Fwd: Kshinna Masta -- Shakthi peet at Rajrappa (Ranchi Bihar )

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Vani Sriram <vani_sriram wrote:Sun, 5 Sep 2004 19:16:27 -0700

(PDT)

Vani Sriram

ganapathy = = vijaya

 

Dear Mama,

 

Namaskaram.

 

As I had mentioned to you earlier, we visited the

shrine of Maa Chhinna Mastika(pronounced as Kshinna in

sanskrit meaning severed) at Rajrappa. It is about 75

kms. from Ranchi, and takes about 2 hours by car.

 

The temple complex has several temples. As we enter

there is a small temple for Krishna and Anjaneya.

There is another huge hall, with Virat Swarupa of Maa

Durga on one side, and Virat Swarupa of Sri Krishna on

the other side. In between, there are idols of Uma -

Maheshwara, and the Ashta Lakshmis.

 

We then went to a temple with nine separate temples

for eight of the Dasa Mahavidyas (other than Kali and

Chhinna Mastha, for whom there are separate temples).

Water from the confluence flows on both sides of this

structure. There are also idols of Bhaskararaya and

Vamakethu.

 

We then went to the Siva temple - which also houses

Vinayaka and Karthikeya. Within this temple, there are

also separate shrines for Manasa Devi and the

Navagrahas. There is also a separate temple for Kali.

 

We then have a huge temple for Surya Bhagwan, with an

enormous murthi with saptha ashwas.

 

We then came to the main temple, housing Maa Chhinna

Masthika (pronounced in Sanskrit as Kshinna - or

severed). Maa is shown holding her own severed head,

with blood oozing out of her neck and falling on

Varnani and Dakini. At her feet, on a lotus lie

KamaDeva and Rati. In the sanctum sanctorum, the main

deity is veiled, but this is captured on a silver

peetham at the bottom. Unlike in the South, in the

North, we can touch the main deity.

 

The tantrik philosophy explains this totally

differently, but from what we understand (from the

inscriptions at the temple complex itself) , this

deity symbolises the following:

 

Maa severing her own head symbolises that unless we

give up our own ego and consciousness, we cannot

attain self-realisation. Also, the fact that she is

drinking her own blood symbolises that we have to draw

on our own vital energy for attaining the ultimate

goal, rather than looking outwardly. Although there is

no clear mention as to the symbolism of Kama Deva and

Rati at Maa's feet, we infer that this should refer to

the sublimation of sensual desires while proceeding

towards our ultimate goal.

 

As I mentioned earlier, the temple is located at the

confluence of two rivers - Damodar (Male) and Bhairavi

(also called Bhera here).

 

Both types of sacrifices are practiced here - Nariyal

bali (for people like us), and bali of a goat. There

is also one yagya shala and several kundams at

different points in the complex. Near the main deity

itself, there are four enclosures where one can sit

and do parayanam without being disturbed.

 

The crowds are enormous; most people take a bath at

the confluence, before entering the main shrine. It

took us about 1 hour within the main shrine itself,

and another 1 hour for the other temples and the river

itself.

 

I have offered prayers on your behalf also at the main

shrine of Maa Chhinna Mastika.

 

Warm regards,

 

Vani

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ganapathy --- Vijaya

 

" Jai Bhavani "

 

 

 

 

 

 

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