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.