Dhumavati Jayanti (02-June-2017)

Dhumavati Jayanti or ‘Dhumavati Mahavidya Jayanti’ is celebrated as the holy day when Goddess Dhumavati, incarnated in this world. Goddess Dhumavathi is a manifestation of the supreme mother Goddess Shakti. According to the traditional Hindu calendar, this revered day falls on the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (the bright fortnight of moon) ‘Ashtami’ in the ‘Jyestha’ month (May-June). Offering prayers to Maa Dhumavati on this auspicious day is believed to relieve devotees from all their problems and sins.

Rituals during Dhumavati Jayanti

1. It is customary for devotees to get up early, even before the sunrise on the day of Dhumavati Jayanti to worship the Goddess. The major puja rituals are to be performed at an isolated place. Devotees worship the goddess with various items such as incense sticks and flowers. A special ‘Prasad’ is also prepared for offering the deity. Offering black sesame seeds tied in black cloth to Dhumavathi Devi on this day, is believed to bring a person’s desires true.
2. Revered mantras and slokas are recited as part of the pooja rituals to invoke the blessings of  Goddess Dhumavati. The sacred ‘aarti’ is shown to the deity and her holy Prasad is distributed to the near and dear ones.
3.  A ceremonial procession of the Goddess is arranged in most temples on the night of this special day.
4. Many devotees, especially the Tantriks perform special prayers to Goddess Dhumavati with utmost faith and devotion in order to gain abundant wealth.
5. As per traditional norms, married women are generally prohibited from worshipping Mata Dhumavati and are allowed only to get a glimpse of the deity from a distance. This tradition is followed for the safety of their husband and sons.

Importance of celebrating Dhumavati Jayanti

According to Hindu Mythology, Goddess Dhumavati is associated with inauspiciousness. The image of Mata Dhumavati appears to be dangerous and scary, yet she never fails to bless her children. She incarnated in this world to free the planet from the evil clutches of demons and sinners. This mighty Goddess has been worshipped by Sri Parshuram (the sixth Avathar of Lord Vishnu) himself, apart from saints like Bhrigu and Durvasa for procuring special powers. Goddess Dhumavathi is also regarded as a protective deity in some places.  Tantricks worship this Goddess to get relieved from the impending hardships in their life and to get their wishes fulfilled. Goddess  Dhumavathi is also praised as ‘Kalahpriya’ as she is believed to have solutions for all the Kalahs (problems) in this world. A mere glimpse of Goddess Dhumavati on  Dhumavati Jayanti is considered sufficient for receiving the blessings of the deity.

-Radhika T V