Mahalaya Amavasya

Significance and History

Mythology says that Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara created Goddess Durga to defeat demon king Mahishasura. The demon king had gotten a boon that he cannot be exterminated by anyone, including gods and goddesses. The creators of Goddess Durga had given her several weapons to fight against the demon king. Basically, Mahalaya connotes the arrival of Goddess Durga to Earth. Goddess Durga is believed to be the Goddess of ultimate power.

Hindus hold the belief that Mahishasura, the demon king, received a boon granting him invincibility against any god or human. Empowered by this blessing, Mahishasura launched an attack on the Devas (celestial beings), resulting in their defeat and subsequent expulsion from Devlok (heavenly realm). Faced with this dire situation, all the Devas, led by Lord Vishnu, sought the divine intervention of Adi Shakti to rescue them from Mahishasura’s wrath. It is believed that during this moment, a divine radiance emanated from the bodies of the Devas, coalescing into the form of Goddess Durga.

The battle between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura endured for nine days, culminating in his defeat on the 10th day. Revered as the embodiment of strength, Maa Durga is worshipped with great enthusiasm during the ten days of Durga Puja celebrations. Devotees believe that she descends to Earth to bless her people during this period.

Why do People Celebrate Mahalaya Amavasya? :

• Mahalaya Amavasya is marked by decoratively designed statues of Goddess Durga. People will carry the statue of the Goddess to their houses. The statues are even set up in festooned plinths called padals. Ancestors shall be remembered on the day. Devotees shall offer tarpan in remembrance of their ancestors. Tarpan has to be offered on empty stomach on the bank of holy river Ganga. Devotees should have food after finishing the rituals.
• Even those who typically prefer to sleep in become early risers on this day. In every Bengali household, the break of dawn awakens a tradition of listening to a collection of songs and mantras known as ‘Mahishasura Mardini,’ narrating the tale of Maa Durga’s birth and her eventual triumph over the demon king Mahishasura.
• As mentioned earlier, Mahalaya signifies the conclusion of Pitru Paksha, also referred to as Sarva Pitra Amavasya. In some Hindu households, a ritual known as pitru tarpan is performed on this day. During this ritual, prayers and offerings (pind-daan) are made on the banks of the Ganga River in honour of departed ancestors. It is believed that on the morning of Mahalaya Amavasya, it is essential to bid a grand farewell to one’s ancestors, as this act will result in their bestowing blessings and happiness upon the living.

• Celebration at Krushna Dham Delaware
  At Krushna Dham Delaware,

• • The significance of Durga Puja, according to Hindu mythology, lies in the celebration of Goddess Durga’s visit to her natal home along with her children. The festival begins with Mahalaya, signifying the start of Durga’s journey to her home. The actual puja commences on ‘Maha Sashthi’, the sixth day, with devotees welcoming the Goddess with great enthusiasm. It’s on this day that Durga’s idol is unveiled before the public, accompanied by various rituals. The festive spirit is kept alive by the ‘dhakis’, who play the traditional ‘dhak’ drums associated with Bengali culture and the puja.

    The seventh day heralds the beginning of ‘Maha Saptami’. Before dawn, a banana tree is immersed in water as part of a ritual. Following a ceremonial bath, the tree, known as ‘Kola Bou’ in Bengali, is adorned with a saree, often one with a red border, and placed to the right of Ganesha, symbolizing the marriage between Ganesha and ‘Kola Bou’. However, there are differing views on this, with some considering ‘Kola Bou’ as another representation of Durga. Some also view ‘Kola Bou’ as a symbolic representation of nine types of sacred plants, with priests tying eight plant bunches to the banyan tree’s trunk before the ritual. Together, these nine leaves form ‘Kola Bou’, often seen as the plant form of Durga.

    ‘Maha Ashtami’, the eighth day, commemorates the day when Goddess Durga defeated ‘Mahisasura’. Devotees offer prayers through ‘Anjali’ and organize feasts in various localities, preparing dishes like Khichdi and other delicacies. The ninth day, ‘Maha Navami’, follows the conclusion of ‘Sandhi Puja’. Maha Aarti serves as a closing ritual, and long queues are common as people participate in the ‘Maha Aarti’. Finally, the tenth day, ‘Maha Dashami’, marks the conclusion of Durga Puja. On this day, Durga and the other deities are immersed in the river Ganga. Before the immersion, married women partake in ‘Sindoor Khela’, applying vermillion to each other’s faces. During the immersion, known as ‘Visarjan’, grand processions take place with dancing and celebration on the streets. Following the immersion, it’s customary for people to visit the homes of their relatives to exchange greetings for ‘Bijoya Dashami’.

Join us at Krushna Dham Delaware this Mahalaya Amavasya to seek blessings for an abundant and prosperous year ahead, through divine grace and community spirit.