Interviewer:
Pranam (Greetings).
Scholar:
Pranam.
Interviewer:
Yesterday, due to a lack of time, we couldn't finish our conversation. I have some more questions for you today.
Scholar:
Yes, please go ahead.
Interviewer:
We Bengalis are most familiar with "Akal Bodhon," the untimely awakening of Durga by Lord Ram. What exactly is "Akal Bodhon"?
Scholar:
To understand "Akal Bodhon," we have to look at geography and the solar cycles: Dakshinayan and Uttarayon. When the sun leans toward the south, it is Dakshinayan. When it leans toward the north, it is Uttarayon. Each lasts six months.
Interviewer:
Which months are these?
Scholar:
Uttarayon begins the day after Pous Sankranti (mid-January), during the Ganga Sagar Mela. It continues until the full moon of the month of Ashar (mid-July). These are the six months of Uttarayon. Then, from the day after the Ashar full moon, Dakshinayan begins.
Scholar:
In Dakshinayan, the gods sleep while humans are awake. In Uttarayon, the gods are awake while humans sleep. This is why saints and sages choose to pass away during Uttarayon. You see this in the Mahabharata; when Bhishma was on the bed of arrows, it was Dakshinayan. He waited until Uttarayon began before he finally left his body.
Scholar:
Because Ram worshipped the Goddess during Dakshinayan (autumn) to defeat Ravana, he had to wake her up "untimely." That is why it is called "Akal Bodhon" (Untimely Awakening).
Interviewer:
And what about the traditional Puranic timing?
Scholar:
According to the Puranas, the original Durga Puja is celebrated in the spring. We have chosen the autumn celebration because the weather is pleasant and food is abundant. However, the "original" worship of the Goddess in her form as Annapurna happens during Uttarayon.
Interviewer:
That is Basanti Puja, correct?
Scholar:
Yes, Basanti Puja. It was first performed by King Surath for the sake of increasing his wealth and prosperity. That is the original Durga Puja. The autumn one is the "untimely" one. While it is popular with the public, for spiritual practitioners, the autumn puja doesn't hold the same theological significance because it occurs while the gods are technically in their period of rest.
Interviewer:
Let's talk about the Mother's form. We usually see her with ten arms.
Scholar:
The ten arms represent the ten directions. In ancient times, demons used to fight from behind clouds or trees, hiding themselves. But the Mother could strike them no matter which direction they came from: East, West, North, South, the four corners, upward, and downward.
Scholar:
However, notice that only eight of her hands hold weapons. The other two are different. There is a story that when she was unable to slay Mahishasura, the gods grew worried. Lord Shiva then gave her his trident (Trishul). It was only with the trident that she could finally defeat him.
Interviewer:
Could you explain the significance of Navratri?
Scholar:
Navratri refers to the nine forms of Durga worshipped over nine days. They are:
Scholar:
Shailaputri (Daughter of the Mountains)
Scholar:
Brahmacharini
Scholar:
Chandraghanta
Scholar:
Kushmanda
Scholar:
Skandamata (Mother of Skanda/Kartikeya)
Scholar:
Katyayani
Scholar:
Kaalratri
Scholar:
Mahagauri
Scholar:
Siddhidatri (Giver of perfections)
Scholar:
Each day, a different form is worshipped.
Interviewer:
What is the Goddess's true complexion? We see Kaali as dark, but what about Durga?
Scholar:
There is a verse: "Atasi Pushpa Varnabham." It means her skin is the color of the Atasi flower—a bright, pure yellow or golden hue. She is also described as Shodashi, meaning she eternally maintains the form of a sixteen-year-old.
Interviewer:
She has names like Katyayani, Narayani, and Dakshayani. Why is she rarely referred to simply as Shiva's wife in these rituals?
Scholar:
In worship, these three names are primary. Dakshayani because she is the daughter of King Daksha. Katyayani because she is the daughter of Sage Katyayana. And Narayani because she is the presiding power of Narayana. While she is Shiva's consort, she is worshipped through these identities. There are also the 64 Yoginis who accompanied her on the battlefield.
Interviewer:
You mentioned Ravana also worshipped the Mother?
Scholar:
Yes, Ravana was a devotee. But when a son becomes wicked and tyrannical, the mother realizes it is better for the world if he is gone. That is why she helped Ram slay him.
Interviewer:
Why is she called "Mahamaya"?
Scholar:
Because she bestows Maya (illusion/attachment). Upon birth, she grants humans the gift of attachment. Without this, humans would be like demons. She weaves the fabric of the world through this illusion, keeping the balance of life.
Interviewer:
Is Kaali a form of Durga?
Scholar:
Absolutely. Durga once changed her form to become Kaali. There is a story that Shiva once wanted to engage in a union with Durga, but she refused, saying, "I am the sustainer of the world. If I lose myself in this, the world will suffer." She transformed herself into the fierce, naked form of Kaali to show her power.
Interviewer:
What about the Dasha Mahavidya (Ten Great Wisdoms)?
Scholar:
These are the ten fierce forms: Kaali, Tara, Shodashi, Bhuvaneshwari, Bhairavi, Chinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi, and Kamala. They appeared when Ganesha's head was severed, and the Mother took on these terrifying forms. They are also the source of Tantra and Mantra.
Interviewer:
Some people use Tantra for bad purposes.
Scholar:
Like everything else, it can be used for good or bad. Bad people use it for ill intent, and they suffer the consequences. Good people use it to find the path to the Divine.
Interviewer:
Goddess Dhumavati is often shown holding a winnowing fan (kula). Why?
Scholar:
Dhumavati represents hidden knowledge (Gupta Vidya). The winnowing fan symbolizes the sifting of seeds—representing the sifting of knowledge and fate. She is a very powerful and ancient form, associated with the planet Ketu.
Interviewer:
There is also a story about Kaali swallowing Shiva?
Scholar:
That represents a state of extreme ferocity where she loses all sense of identity and relationship. It shows that in her fiercest state, she is beyond all worldly ties. She is described as "Ati Soumya, Ati Roudra"—extremely gentle, yet extremely fierce.
Interviewer:
Finally, what is the significance of the Maha Hom (fire sacrifice) on the day of Navami?
Scholar:
Hom is a Vedic ritual. Every puja ends with a fire sacrifice to maintain the Vedic tradition. There are two types: Vedic and Tantric. While Vedic is considered "higher," Tantric Hom is often performed by those seeking specific worldly desires.
Interviewer:
Can we keep a statue of Durga at home?
Scholar:
Of course. She is Durgati-nashini, the one who destroys all obstacles and suffering. She should definitely be kept in the home.
Interviewer:
Thank you so much.
Scholar:
You're very welcome.