Ayodhya: On the last day of Navratri, a large crowd of devotees thronged the Devi temples since morning to see Mata Rani. All other major temples including Badi Devkali, Chhoti Devkali, Jalpa Devi, Pateshwari Mata, Mari Mata Temple were concluded in nine -day rituals worship and in Havan Kund with full sacrifice.
On this occasion, the ninth and last form of Mother Durga was worshiped in a very religious and enthusiastic environment. Mother Siddhidatri is considered the goddess of happiness, prosperity and knowledge and the devotees worshiped her with full rituals. For nine days of Navratri, the nine forms of Maa Durga- Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri were performed. Each day remained dedicated to a form of mother, in which devotees expressed their devotion through fasting, chanting, penance and havan. A special girl worship was organized on Mahashtami and Navami Tithi. During the Kanya Pujan, the tradition of farewell to Maa Durga was played.
Under this tradition, nine girls were invited to the houses, who were served as the form of mother. A boy was also called as a langur with girls, which is a unique aspect of this custom. In the process of Virgo worship, the feet of the girls were first washed. He was then placed on the seat and tied Kalava in his hands. Kumkum tilak was applied on the foreheads of the girls. Then Mata Rani was served dear dishes like puri, pudding, gram and other dishes to the girls. Devotees believe that mother Durga is pleased with the happiness of girls and blesses her devotees of happiness, prosperity, health and longevity. On this occasion, songs and chants filled with devotion in temples and houses echoed, which made the atmosphere even more sacred.
Virgo worship was done collectively in temples
Ajay Dwivedi, priest of Chhoti Devkali temple, said that this year Navratri started from March 30 and Navami Tithi concluded on 6 April. In these nine days, a large number of devotees, especially women, saw the mother in temples and completed the fast-consciousness with rituals. Kanya Pujan was also organized collectively in temples, where food and offerings were distributed to nine girls. The women kept their wishes at the feet of the mother and wished her blessings. This festival once again demonstrated the confluence of devotion, culture and tradition.
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