BOOK REVIEW: Mother Goddess Worship in Assam

[Guest guest]

(Sept. 28, 2004) Review of "KAMAKHYA: A Socio-Cultural Study," by

Nihar Ranjan Mishra; D. K. Printworld (P) Ltd., 'Sri Kunj', F-52, Bali

Nagar, New Delhi-110015. Rs. 950.

 

THIS BOOK provides an insight into the religious and socio-cultural

life of the Assamese society with special reference to worship of

Goddess Kamakhya in the temple located on the Nilachala Mountain in

Guwahati in Assam.

 

It also provides information about the different royal dynasties of

various ethnic communities including the Ahoms, Bodos, Devrichutiyas,

Khasis, Lalungs and the Rabhas who had worshipped Mother Goddess in

Her different names and forms in the past. Some of these practices

still continue to a certain extent in the State.

 

While explaining the close connection between Saktism and Tantricism

as followed in the Kamakhya temple, the author opines that the Goddess

probably has a folk origin. This is corroborated by Her name and the

puja rituals being performed at various levels by different ethnic

communities in the temple complex.

 

Among the traditions, rituals, festivals and the taboos followed in

Assam, the author specially brings to attention one ritual that is

followed in the Kamakhya temple. It is called "Ambuvaci" or "Ameti" in

Assamese which refers to the Devi's yearly turn of menstruation period.

 

During this time people refrain from going to the temple and doing any

auspicious work including digging the soil. To avoid any calamity or

any dreadful disease, people often offer a pair of pigeons or goats or

simply a plate of vegetarian food to Kamakhya.

 

Besides Goddess Kamakhya, people also worship the major Goddesses

Durga, Kali, Jagaddhatri and Lakshmi. Among the minor Goddesses,

Apesvari is popular even among the Muslims. She is associated with the

nymph Apsara.

 

In the northern parts of Kamarupa people believe that nymphs

frequently cast their shadows on the ground. It is believed that if by

any chance a child stamps on these shadows, it will be cursed with

epilepsy or paralysis.

 

FORMS OF WORSHIP

 

Ethnic communities worship Sitalamata as Ai and believe that she is

the remover of all diseases. Kumaripuja or virgin worship is very

popular in the Kamakhya temple. The temple of Dikkaravasini in Sadia

region, the Kamakhya temple at Silgat in Nowgaon District of the

central region and the temple of Mahamaya in the western border

district of Dhubri are important shrines visited by people often.

 

Assam has a rich stock of Sakta literature in both Sanskrit and

Assamese. The Kalika Purana and the Yogini Tantra in Sanskrit give the

legend of Kamakhya in detail. The unwritten or oral literature

consists of Karati mantras and Dharani mantras which are curative and

preventive in nature respectively.

 

SOCIO-CULTURAL TRADITION

 

While explaining the socio-cultural life of the people in the temple

complex of Kamakhya, the author explains the family system, their

livelihood and some of the social taboos. Since the temple celebrates

several festivals as well as rituals, the residents include Brahmins

and other communities.

 

The author discusses the important myths still prevalent in the temple

complex. These are related to the origins of Goddesses Kamakhya and

Kumaripriya and that of Vamachara practice.

 

With regard to the exquisite artefacts of Assam, the author writes

that the people are experts in arts and crafts and they make various

kinds of art materials exclusively based on the architectural aspects

of the Kamakhya temple.

 

Lastly, the book conveys the message to the readers that Kamarupa now

called Assam is the most sacred place on this Earth. Kamakhya is the

"Yonipitha" and hence the fountain head of all creation.

 

This book will be useful to scholars and others interested in knowing

about the temple of Kamakhya and the rituals associated with it.

 

SOURCE: The Hindu, Chennai, India, Review by HARIPRIYA RANGARAJAN

URL {with cover photo]:

http://www.hindu.com/br/2004/09/28/stories/2004092800301700.htm