Dhumavati Jayanti
The festival of Dhumavati Jayanti or ‘Dhumavati
Mahavidya Jayanti’ as it is popularly known is celebrated as the day when
Goddess Dhumavati, a manifestation of Goddess Shakti, incarnated on Earth. It
falls on the ‘ashtami’ (8th day) during the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (the bright
fortnight of moon) in the ‘Jyestha’ month of the Hindu calendar. For those
following the English calendar, it corresponds to the months of May-June with
dates varying every year. Dhumavati Jayanti is an auspicious day for Hindus
celebrated in honour of Goddess Dhumavati, who is known to be the seventh of
the 10 Mahavidyas in the Hindu mythology. She is also known to be the most
furious form of Goddess Durga. By worshipping Maa Dhumavati on this auspicious
day, devotees can be relieved from all their problems and sins. Dhumavati
Jayanti is celebrated with immense excitement and zeal in the whole country.
Significance
of Dhumavati Jayanti:
According to the Hindu legends,
Goddess Dhumavati is associated with all inauspicious things. It is believed
that She appeared during the time of Cosmic dissolution. Some of the Hindu
scholars strongly consider that Goddess Dhumavati is the void just prior to
creation and post destruction. The Goddess is depicted in the form of an ugly
old lady seated on a horseless chariot. Sometimes, she is also portrayed riding
a crow. Symbolically speaking, Goddess Dhumavati urges the devotees to look
beyond the superficial things and foster their faith in the Supreme Truth, from
which both the beauty and ugliness arises.
Even though Mata Dhumavati’s
appearance is dangerous and scary, She always blesses her children and was
incarnation to free Earth from all sinners and demons. Even in the ancient
times, Saint Parshuram, Bhrigu and Durvasa worshipped Goddess Dhumavati for
attainment of special powers. In some regions She is worshipped as a protective
deity. Tantric practitioners worship Goddess Dhumavati to overcome all the
obstacles in life and also for fulfilment of their desires. She is also
referred as ‘Kalahpriya’ for offering the solutions for this world’s Kalah
(problems). It is believed that even a glimpse of Goddess Dhumavati on the day
of Dhumavati Jayanti, showers divine blessings on the observer.
Rituals during Dhumavati Jayanti:
- On the day of Dhumavati Jayanti, devotees
get up before sunrise and dedicate the day to worshipping Mata Dhumavati.
The main puja ritual should be performed in an isolated place. The Goddess
is worshipped with dhoop, incense sticks and flowers. Special ‘Prasad’ is
prepared on this day. It is believed that by offering black sesame seeds
tied in black cloth to Devi on this day, can grant fulfilment of one’s
wishes.
- During the time of puja, special Devi
mantras are recited to please Goddess Dhumavati and seek Her blessing for
ending all the miseries in life. After the recitation of mantra, ‘aarti’
is performed and the Prasad is distributed among family members and other
devotees.
- On the occasion of Dhumavati Jayanti, a
special procession is prearranged during night for all the devotees of
Goddess Dhumavati.
- Tantriks especially worship Goddess
Dhumavati with full devotion to gain all materialistic wealth.
- According to the traditions, married women
are barred from worshipping Mata Dhumavati. They are only allowed a
glimpse from far. This tradition is followed for the safety of their
husband and sons.
2017 Date : 2nd June.
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