Satyanarayan Mohapatra
As the monsoon rains recede and the air turns crisp, a sense of spiritual awakening descends upon Odisha. It's the month of Kartik, a time of profound significance in the Hindu calendar, especially for the people of Odisha, where devotion to Lord Jagannath intertwines with the ancient tradition of Kartik Vrat, a month-long observance of fasting and prayer.
In the serene temple town of Puri, its streets filled with devotees clad in white, their faces reflecting a deep sense of devotion and purpose. These are the Habisiali, widows who have dedicated their lives to Lord Jagannath, embarking on a month-long journey of fasting, prayer, and renunciation. Their unwavering faith and austere lifestyle embody the essence of Kartik, a time for spiritual cleansing and seeking divine blessings.
Kartik: A Month of Auspicious Alignments
Kartik, also known as "Damodar Maas," holds a special place in Hindu scriptures. It is believed that any act of devotion performed during this month reaps multiplied rewards, making it an ideal time to deepen one's spiritual practice. The month is particularly associated with Lord Vishnu, who is said to awaken from his cosmic slumber on Karthika Shukla Ekadashi, after a four-month period of rest that began on Ashadha Ekadashi.
In Odisha, this connection to Lord Vishnu extends to his incarnation as Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Puri. The Jagannath Temple becomes a focal point of devotion during Kartik, drawing countless pilgrims seeking the Lord's blessings.
Old Woman and the ‘Divine Khichdi’
The significance of Kartik Vrat is beautifully illustrated in the tale of an elderly woman who lived a simple life, her heart filled with unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna. Every day, as she broke her Kartik fast, Lord Krishna himself would appear, offering her a bowl of khichdi, a humble yet nourishing dish, as a token of his divine grace.
A jealous neighbor, unable to comprehend the old woman's piety, discarded the khichdi one day, only to witness a miraculous plant sprout from the spot where the food had fallen. The plant bore two exquisite flowers, which eventually found their way to the king's palace. Upon smelling these flowers, the queen miraculously conceived and gave birth to twin sons.
These boys, growing up in the palace, remained silent until they encountered the old woman during their hunting expeditions. Each time she lamented the loss of her khichdi, they would respond, "We are your khichdi, and we are your bowl," revealing their divine origin and the power of the old woman's devotion.
The king, upon learning of this extraordinary tale, recognized the old woman's piety and invited her to live in the palace, honoring her unwavering faith and the divine blessings she had received.
The Habisiali:
This story resonates deeply with the Habisiali of Odisha, who dedicates their lives to Lord Jagannath, particularly during the sacred month of Kartik. These women, clad in simple white attire, renounce worldly pleasures and embrace a life of austerity, their days filled with prayer, chanting, and service to the Lord. They believe that their unwavering devotion during Kartik will lead them to moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Spiritual significance
The observance of Kartik Vrat is not merely a religious tradition; it aligns with both ancient wisdom and modern science. The practice of fasting and abstaining from certain foods is believed to purify the mind and body, enhancing spiritual awareness and promoting physical well-being. Scientific studies have also shown the benefits of intermittent fasting, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced brain function.
Kartik, with its emphasis on devotion, self-discipline, and spiritual growth, offers a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with their inner selves and seek divine blessings. It's a time for reflection, introspection, and renewal, a journey towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
As the Habisiali of Odisha demonstrates through their unwavering devotion, Kartik is a time to surrender to the divine, to embrace the power of faith, and to seek the grace of Lord Jagannath. Their journey, marked by simplicity and unwavering faith, serves as an inspiration to all who seek spiritual fulfillment and liberation.
DISCLAIMER: This brief is based on information from publicly available sources and reflects the author's interpretation of the topic and do not reflect Prameya's or Prameya News7 editorial stance.
