Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati Celebrates Unique Durga Puja and Navaratri
The historic Kamakhya Temple, located atop Assam’s Nilachal Hills, is celebrating the Durga Puja and Navaratri festivals in a unique manner. This year, the 15-day-long Durga Puja festival started on September 26.
Unlike traditional celebrations, the Kamakhya Temple avoids idol worship. Instead, the festival commenced with the chanting of slokas and rituals by priests. The celebrations start on the ninth day of the waning moon, known as ‘Krishna Navami,’ and continue until the ninth day of the waxing moon, ‘Sukla Navami,’ in the Hindu month of Ashvin.
Himadri Sharma, the priest of Kamakhya Temple, explained, “Every year, the Durga Puja at Kamakhya Temple is celebrated with different fervour. As per rituals, Durga idol is not worshipped here. But all other rituals have been performed during the period. We have made all arrangements.”
Regarding the Navratri celebration, Sharma added, “Kumari Puja (virgin worship) will be performed from the first day after Navratri. On the first day, one Kumari Puja will be performed, on the second day two, and on the ninth day, nine Kumaris will be worshipped.”
A devotee from Rajasthan shared his experience, saying, “A fortnight-long Durga Puja festival is organised at Kamakhya Temple every year, and we feel very happy to visit here.”
The Kamakhya Temple is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in the country and holds significant historical and religious importance.
Doubts Revealed
Kamakhya Temple -: Kamakhya Temple is a famous and ancient temple located in Guwahati, Assam. It is dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, who is a form of the goddess Durga.
Guwahati -: Guwahati is a big city in the state of Assam in India. It is known for its temples and the Brahmaputra River.
Durga Puja -: Durga Puja is a big festival in India where people worship the goddess Durga. It usually involves making idols of the goddess and celebrating with music, dance, and food.
Navaratri -: Navaratri is a festival that lasts for nine nights and is dedicated to the goddess Durga. People celebrate it with prayers, fasting, and dancing.
Krishna Navami -: Krishna Navami is the ninth day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is part of the month when the moon is getting smaller.
Sukla Navami -: Sukla Navami is the ninth day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is part of the month when the moon is getting bigger.
Kumari Puja -: Kumari Puja is a special ritual where young girls are worshipped as forms of the goddess Durga. It is believed that these girls represent the goddess’s purity and power.
Priest Himadri Sharma -: Priest Himadri Sharma is a religious leader at the Kamakhya Temple. He helps perform the rituals and ceremonies during the festival.
Rajasthan -: Rajasthan is a state in India known for its deserts, palaces, and colorful culture. People from Rajasthan also visit the Kamakhya Temple during the festival.