Puri, Sept 30: With Mulastami falling on October 3, the 16-day worship of Maa Bimala, the presiding goddess of Srikshetra, will begin at the Srimandir. The rituals will include the traditional Sahasra Kumbhabhishekam of the goddess.
During the Shodasha Puja, the centuries-old Durga Madhab worship will also be observed at Srimandir. From October 11, Durga Madhab will visit the Narayani Temple, a ritual tradition also known as Shakta Gundicha or Gupta Gundicha.
Why Is Durga Madhab Worship Special in Puri?
While the tradition of worshipping Goddess Durga alongside Lord Shiva is prevalent in many places, Puri follows the unique tradition of worshipping Durga with Madhab, a form of Lord Jagannath.
On the ninth day of Shodasha Puja, Durga Madhab will be taken in a chariot-shaped ceremonial vehicle to the Narayani Temple near Dolamandap Sahi, where special rituals will be performed before the deities return to Srimandir.
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Maa Bimala Shodasha Puja Rituals
After the morning Dhupa of Lord Jagannath, the golden idol of Maa Durga will be brought from the Bhandar and placed on the Ratna Singhasana. The Agyanmala of Maa Subhadra will then be offered to Maa Durga.
The deity will proceed to the Majana Mandap, where the traditional Kumbhabhishekam will be performed. Madhab's idol will then be brought and ritually united with Durga before both deities are taken to Maa Bimala's Jagamohan.
Special offerings, Alati and Bandapana rituals will follow before the deities return to the Bhandar after the night's Chandan Lagi rituals.
When Are Maha Saptami, Ashtami and Navami?
The major Durga Puja rituals during the Shodasha Puja will be observed on:
October 17 – Maha Saptami
October 18 – Maha Ashtami
October 19 – Maha Navami
October 21 – Dusshera Puja
During Maha Saptami, Ashtami and Navami, a traditional Bali ritual is performed at the Devi shrine after Lord Jagannath's Pahuda, as prescribed by the temple tradition.
The main worship of Maa Bimala is traditionally Sattvik, while these specific days follow their prescribed ritual practices.
A Unique Tradition of Maa Bimala Puja
During the 16-day worship, Maa Bimala is adorned in different ritual forms. According to Srimandir tradition, Brahmins are formally invited at Srinahar before participating in the worship at the Devi shrine.
Meanwhile, preparations for clay Gosani idols are also underway at various Gosani Mandaps across Srikshetra as the festive season approaches.
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