On the occasion of Maha Ashtami on Tuesday, Kumari Puja – the worship of young girls as an embodiment of Goddess Durga – was performed at Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission in Howrah, near Kolkata. The ritual was observed with the same enthusiasm and devotion that has marked it for more than a century, drawing followers of Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, his consort Maa Sarada, and his disciple Swami Vivekananda.
The devotional appeal of Kumari Puja has remained unchanged since 1901, when Swami Vivekananda first initiated the ritual at Belur Math. Rooted in his philosophy of “service to God through service to humanity,” the puja has become a spiritual celebration of womanhood and divinity.
Jayita Sarkar, a teacher of English literature in a Kolkata school and a devoted follower of Swamiji’s teachings, explained the essence of the ritual, “The main idea behind Kumari Puja is respect for ‘women-power’ and ‘women-dignity’ in society. Inspired by Shri Ramakrishna and blessed by Maa Sarada, Swamiji established Belur Math with the vision that its spiritual light would transform humanity. To bring about this attitudinal change, he began Kumari Puja, worshipping a young girl as the symbol of Matru Shakti or women’s empowerment. For every woman, this occasion is truly special. Each time I attend, I am deeply moved by the spiritual devotion behind the ritual.”
Echoing this thought, Sampa Chowdhury, a senior counsel of the Calcutta High Court and admirer of Swamiji’s philosophy, said the concept also reflects Shri Ramakrishna’s spiritual vision of seeing the Goddess in every woman.
Historical accounts state that nine girls were worshipped during the first Kumari Puja in 1901. Since then, the tradition has become an integral part of the Durga Ashtami celebrations at Belur Math.
This year, as on every Ashtami, thousands of devotees thronged the Math to witness the ritual, performed by monks of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Beginning around 9 a.m. and concluding shortly after 10 a.m., the puja was carried out with full reverence, highlighting the twin messages of honouring women’s dignity and serving humanity.
For the devotees, Kumari Puja is not only the worship of the Divine Feminine but also an affirmation of women’s rightful place in society. The grandeur and spiritual intensity of the event once again reinforced its timeless significance.
The day at Belur Math will conclude with the Sandhi Puja, held at the juncture of Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami. Regarded as the most sacred moment of Durga Puja, it commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over the demons Chanda and Munda.
(IANS)