Unique distinction awaits this 8-yr-old girl today

Unique distinction awaits this 8-yr-old girl today


LUCKNOW: On Friday morning, the eight-year-old daughter of a Lucknow-based ophthalmic surgeon will have the distinction of being among the few girls who have been worshipped as living embodiments of goddess Durga.

The ritual, preparation for which started over two months ago, will culminate in the girl being bathed, clothed and worshipped exactly as the sculpture of goddess Durga is, through the three-day puja rituals.

The tradition of 'kumari puja', performed on the eighth day of Navratras is unlike any other being performed in Lucknow or in the rest of UP.

In 2006, it was this puja that was among the few to be relayed live on national television via Doordarshan.

President, Sri Ramkrishna Math, Lucknow, Swami Muktinathananda said, "The goal of our life is to make the divine living. Kumari puja allows us that simulation. The divine mother is worshipped in many ways. Kumari puja is the most significant part of this tradition."

Though largely restricted to the various centres of Ram Krishna Math, the kumari puja is also practised at a handful of other pandals in the country. However, the precise ritualistic processes that need to be followed in observing the tradition, most say, is the reason why most person avoid performing the kumari puja.

Significantly, goddess Durga, referred to as the divine mother, is worshipped in varying forms as a pitcher-containing water (ghata), as a plant (nava patrika), a book (the sapta sadi containing 700 shlokas), a clay model resembling the divine form, a kumari or a maiden, as fire in the form of Sri Durga Namagno and in the viraat roop, where she manifests herself in the human beings who live on the Earth.

It is this ritualistic zeal with which goddess Durga is worshipped at Ram Krishna Math that sets the festivities apart from all others being performed simultaneously in the city.

As fashion, festivities and food are star attractions at most pandals, the mood here is more serious, though no less joyous. A follower of Ram Krishna Mission for over 40 years, Hira Singh said, "This Durga puja is unlike anything you will see in the city. The atmosphere is peaceful and the focus is on devotion."

For Singh who has travelled from Varanasi to volunteer his services for the Math, the 'peace' is what has acted as a major pull.

The pandal is flooded with devotees, but there is no sight of any commotion, nor Bollywood music or dance performances.

Even the food stalls are here, but stationed around the Ram Krishna Mission book stall, the celebrations are, at the very least, controlled. A local resident of Lucknow, Arun said, "With everything so well organised, praying is also easier here. There is a sense of immense peace and quiet."

The famous 'kumari puja, a tradition that was started by Swami Vivekanand in 1899 in Belur (the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission and Math), will be the star attraction on Friday morning. The puja rituals will continue on Saturday and culminate in 'dashami puja' and 'shantijal' offering at Durga mandap on Sunday.