Rajib Sarma is a hereditary “Chandipathak Priest” of Kamakhya Temples’ Complex or Kamakhya Group of Temples involved with worship and rituals. Please visit “www.kamakhya.org/about-us/profiles” for more info.
AMBUBACHI AT KAMAKHYA TEMPLES’ COMPLEX: RELIGIOUS AND SOCIO-CULTURAL ASPECTS Rajib Sarma
e-mail:
[email protected] Website: www.kamakhya.org
ādrānakṣatrādyapādāvacchedena pṛthivī ṛtumatī tiṣṭhati| tasyā rajasvalāyāḥ pṛthvā ambuvācīti saṁjñā tattyāgadine tadbhinnadine tava pūjāṁ kariṣyanti ityanvayaḥ|| (devībhāgavatam) In the month of 'Ashara' when the Sun in the house of 'Mithuna Rasi' steps into the first 'pada' of the constellation 'Adra' after 'Mrigasira', the period of Ambubachi commences and continues till the fourth day. The Mother Earth is said to enter the period of mensuration in this time. It is interesting to note that this occurrence of Sun's entry into the first 'Padma' of 'Adra' constellation invariably takes place on the 6th or the 7th day of 'Ashara' in Indian Calendar. Generally, Ambubachi starts on the 7th day of 'Ashara'. The traditional belief is that our sacred Mother Earth is also like a fertile woman, cultivable for germination of seeds and growing crops and gets pregnant, as if, in coition. That is why the woman's womb is compared as 'Khsetra' for cultivation. Ambubachi symbolises this phenomena of ancient agricultural concept. In Bodo community it is called 'Amthisua', in Hindu society of lower Assam it is called 'Amoti' or 'Ameti' and in West Bengal it is called 'Ambabati'. As per the traditional belief, we are the children of the Mother Earth. Thus, the concept of Ambubachi possesses in its agricultural, social and religious ideas which contributed to the emergence of this phenomenon, resulting in observance of some rituals for the occasion. The concept of the cult of Mother Earth has been in its process of gradual evolution and elevation merged in the Upanishadic and Mythological ages with the CLASSIFIED & PRIVILEGED INFO.: Not for publication or circulation or citation
Rajib Sarma is a hereditary “Chandipathak Priest” of Kamakhya Temples’ Complex or Kamakhya Group of Temples involved with worship and rituals. Please visit “www.kamakhya.org/about-us/profiles” for more info.
concept of Shri Devi, Maha Lakhsmi, Devi of crops and cereals simultaneously and ultimately identified with Maha Devi Durga in the form of 'Sakambhari'. Mother Earth is defined in a later Upanishada, called 'Narayana Upanishada' that the Mother Earth is religiously worshipped and adored as 'Devi Basundhari'. Against this background of Goddess Earth being identified with 'Sakta' forms of Devi like Sri or Mahalakshmi or Mahamaya symbolising concept of fertility, sex and procreation, and hence Ambubachi in Kamakhya Peetha assumes prominence and adds luster to this ancient prestigious unique seat of Indian Shakti Cult and Tantricism, which is the sacred abode of Mother Goddess in the form of pundendum in the 'Garbha' of the temple located in the Nilachal Hill. Devi Mahamaya or Devi Durga is said to manifest here in various forms and “Rupa”s - as a virgin and also as a spouse of Lord Shiva. In amorous mood in her 'Sambhoga' form (Rupa) she is Goddess Kama - thus Kamakhya for satisfying her love with Lord Shiva. No worship takes place during the three days commencing on the 7th day of 'Ashara' (June 21 or 22). The Temple remain closed and visitors are not allowed to enter. On the fourth day after performing various rituals like bathing and puja, the doors of the temple is opened for devotees. Everything is made clean, the temple complex is also wear a fresh look. Meanwhile large number of pilgrims throng the temple. A prevalent belief connected with the celebration of Ambubachi Mela is that the pieces of red cloth used by Devi during the three days period are greatly beneficial and auspicious for a devotee if he or she is able to put on such a piece. The process of distribution takes place, after the Puja to the visiting pilgrims. Red colour is symbolic of Shaktism. It associates 'Rajas' and also sex-creativity. Devi is said to be very pleased with red colour. In the 'Kamakhya Tantra' also Devi Kamakhya is described as extremely beautiful, dressed with red garments. Hence the receipt of a piece of red cloth used in the Devi Pith is definitely considered to be of great value by the devotees. With great religious beliefs thousands of pilgrims from all over the world visits Kamakhya to attend the festival. As the temple remain closed for three days, this period is observed as 'Mela' (fair) outside the temple. During these four days the entire Nilachal
CLASSIFIED & PRIVILEGED INFO.: Not for publication or circulation or citation
Rajib Sarma is a hereditary “Chandipathak Priest” of Kamakhya Temples’ Complex or Kamakhya Group of Temples involved with worship and rituals. Please visit “www.kamakhya.org/about-us/profiles” for more info.
Hill comes alive with 'Kirtan' and 'Bhajan' round the clock. When the door is opened, thousands of devotees throng for 'Darshan' and to get blessings of the Mother Goddess. mṛgaśirasi nipāte raudrapāde'mvuvācī ṛtumatī khalu pṛthvī varjjayet trīṇyahāni| na svādhyāyo vaṣaṭkāro na devapitṛpūjanam nāpi pāṭho vījavāpo na ca bhūkhananādikam|| (jyotiṣśāstram)
CLASSIFIED & PRIVILEGED INFO.: Not for publication or circulation or citation
