayanti, wearing black or blue color is considered to be
favourable.
- The idol of Bhadrakali Mata is kept at the
place of worship and given a sacred bath with water, milk, sugar, honey
and ghee. After this ‘Panchamrita Abhishek’ the idol of Mata is suitably
dressed. Offering coconut water to the Goddess is also considered to be
very auspicious on this day. This is followed by Chandan Puja and Bilva
Puja.
- The actual prayers begin at noon and
several Devi Mantras are recited to please the Goddess Bhadrakali and seek
Her divine blessings. Devotees also visit the temples of Goddess Kali in
the evening and participate in the puja and other rituals held there for
the occasion.
2017 Date : 22nd May.
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