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Rituals Associated With The Sandhi Puja
Maa Durga is also known as Mahishasura Mardini. Mahishasura Mardini means annihilation of the demon. But there is one more story worth telling you about Durga Puja. Sandhi Puja that marks the passing of Ashtami (8th day of Navratri) into Navami (9th day of Navratri).This is symbolically time of dusk at which Devi Durga slayed two other asuras named Chondo and Munda.
When is Sandhikhan?
The last 24 minutes of Ashtami and first 24 minutes of Navami is regarded as the Sandhikhan. This is the exact time at which Devi Durga slayed the notorious pair Chando and Munda. Thus Sandhi Puja must be performed at this time every year. This time varies every year according to the Lunar calendar. Sometimes it can be as early as 8 in the evening and at other times it can draw up to the wee hours of the morning.
The Myth goes that..
Devi Durga appeared in front of the errant Mahishashura in a form of beautiful golden woman. Her skin was golden and she was clad in a yellow saree. Her ten hands held various kinds of weapons. When pitched battle was going on between Goddess Durga and Mahishashura, his allies Chondo and Munda attacked the Goddess from behind.
The Goddess was so enraged by this breach of battle rules that her face turned blue. She opened her third eye and Chamunda avatar (taken from Chondo and Munda) sprang out. This avatar was a form of the blood curdling Goddess Kali. Chamunda slayed Chondo and Munda with her falchion. Sandhi Puja is celebrated to worship the Chamunda form of Goddess Durga.
Ingredients For Sandhi Puja:
On the eve of Navami you have to make your final offering to Goddess Durga. Thus the arrangements for Sandhi Puja are usually grand. You need 108 lotuses and 108 earthen oil lamps to begin with. A single whole fruit (preferably red), hibiscus flowers, saree, uncooked rice grains, jewellery if you are offering any and bel (wood apple) leaves. Every family or community has its own unique way of offering these ingredients to the Goddess but the 108 lamps and lotuses remain constant in every household.
Rituals Associated With Sandhi Puja:
Many rituals and traditions are associated with the moment of Sandhikhan (literally meaning minute). Zamindars and Rajas declared the time for Sandhi puja by firing cannon balls or starting a loud drum beat of Dhak (a type of drum played during Durga Puja). Even today, the moment when Sandhi Puja starts, it is anticipated with bated breath because this is the most important part of Durga Puja.
The festivities of Durga Puja are basically a celebration of the 'Female Force' in the Universe. It celebrated the voictory of good over evil.
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