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Dussehra in Odisha: Legends And Rituals
The first mention of Goddess Durga can be found in the Taitariya Upanishad where she is described as the destroyer of demons, the manifestation of divine energy. Mahabharata describes Goddess Durga as one who saves us from all kinds of mishaps. As per Devi Puran, she is the patron of castles (Durga). Markandeya Purana describes her as a boat in the ocean of creation. It is believed that to destroy demon Mahisasura, all the Gods created the first female deity by amalgamating their own divine powers. Thus, Goddess Durga is also called Adyashakti, the primal power.
The tenth day of the bright half of Hindu calendar month Ashwina is observed as Dussehra or Vijayadashami. According to legend, Goddess Durga vanquished the demon Mahisasura on this day. Lord Ram in the age of Tretaya, killed the ten-headed demon Ravan on this day. To commemorate the triumph of good over evil, Dussehra is celebrated.
In Odisha, the worship of Shakti is an age-old tradition. Though Matruka-worship started during the Gupta period in India, in Odisha, Shakta Cult (worship of Goddess) gained popularity during the Bhauma-kara period. Now every village and town boasts of its own Goddess. Apart from the temples and households, worshipping the Mrunmayee (Clay-made) goddess in decorated puja pandals is another integral part of the Dussehra celebration in Odisha.
While the dark half of the Ashwina month is observed as Sradha Paksha in the state, the bright half is celebrated as Devi Paksha. From the day of Mulastami (8th day of dark half), a special puja begins in all the Goddess temples across the state, which is called Sodasa-dinatmaka Puja, the sixteen-days ritual.
During this time, the Goddesses adorn a new ‘Besha’ every day. Much before the actual celebrations begin, rituals start in earnest. For the making of clay idols, sacred soil is collected on the day of Nandotsav, nearly a month before Dussehra. Colouring starts on the day of Khadichadha Amavasya. Abahana or the welcome rituals start on the day of Mulastami.
Navaratri
The nine aspects of Goddess Durga are worshipped during the Navaratri (nine nights). They are, Sailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Durga and Sidhhidatri. While Dussehra is celebrated as a community festival, Navaratri is mostly a household ritual. The entire family gathers together to worship the idol of Goddess, keeping fast and chanting prayers.
Kumari Puja is an essential part of the Navaratri celebration. Young girls from the age of one to nine (who have not reached the age of puberty) are invited. They are gifted with ornaments and dresses. Each of them is worshipped as an incarnation of Devi Durga. After the Puja is completed, they are given Dakshina (monetary sum) and a tasty meal of festive delicacies. This ritual is believed to bring good luck and is for the wellbeing of the family.
Bilwabarana and Mahasasthi
Bilwabarana is the beginning ritual of Durga Puja. It is observed on the day of Mahasasthi, the sixth day of Devipaksha. Literally “Bilwabarana” means “inviting the Bela tree”. It is believed that after the ‘Harisayana Ekadashi’ in the month of Ashadha, all the Gods and Goddesses go to sleep. In the rituals of Bilwabarana, hymns are chanted to wake them up and then invite them to take part in the grand festivities starting from the following day. This waking up ritual is also called Adhibasa.
The Bela tree is worshipped as per the Sodasha-upachara puja. Reciting the mantra, “Om Bilwabrikshaya Namah”, a branch is cut which is worshipped along with eight other branches during Durga Puja (Nabapatrika Puja). The two parts of ‘Bilwabarana’ ritual are ‘Kalparambha’ and ‘Bodhana’. To invite the Goddess, the following hymn is recited – “Sri Brikshe Bodhiyami twa jabat pujam karemyaham”.
Maha Saptami Puja
Maha Saptami is the seventh day of the bright half of Ashwina month. This is the day when Durga Puja formally begins at the Puja Pandals. Rituals start with Prana-pratistha and Chakshudana. Kalasa puja, which is otherwise known as Ghatasthapana, is observed with Sodasa-upachara puja. Then Mahasnana ritual is observed where the idol takes a ritual bath as 91 different hymns are chanted.
Nabapatrika Puja is another essential part of Mahasaptami puja. The Bela branch, cut the previous day after Bilwabarana is worshipped along with eight other branches such as Saru, Haldi, Jayanti, Dalimba, Ashoka, Mana, Dhana, and Amla. Each of these branches represents a deity such as Saru for Goddess Kali, Haldi for Goddess Durga, Jayanti for Lord Kartika, Bela for Lord Shiv, Pomegranate for Raktadantika, Ashoka for Shokarahita, Mana branch for Chamunda, Paddy for Mahalaxmi and Amla for ‘Dhatri’.
Nabapatrika, which literally means nine leaves, is tied together with a whole banana plant and white Aparajita plant. After a ritual bath in any river or pond, this Nabapatrika is decorated with red saree, vermillion, and flower garlands. Popularly known as Kadali Bohu (Banana-bride), it is placed at the right-hand side of the clay Goddess on a seat made of Bela wood and is worshipped in Sodasa-upachara puja. The hymn chanted for Nabapatrika puja is “Omm Nabapatrika Basinau Naadurgaei Namah”
Mahastami Puja
Mahastami is otherwise known as Durgastami. Nine Ghatas or Kalasas are worshipped, placed in specially designed mandals, representing the nine aspects of the Goddess. Chausathi Yogini Puja follows this ritual. Later, all the Parswadevata and the weapons, jewelry, crowns, patron Gods, Bhairava, Panchabatuka, and Lokapalas are worshipped.
Sacrifice or Bali puja is another important feature of Mahastami Puja. Instead of animal sacrifice, a vegetable (usually a ridge gourd/ gourd) is used in most mandaps and households. Kumari Puja is also performed on the day of Mahastami.
The last 24 minutes of Mahastami and the first 24 minutes of Mahanavmi (48 minutes is one Muhurta) is the time of Sandhi Puja. Durga is worshipped as Chamunda during Sandhi Puja.
It is said that Lord Brahma performed Sandhi Puja to get the blessings of Goddess Durga and to destroy demon king Mahisasura. Lord Ram, advised by Lord Brahma, performed the same puja before killing Ravan. This is why Sandhi Puja is considered the most auspicious.
Maha Navami Puja
In the age of Tretaya, before the beginning of the war, Lord Ram worshipped Adyashakti with a hundred and eight blue lotus flowers. Pleased with his devotion, the goddess blessed his weapons, the bow, and the arrow. The war started on the day of Durgastami. Ravan, being the son of sage Bisraba, was blessed with all the knowledge of a Brahmin and was adept in all kinds of warfare techniques like a Kshatriya. In spite of all his best efforts, Lord Ram could not kill the demon king that day. Then Lord Brahma appeared with sage Agastya and advised Lord Ram to perform the Sandhi Puja. After worshipping the goddess as Chamunda, with her blessings and divine powers, finally, Lord Ram was able to kill Ravan.
The rituals of Navmi are similar to that of Ashtami. After completion of Puja, Dakshina (monetary sum) is given to the Purohit. Special Prasad is offered to the Goddess which includes Khechudi, Dahi Pakhala, Machha Poda, Saga Bhaja and Kakara Pitha.
Dussehra
Vijay Dashami is the last day of the four days long Durga Puja. The only important ritual of Dashami is Bisarjan, which is often performed after Homa, Bhoga, and Dhupa.
In Odia households, Vijaya Dashami is observed with much enthusiasm. All the two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles are washed and cleaned, adorned with red cloth, bangles, vermillion and a garland of lemon and green chilies, worshipped as the manifestation of Goddess Kali.
People wash and clean their ‘professional tools’ and place them before the household deity and worship them. It is called “Saja Basiba”. In Brahmin households, Palm leaf Pothis and books are worshipped in this ritual. It is a tradition to present “Budha Chakuli” as offering in this Puja.
A special puja or Majana is organized for the village patron Goddess or Gramadebati. People belonging to Kshatriya and Khandayat caste perform Khanda Puja. In some places, Khandakhela is performed which is the traditional Odia style swordplay. Usually, the day ends with a Jantala (feast), where the whole village participates.
Dussehra is considered the best time for new beginnings. The Srabana Nakshatra and Sukla Dashami tithi together bring an auspicious Kala (time) called Vijaya. Any venture beginning during this time is sure to be profitable and successful. Hence people choose this day to start a business, to enter a new home, buying vehicles and other such things.
Aparajita Puja is performed on the day of Vijaya Dashami. Parts of white Aparajita shrub are used for this puja and Goddess Durga is worshipped as Aparajita. The hymn that is chanted during this puja is purely a protective charm. After the completion of this puja, the plant parts are tied in red thread, together with turmeric and vermillion and are used as amulets.
Worship of the Shami tree is also considered quite auspicious.
In the age of Dwapara, the Pandav brothers had hidden their weapons in a Shami tree during the period of Agyatabasa. Since then, the Shami tree is considered favorable and a symbol of victory. It is considered a tradition to sit facing east before the Shami tree, on the day of Vijaya Dashami and chant Raksha mantra.
Dussehra is just not a festival in Odisha. It is a symbol of unity, enthusiasm, fraternity and brotherhood, a representation of rich Odia culture and heritage. Dussehra is the time to cherish, enjoy and rejoice.