Dhumavati Jayanti

The festival of Dhumavati Jayanti or ‘Dhumavati Mahavidya Jayanti’ as it is popularly known is celebrated as the day when Goddess Dhumavati, a manifestation of Goddess Shakti, incarnated on Earth. It falls on the ‘ashtami’ (8th day) during the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (the bright fortnight of moon) in the ‘Jyestha’ month of the Hindu calendar. For those following the English calendar, it corresponds to the months of May-June with dates varying every year. Dhumavati Jayanti is an auspicious day for Hindus celebrated in honour of Goddess Dhumavati, who is known to be the seventh of the 10 Mahavidyas in the Hindu mythology. She is also known to be the most furious form of Goddess Durga. By worshipping Maa Dhumavati on this auspicious day, devotees can be relieved from all their problems and sins. Dhumavati Jayanti is celebrated with immense excitement and zeal in the whole country.

Rituals during Dhumavati Jayanti:

- On the day of Dhumavati Jayanti, devotees get up before sunrise and dedicate the day to worshipping Mata Dhumavati. The main puja ritual should be performed in an isolated place. The Goddess is worshipped with dhoop, incense sticks and flowers. Special ‘Prasad’ is prepared on this day. It is believed that by offering black sesame seeds tied in black cloth to Devi on this day, can grant fulfilment of one’s wishes.

- During the time of puja, special Devi mantras are recited to please Goddess Dhumavati and seek Her blessing for ending all the miseries in life. After the recitation of mantra, ‘aarti’ is performed and the Prasad is distributed among family members and other devotees.

- On the occasion of Dhumavati Jayanti, a special procession is prearranged during night for all the devotees of Goddess Dhumavati.

- Tantriks especially worship Goddess Dhumavati with full devotion to gain all materialistic wealth.

- According to the traditions, married women are barred from worshipping Mata Dhumavati. They are only allowed a glimpse from far. This tradition is followed for the safety of their husband and sons.

According to the Hindu legends, Goddess Dhumavati is associated with all inauspicious things. It is believed that She appeared during the time of Cosmic dissolution. Some of the Hindu scholars strongly consider that Goddess Dhumavati is the void just prior to creation and post destruction. The Goddess is depicted in the form of an ugly old lady seated on a horseless chariot. Sometimes, she is also portrayed riding a crow. Symbolically speaking, Goddess Dhumavati urges the devotees to look beyond the superficial things and foster their faith in the Supreme Truth, from which both the beauty and ugliness arises.

Even though Mata Dhumavati’s appearance is dangerous and scary, She always blesses her children and was incarnation to free Earth from all sinners and demons. Even in the ancient times, Saint Parshuram, Bhrigu and Durvasa worshipped Goddess Dhumavati for attainment of special powers. In some regions She is worshipped as a protective deity. Tantric practitioners worship Goddess Dhumavati to overcome all the obstacles in life and also for fulfilment of their desires. She is also referred as ‘Kalahpriya’ for offering the solutions for this world’s Kalah (problems). It is believed that even a glimpse of Goddess Dhumavati on the day of Dhumavati Jayanti, showers divine blessings on the observer.