The spectacular Goshani Jatra of Puri
During the Navaratri festivities, I witnessed the stunning Goshani Jatra in Puri. It is a unique ancient tradition that is little known in the rest of India.
Maha Navami will be celebrated on 7th October this year.
It is said that Ma Durga’s battle against Mahishasur, the king of demons, lasted for nine days. The ninth day is the final day before the Goddess won over the evil with her power and wisdom. Maha Navami is also considered the eve of starting anything new or auspicious.
On this day, Ma Durga is worshipped as Saraswati—the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. In some parts of India, Ayudha Puja is arranged and along with the Goddess – tools, machinery, musical instruments, books, equipment of all kinds including automobiles are decorated and worshipped. This day is considered as propitious before starting any new work on Vijaya Dashami.
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Mahishasura Mardini is one of the mightiest forms of Goddess Durga. This is the form she took while demolishing Mahishasura. The angry Gods released power from them and thereby created the Goddess who was then bestowed with a lot of power and weapons by the Gods. The battle between the Goddess and Mahishasura lasted for nine days and it is on the day of Maha Navami that the Goddess emerged victorious thus establishing peace and virtue on Earth.
On the day of Maha Navami, the ninth form of Durga is worshipped. She is known as Siddhidatri or the one who has the power to bless with all the achievements in life.
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