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Ambubasi: When Mother Earth Menstruates!

Menstruation has always been a matter of celebration for Hindus. It is is sign of a girl's coming of age. Menstruation is a sign of fertility and it is not only confined to the humans. The heavenly Mother who looks after all beings on Earth also goes through this phase of menstruation once in a year! Yes, this is true and it is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in the great temple of Kamakhya in Assam.

The period of time while the Goddess menstruates is known as Ambubasi. During this time of Ambubasi it is believed that Mother Earth or the Supreme Mother Herself menstruates and therefore all the temples dedicated to the Goddess is closed for three days. Inside the temple, the Devi is bathed everyday, adorned with red coloured garment and worshipped with fruits and flowers.

Ambubasi is the time when we give our Mother Goddess some rest from carrying out Her duties. The time of Ambubasi also celebrates the start of monsoon which brings relief to Mother Earth and all of us from the scorching heat. Usually Ambubasi starts on the 7th day of Ashad month according to the Hindu calendar.

CHECK OUT: KAMAKHYA TEMPLE STORY

The traditional belief behind this celebration is that our Mother Earth is a fertile woman as She germinates and grows crops like any woman who gets pregnant and bears children. Thus, Ambubasi symbolises the phenomenon of an ancient agricultural concept. The temple of Kamakhya assumes prominence because according to the mythology, Devi Sati's 'yoni' or womb fell in this place when She was being carried by Lord Shiva.

Let us take a close look on this celebration of the Goddess' menstruation during Ambubasi.

Ambubasi: Meaning

Ambubasi: Meaning

The term Ambubasi is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Ambuvachi' which means issuing forth water. This signifies the swelling of Earth's water bodies due to the onset of monsoons. It is often referred to as Goddess Kamakhya's menstruation. But in reality, it is the menstruation period for entire Mother Earth. Since Kamakhya preserves Her yoni, it has become the focal point of celebrations throughout centuries.

Pic Courtesy:Vikramjit Kakati

When Kamakhya Turns Red

When Kamakhya Turns Red

It is a prevalent belief that red coloured water flows out of the yoni which is preserved in the temple at Kamakhya during the period of Ambubasi. No worship takes place at any Devi temple in India. The temple door remains closed for three days and only after bathing the Devi on fourth day is the doors opened for the general devotees. Another important belief connected to the Ambubasi is that the red cloth worn by the Mother during this time is considered to be very auspicious and one who can acquire a piece of it is granted all wishes.

Pic Courtesy:Ankur J. Das

Red: The Colour Of Shakti

Red: The Colour Of Shakti

The red colour is a symbol of Shakti. It is associated with the Rajas guna and is also a symbol of pro-creativity. The Supreme Goddess is said to be very pleased with the colour and hence She is dressed up in red during Ambubasi. Hence the red cloth is considered to be of great value for the devotees.

Pic Courtesy: Ankur Jyoti Das

How To Celebrate Ambubasi At Home

How To Celebrate Ambubasi At Home

You can observe the Ambubasi at home too. On the first day, take a piece of red cloth and cover the idol of Devi with it. Close the curtains or the door of the pooja room. This is directed at giving rest to the Goddess, while She is menstruating. In the evening, offer fruits, water and simple aarti to the Goddess from outside the room or the drawn curtain for three days.

Pic Courtesy: Devi Bhakta

Mantra

Mantra

While worshipping the Goddess, do recite this mantra.
Kamakhyam kamasampannam kameshvarim harapriyam |
Kamanam dehi me nityam kameshwarim namostute ||

Kamakhye varade devi neel parvat vasini |
Tvam devi jagatam mata yonimudre namostute ||

Pic Courtesy: Dipantar Borah

The Fourth Day

The Fourth Day

On the fourth day, remove the red cloth, bathe the idol and clean everything thoroughly. Replace the deity's clothes with new ones and offer flowers and fruits. Sing hymns and chant mantras to please the Goddess and She will grant you all that you wish for.

Significance Of Goddess Kamakhya On Ambubasi

Significance Of Goddess Kamakhya On Ambubasi

Goddess Kamakhya is also known as Kamarupa or Kamarupini which means the Goddess of desires. She resides in Kamakhya as a virgin and also as a spouse of Lord Shiva. She has many forms or rupas. When She is in Her Sambhoga form, She Herself becomes Kama. Thus, She is known as Kamakhya for satisfying Her Love with Lord Shiva. She is the source of all desires. And She is the one who grants all the desires. It is said that the Goddess is most powerful at the time of Ambubasi and one who prays with a pure mind and heart can get all his desires fulfilled.

Pic Courtesy: Subhashish Panigrahi

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