Navpatrika Pooja, a revered Hindu ritual noticed on the seventh day of Durga Pooja, carries profound significance within the wealthy compilation of Indian traditions. On this auspicious event, the trustworthy invoke the divine presence of Goddess Durga via the embodiment of Navpatrika, a symbolic meeting of 9 distinct leaves. Every leaf represents a aspect of the Goddess’s multifaceted persona, making a profound connection between the mortal realm and the divine.

The 2023 Navpatrika Pooja is on Saturday, 21 October.

Saptami Tithi Begins at 23:26:52 on October 20, 2023.

Saptami Tithi Ends at 21:55:15 on October 21, 2023.

This sacred ritual, also referred to as Maha Saptami or Kolabou Pooja, is steeped in symbolism and devotion. The 9 plant elements within the Navpatrika function emissaries of the divine, symbolizing deities akin to Brahmani, Kali, Durga, Kartiki, Shiva, Raktadantika, Sokarahita, Chamunda, and Lakshmi. The day commences with the sanctified Mahasnan, culminating in Prana Pratishta and Shodashopachara Pooja, the place Goddess Durga is worshiped with sixteen sacred choices.
Particularly distinguished within the vibrant tradition of West Bengal, the place it’s generally known as Kolabou Pooja, Navpatrika Pooja continues to be a cherished custom that unites devotees in religious reverence and celebration.

The Significance of Navpatrika Pooja

In Hinduism, the follow of invoking divine deities usually entails using mediums or symbols to ascertain a connection between the mortal world and the religious realm. Navpatrika Pooja, celebrated with nice reverence, exemplifies this profound custom. The Navpatrika, a compilation of 9 distinct vegetation, serves as a sacred medium to invoke the spirit of Goddess Durga and her numerous divine manifestations.
Every of those 9 vegetation carries symbolic significance, representing completely different deities inside the Hindu pantheon:

1. Banana Tree (Brahmani): The assorted elements of the banana tree symbolize Goddess Brahmani, who’s related to data and knowledge.
2. Kachu Plant (Kali): The Kachu plant is emblematic of Goddess Kali, the fierce and formidable deity who embodies energy and transformation.
3. Turmeric Plant (Durga): The colourful yellow turmeric plant signifies Goddess Durga, recognized for her protecting and nurturing attributes.
4. Jayanti Plant (Kartiki): The Jayanti plant is consultant of Goddess Kartiki, a celestial warrior and image of braveness.
5. Bilva Tree (Shiva): The Bilva tree and its elements are devoted to Lord Shiva, one of many principal deities in Hinduism.
6. Pomegranate Plant (Raktadantika): The pomegranate plant embodies Goddess Raktadantika, a deity related to fertility and abundance.
7. Ashoka Tree (Sokarahita): The Ashoka tree and its leaves symbolize Goddess Sokarahita, bringing solace and peace.
8. Manaka Plant (Chamunda): The Manaka plant signifies Goddess Chamunda, a fierce protector towards evil forces.
9. Rice Paddies (Lakshmi): The rice paddies are symbolic of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune.

Navpatrika Pooja not solely exemplifies the wealthy symbolism inside Hinduism but additionally serves as an attractive expression of devotion and spirituality. Via this ritual, devotees join with the divine, searching for blessings, safety, and steerage from the assorted elements of Goddess Durga and different deities, every represented by nature’s bounty. This profound custom continues to be a cherished a part of Durga Pooja celebrations, fostering a deep religious reference to the divine.

Rituals and Celebrations

Formation of Navpatrika:

The formation of Navpatrika on Maha Saptami is a sacred and complicated course of that signifies the convergence of nature’s bounty in homage to Goddess Durga. Devotees meticulously choose 9 distinct vegetation, every symbolizing a singular divine side. These vegetation are lovingly sure collectively utilizing a department from the revered Bilva tree, itself an emblem of Lord Shiva. As soon as the Navpatrika takes form, it undergoes a purifying ritual. It’s bathed in sacred water, symbolizing the infusion of divine power. Adorned with vibrant orange or crimson fabric, the Navpatrika radiates with the colours of devotion and spirituality. Positioned on a picket plank beside Goddess Durga, it turns into the point of interest of reverence through the auspicious Navpatrika Pooja.

Mahasnan – The Holy Bathtub:

The day of Navpatrika Pooja commences with the sacred and purifying ritual generally known as Mahasnan, the Holy Bathtub. This important ceremony entails intricate preparations to honor Goddess Durga. A pivotal component is the location of a mirror in a fashion that captures the reflection of the Goddess. This reflection, symbolizing the divine presence, is then ritually bathed with a sequence of important choices. Devotees pour consecrated water, anoint with aromatic oils, and bestow flowers upon the reflection of Goddess Durga, cleaning and adorning her divine type. Mahasnan signifies the purification of each the worshipper’s coronary heart and the sanctified illustration of the Goddess, fostering a profound religious connection.

Prana Pratishta and Shodashopachara Pooja:

After the sanctifying Mahasnan, the sacred rituals of Prana Pratishta and Shodashopachara Pooja unfold. Prana Pratishta signifies the consecration and set up of the Goddess’s idol on the designated worship web site. It’s a second of nice religious significance, because it invitations the divine presence to inhabit the idol. Subsequently, the Shodashopachara Pooja, a ritual involving the providing of sixteen completely different sacred objects, commences. These choices, together with water, flowers, incense, and extra, symbolize deep respect and devotion. Every component signifies numerous aspects of the Goddess’s divine attributes and fosters a profound religious bond between the devotees and the deity, making a second of divine communion and reverence.

Kolabou Pooja in West Bengal:

Within the vibrant tradition of West Bengal, Navpatrika Pooja takes on a definite and cherished identification generally known as Kolabou Pooja. This regional variation provides a singular taste to the Durga Pooja festivities. Kolabou, affectionately considered the spouse of Lord Ganesha, assumes a central and revered position in these celebrations. She is symbolically represented as a banana tree, usually adorned with conventional apparel and jewellery. Kolabou’s presence provides a familial dimension to the festivities, emphasizing unity and devotion inside the divine household. West Bengal’s Kolabou Pooja infuses an additional layer of cultural richness and spirituality into the already vibrant tapestry of Durga Pooja celebrations within the area.

Navpatrika Pooja Vidhi

1. Maha Saptami, the auspicious day of Navpatrika Pooja, commences with the sacred Kolabou Snaan, also referred to as Maha Snaan. This ritual bathtub is a purifying expertise that bestows upon devotees the divine blessings and beauty of Goddess Durga, setting the tone for a day of devotion and religious connection.
2. The Snaan ritual throughout Navpatrika Pooja entails the meticulous binding collectively of all 9 symbolic leaves. This act of unification symbolizes the convergence of assorted divine elements represented by these leaves, infusing them with the collective religious power required for invoking the divine presence of Goddess Durga throughout this sacred ceremony.
3. Put up the purifying Maha Snaan ritual, the Navpatrika takes on conventional and culturally important apparel. It’s adorned with a white saree that boasts vibrant crimson borders. This apparel adheres to the cherished custom of Bengal, symbolizing purity, devotion, and the wealthy cultural heritage of the area throughout Navpatrika Pooja.
4. Following the Maha Snaan and the adornment of Navpatrika, the pivotal Praan Pratishtha ritual unfolds. Throughout this sacred ceremony, the idol of Goddess Durga is reverently positioned on the designated worship web site. It marks the second when the divine presence is formally invited to reside within the idol, infusing it with religious significance and reverence.
5. After Praan Pratishtha, the Shodashopachara Pooja commences, that includes choices akin to water, fruits, flowers, and aromatic sandalwood to honor Goddess Durga’s divine attributes. The ceremony culminates with a grand Maha Aarti, a ritual of profound devotion, adopted by the distribution of prasad, symbolizing the sharing of divine blessings with devotees.

Navpatrika Pooja noticed on the auspicious day of Maha Saptami, stands as a profound testomony to the wealthy tradition of Hindu spirituality and devotion. It encapsulates the essence of invoking Goddess Durga in her 9 distinct varieties via the symbolic medium of Navpatrika, every leaf representing a aspect of her divine persona.
This sacred ritual, steeped in symbolism and devotion, serves as a bridge between the mortal realm and the divine, fostering a deep and enduring connection between devotees and the goddess. The meticulous rituals, from the purification of Mahasnan to the choices made throughout Shodashopachara Pooja, are moments of intense religious communion.
In West Bengal, the celebration takes on the pleasant hue of Kolabou Pooja, additional enriching the cultural mosaic of Durga Pooja festivities. Navpatrika Pooja continues to be a cherished and integral a part of these celebrations, uniting communities of their devotion and reverence for Goddess Durga, symbolizing the triumph of fine over evil, and the enduring energy of religion and spirituality.