Jagadhatri Puja: Story & Significance

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Jagadhatri is a form of Goddess Durga who is worshipped mainly in West Bengal and the surrounding areas. The name ' Jagadhatri' literally means the one who holds the world or universe. So, it is believed that Goddess Jagadhatri is the one who is holding this universe in Her hands.

Jagadhatri is the Goddess of the tantras. She is depicted as a three-eyed Goddess who has four arms and rides a lion. In each of Her hands She holds a conch, a bow, and arrow and a chakra. She is clothed in red coloured saree and decked up with bright jewels. She stands on a dead demon called Karindrasura who is depicted as an elephant.

Let us have a look at the story and significance of Jagadhatri puja.

Story of Goddess Jagadhatri
As per the legends, after Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura, the Gods started believing that because they lent their powers to the Goddess She was able to vanquish the demon. This thought filled them with arrogance.

To vanquish this arrogance, Brahma appeared before them in form of a Yaksha. He kept a blade of grass in front of the Gods and challenged them to destroy it. The Fire God, Agni could not burn it, the God of Air, Vayu could not move it in spite of all His great powers. So, the realization dawned on them that their powers are derived from the ultimate source of power, Shakti. She is the supreme Goddess and the source of all powers. She holds the universe together with Her immense powers and thus Jagadhatri came to be worshipped.

Any person who worships Goddess Jagadhatri with devotion becomes completely ego-less. She blesses Her devotees with great powers and fearlessness. Jagadhatri standing over the elephant demon indicates that to control our mind which is frantic like a elephant, we have to assume the powers of Goddess Jagadhatri.

Jagadhatri puja is celebrated all over West Bengal with great enthusiasm especially in Chandannagore and the allied areas. Huge idols of the Devi are put up throughout the region and the festival lasts almost for a week.