Six-Year-Old 'Goddess' Blesses Devotees

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LUCKNOW (October 1, 2006): Six-year-old Kumari Madhurika Roy became

the embodiment of goddess Durga at Ramakrishna Math on the occasion of

'Kumari Puja' on 'Mahashtami' on Saturday.

 

"This is perhaps the most important part of Durga puja festivities. Ma

Durga is worshipped in several forms like a clay image, water, plants,

fire and a living girl and this is one of them. Kumari is supposed to

be the most pious of all," said Swami Muktinathananda, president,

Ramkrishna Math.

 

The girl draped in traditional silk saree and wearing gold ornaments

was made to sit before the idol of Goddess Durga amid chanting of

vedic mantras. Thereafter, Swami Muktinathananda offered her gifts of

sarees, jewellery, fruits and sweets. Later, the girl was taken on a

palanquin to bless the devotees.

 

The preparations for 'kumari puja' begins about a month before the

main puja. A Benagli-Brahmin girl who has not attained puberty is

selected after rigorous interview.

 

Parents of the selected girl are asked to take special care of her, as

she is the one chosen by God. The girl is not allowed to eat

non-vegetarian diet and care is taken that she is not depressed during

the the month-long period. The girl returns to her normal life after

the 'puja' along with offerings and gifts.

 

"Madhurika has always been a poised and self-possessed. Even though

she is very fond of fish, she controlled her taste buds," said Maushmi

Roy, Madhurika's mother.

 

The Kumari Puja is followed by the 'Sandhi puja' which is considered

to be the grand finale. The 'sandhi puja' is performed when ashtami

and naumi tithi meet (eighth and ninth days of the lunar calender). It

is marked by worship of goddess Durga.

 

SOURCE: The Times of India

URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2055502.cms