Navratri: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday performed 'Kanya Pujan' on the ninth day of Navratri at the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur district. During Navratri, the girls are worshipped as manifestations of Goddess Durga at the 'Kanya Pujan'.
CM Yogi, who is also the 'peethadheeshwar' of Gorakhnath Temple, performed a ritual in which he washed the feet of nine girls in a brass plate filled with water in the temple's dining hall. These girls represented the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
CM Yogi performs 'Kanya Pujan'
During the ritual, while chanting the Durga Saptashati mantras, Yogi Adityanath applied vermillion, sandalwood paste, yogurt, and rice grains on the foreheads of the nine girls. He garlanded them and presented them with a 'chunri' (scarf), 'dakshina' (offering), and other gifts. He also sought their blessings as part of the ceremony.
After the ritual, the nine girls were served a freshly cooked meal in the temple's kitchen, and Chief Minister Adityanath personally served them. Additionally, he also performed Batuk Puja, a ritual involving young boys who are considered manifestations of the deity Kal Bhairav.
In addition to the nine girls, several other children visited the Gorakhnath Peeth, known for its deep reverence for Matri Shakti (the power of motherhood). They were warmly welcomed by the Chief Minister He served food and gave gifts as part of the celebrations.
Here's what CM Yogi said
CM Yogi said as Durga Puja celebrations take place across the state on the occasion of Navami, the Mission Shakti program is effectively progressing at the government level. "It is a privilege to participate in the 'Kanya Pujan' programme. As Durga Puja programmes are being organised across the state on the occasion of Navami, the Mission Shakti programme is moving forward in an effective manner at the government level," said UP CM.
Earlier in the morning, the Chief Minister performed the puja of Maa Siddhidatri with traditional rituals and procedures at the Shaktipeeth within the temple.
CM extends Dussehra greetings
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also extended Dussehra greetings to the people and said that in every era and in every situation, whenever evil powers seem to be more influential, Sanatana Dharma has always accepted those evil powers as a challenge and worked for the welfare of the country and its people.
"The festival of Vijayadashami (Dussehra) symbolises the victory of good over evil and truth over falsehood. On this day Lord Shri Ram had killed Ravana. This festival is celebrated with traditional devotion and joy all over India," he said.
"Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram was dedicated to truth, dignity, justice, peace, charity and public welfare. The life of Lord Shri Ram, a symbol of moral, human, and social values, provides inspiration to follow the right path and live an ideal life. The festival of Vijayadashami gives us the message of achieving our goals with hope, enthusiasm, and energy," the CM was quoted as saying in the release.
Maha Navami
The ninth day of Navratri is also celebrated as Maha Navami. Devotees of Maa Durga worship Maa Siddhidatri on this day. On Maha Navami (the ninth day), a special puja called 'Kumari Puja' is performed. On this day, young unmarried girls are revered as manifestations of Goddess Durga and are offered prayers and food. On Dashami (the tenth day), devotees bid adieu to Maa Durga and offer her a symbolic farewell with aarti. During this time, people also exchange sweets with their friends and family members as a gesture of goodwill.
The festival of Durga Puja is considered to be an auspicious occasion for Hindus and brings with it joy and happiness in the lives of people belonging to this community. It is a time for celebrating the victory of good over evil, as well as a time for coming together with family and friends to revel in the beauty of this festival. Moreover, it also marks a time for renewal and rejuvenation, as well as an opportunity to pay homage to Goddess Durga.
(With agencies input)
