Behala Debdaru Fatak Durga Puja 2019
Suruchi Sangha Durga Puja 2018
New Alipore Suruchi Sangha
500 & 505, Block - M, New Alipore
Kolkata- 700 053
Ph:- +913324009950, +919831149999
Suruchi Sangha Durga Puja 2018
Kolkata Durga Puja Road Maps 2023
Kolkata Durga Puja Road Maps for 2023
(Download or Zoom for Road Directions)
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR LATEST MAP OF 2023
CLICK HERE
 Pedestrian Circulation Map |
 North and Central Kolkata Map |
 Port Area Map ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
 South and South East Kolkata Map ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
 South Suburban and South West Kolkata Map |
Tridhara Sammilini Durga Puja 2018
Tridhara Sammilini
1, Ashwini Dutta Road
Kolkata- 700 029
Ph:- +919163253751
The Rituals of Durga Puja
The Rituals of Durga Puja
The
festival of Durga Puja starts with Mahalaya, the first phase of the waxing moon
in Aswin. Thousands offer prayers to their ancestors at the city's river banks,
this ritual is called Tarpan. The inauguration of the Goddess idol starts on
Mahashasthi. The main puja is for three days - Mahasaptami, Mahaastami,
Mahanavami. The puja rituals are long and very detailed and complicated. Three
days of Mantras and Shlokas and Aarati and offerings - needs an expert priest
to do the Puja. Because of these facts, the number of Pujas held in the family
has reduced and Durga Puja has mostly emerged as a community festival.
Mahashashthi
On
this day Goddess Durga arrives to the mortal world from her heavenly abode,
accompanied by her children. She is welcomed with much fanfare amidst the beats
of dhak. Unveiling the face of the idol is the main ritual on this day.
Kalaparambho, the ritual performed before the commencement of the puja precedes
Bodhon, Amontron and Adibas.
Mahasaptami
Saptami
is the first day of Durga puja. Kolabou or Nabapatrika is given a pre-dawn
bath. This is an ancient ritual of worshiping nine types of plants.
The nine plants comprising Nabapatrika are:
Banana plant "Kola
Gaach"
Turmeric plant " Halud Gaach"
Jayanti
tree
Wood apple tree " Bel Ghaach"
Pomegranate
tree " Daalim Gaach"
Arum plant "Maankochu"
Rice
plant
Ashoka tree
The nine plants of Nabapatrika represent the nine Goddesses.
The Banana plant or the "Kola Gaach" represents Goddess Brahmani,
Colacassia plant represents Goddess Kalika, Turmeric plant symbolises Devi
Durga, Jayanti denotes Kartiki, Bel or wood apple Goddess Shiva, Pomegranate
(Dalim Gaach) Raktadantika, Ashoka tree symbolises Sokrahita and Arum plant
("Maankochu") represents Chamunda and the Rice plant Goddess
Lakshmi. These Goddesses are the nine forms of Devi Durga.
Bathing Ritual of
Mahasaptami:
In
the early hours of Saptami, the twigs of white "aparajita"
plant along with nine bunches of yellow threads are used to tie the
Nabapatrika. It is then bathed. In our scriptures the elaborate bathing ritual
of nabapatrika is compared with the coronation of a King. Just like the King is
bathed with waters from holy places and oceans, bathing nabapatrika too
requires the same. All the nine Goddesses representing nabapatrika are bathed
with waters from 8 different holy places. This bathing ritual is accompanied
with varied mantras and diverse musical instruments for different goddesses. (*bathing
rituals). The main Saptami Puja follows Kalparambho and Mahasnan.
Mahaastami
The
day begins with a recital of Sanskrit Hymns in community Puja Pandals as
thousands of devotees offers Puspanjali to the Goddess. Kumari Puja or the
worship of little girls as the mother goddess is a special part of the rituals
performed in a number of traditional and household pujas. As the day passed on,
it was time for the important Sandhi Puja, which marks the inter-link of the Maha
Ashtami and Maha Navami.
Sandhipuja
: An integral and important part of Durga
Puja, Sandhi Puja is performed at the juncture of the 8th and 9th lunar day.
Sandhi puja lasts from the last 24 minutes of Ashtami till the first 24 minutes
of Nabami. During this juncture (the "Sandhikhan"), Durga is
worshipped in her Chamunda form. Devi Durga killed, Chando and Mundo, at the
juncture of the 8th and 9th lunar day, known as "Sandhikhan" and thus
acquired the name of "Chamunda".
Mahanavami
This
is the concluding day of Durga Puja. The main Navami puja begins after the end
of Sandhi Puja. The Navami Bhog is offered to the goddess. This is later
partaken as prasad by the devotees.
Dashami
Dashami
After
the three days of Puja, in Dashami , in the last day, a tearful farewell is
offered to the Goddess. Most of the community pujas postpone the farewell as
long as possible and arrange a grand send-off. The images are carried in
processions around the locality and finally is immersed in a nearby river or
lake. Vijaya Dashami is an event celebrated all over the country.
Sindur Khela (Vermillion game)-
Durga Puja Fast
Rituals
The custom of observing Durga Puja Fast is particularly prevalent in Northern India. In the state of Punjab people observe fast for seven days of the nine-day-long Durga Puja Festival. The fast is broken only on the ashtami or navmi day. Some devotees of Durga Ma consume only milk during the fasting days while some only live on fruits. Some devotees observe ‘Ekana’ which means that they take one complete meal during the day. Non-vegetarian food, intoxicating substances and other forms of entertainment are completely avoided during the fasting days. Men observing fast are not supposed to shave. Some also believe in sleeping on the ground and thereby deny themselves all luxuries and comforts. Fasting during Durga Puja festival is also quite popular in the state of West Bengal and several other Southern states. At the end of the fasting period devotees feed beggars and worship little girls who spell the Shakti of Mother Goddess. At several places there is a tradition of sowing barley seeds during the Durga Puja fasting period. In this a small bed of mud is prepared in a little container and barley seeds are sown in it. This is placed in the Puja room and cared for during the fasting period. At the end of the fast the shoots reach a height of 3-5 inches. These are pulled out and given to devotees as form of blessings.
108 Names of Durga
108 NAMES OF DURGA
| The sloka of 108 popular names of Goddess Durga is daily recited
by her devotees. The names and the meanings of the names are - | ||||||||
| Sl. No. | Durga Name | Meaning | ||||||
| 1 | Durga | The Inaccessible | ||||||
| 2 | Akashagamini | Move In the sky | ||||||
| 3 | Arogyada | Granter Of Good Health | ||||||
| 4 | Asurakshayamkari | Who reduced the number Of Demons | ||||||
| 5 | Ataviduhkhandhara Rakshika | Protects the Ignorant And Distressed | ||||||
| 6 | Ayurda | Granter Of Longevity | ||||||
| 7 | Balarkasadrushakara | Like The Rising Sun | ||||||
| 8 | Bandhananashini | One who detaches the Attachments | ||||||
| 9 | Bhaktavatsala | Bestower Of Devotees | ||||||
| 10 | Bhayanashini | Destroyer Of Fear | ||||||
| 11 | Bhootanushruta | Well-Wisher Of Bhootaganas | ||||||
| 12 | Brahmacharini | One who seeks for Brahman | ||||||
| 13 | Chandravispardimukha | Beautiful Like The Moon | ||||||
| 14 | Chaturbhuja | Who has four arms | ||||||
| 15 | Chaturvakttra | Who has four faces | ||||||
| 16 | Daya | Compassionate | ||||||
| 17 | Devi | The Deity | ||||||
| 18 | Dhanakshayanashini | Controller Of Wealth Decrease | ||||||
| 19 | Dhanurdharini | Who holds the Bow | ||||||
| 20 | Dhruti | Valiant | ||||||
| 21 | Divamalya Vibhooshita | Ornamented with beautiful garlands | ||||||
| 22 | Divyambaradhara | Beautifully Robed | ||||||
| 23 | Durga | Who can remove Distress | ||||||
| 24 | Durga | Deity Durga | ||||||
| 25 | Hri | Holy Chant Of Hymns | ||||||
| 26 | Indradhwaja Samabahudharini | Whose shoulders like Indra's Flag | ||||||
| 27 | Jaya | Who can gain the victory over all | ||||||
| 28 | Jyotsana | Radiant Like Flames | ||||||
| 29 | Kali | Goddess of Death | ||||||
| 30 | Kali | Dark-Complexioned | ||||||
| 31 | Kamacharini | Acting On One's Own Accord | ||||||
| 32 | Kamsavidravanakari | Who made a threat to Kamsa | ||||||
| 33 | Kantha | Radiance | ||||||
| 34 | Kanttadhara | One who holds Shiva's neck | ||||||
| 35 | Kaumaravratadhara | Observer Of Fasts Like Young Girls Do | ||||||
| 36 | Keyurangadadharini | Ornamented with Armlets And Bracelets | ||||||
| 37 | Khadgaketaka Dharini | Who hold Sword And Shield | ||||||
| 38 | Khama | Forgiveness | ||||||
| 39 | Krishna | Sister of Krishna | ||||||
| 40 | Krishna | Dark-Complexioned | ||||||
| 41 | Krishnachhavisama | Similar with Krishna's Radiance | ||||||
| 42 | Kriti | Who gain fame over | ||||||
| 43 | Kulavardhini | Progressor of the Race | ||||||
| 44 | Kumari | Young and Virgin Girl | ||||||
| 45 | Kundalapurnakarna Vibhooshita | Wearer Of Earrings which Covers The ears | ||||||
| 46 | Mahachakradharini | Who holds the Chakra | ||||||
| 47 | Mahakali | Mahakala's wife | ||||||
| 48 | Mahishasuranashini | Destroyer of the great demon Mahisha | ||||||
| 49 | Mamsapriya | Who is fond of flesh | ||||||
| 50 | Mangalya | Auspicious, Sacred | ||||||
| 51 | Mati | Wise | ||||||
| 52 | Mayoora Pichhavalaya | Adorned with Peacock-Feathered Bangles | ||||||
| 53 | Mohanashini | One who destroys the Desires | ||||||
| 54 | Mruthyunashini | Destroyer Of Death | ||||||
| 55 | Mukutavirajita | Adorned with a Shining Crown | ||||||
| 56 | Nagararakshika | Protects the Land | ||||||
| 57 | Nandagopakulajata | Daughter of the Nandagopa Race | ||||||
| 58 | Narayanavarapriya | In liking of Narayana's Boons | ||||||
| 59 | Nitya | Eternal and universal | ||||||
| 60 | Padmapatrakshi | Eyes Like The Beauty of Lotus Leaf | ||||||
| 61 | Pankajadharini | One who holds the Lotus | ||||||
| 62 | Papadharini | Bearer of others' faults | ||||||
| 63 | Papaharini | Destroyer Of all Sins | ||||||
| 64 | Pashadharini | One who holds the rope | ||||||
| 65 | Pashupriya | Who is fond of all beings | ||||||
| 66 | Patradharini | One who holds the Vessels | ||||||
| 67 | Peenashroni Payodhara | Large Bosomed | ||||||
| 68 | Prabha | Pre-Dawn hours | ||||||
| 69 | Prasanna | Cheerfulness | ||||||
| 70 | Pravasarakshika | Protects the Travellers | ||||||
| 71 | Purnachandra Nibhanana | Beautiful Like The Full Moon | ||||||
| 72 | Putrapamrityunashini | Sustainer Of Son's Untimely Death | ||||||
| 73 | Rajyada | Bestower Of Kingdom | ||||||
| 74 | Ratri | Night, darkness | ||||||
| 75 | Sagaragirirakshika | Protects over the Seas And Hills | ||||||
| 76 | Sandhya | Twilight,Evening | ||||||
| 77 | Sangramajayaprada | Granter Of victory In the war | ||||||
| 78 | Sangramarakshika | Protects the Wars | ||||||
| 79 | Sankarshanasamanana | Equal to Sankarshana | ||||||
| 80 | Santati | Who grants all issues | ||||||
| 81 | Sarvakaryasiddhi Pradayika | One who grants Success In All Attempts | ||||||
| 82 | Saukhyada | Bestower Of Well-Being | ||||||
| 83 | Seedupriya | Who is fond of drinks | ||||||
| 84 | Sharanya | Who can grant Refuge | ||||||
| 85 | Shatrusankata Rakshika | Protects the Distressed from the foes | ||||||
| 86 | Shikhipichhadwaja Virajita | Having Peacock-Feathered Flag | ||||||
| 87 | Shilathata Vinikshibda | At the time of birth, slammed by Kamsa | ||||||
| 88 | Shiva | Auspicious,Sacred | ||||||
| 89 | Shiva | Shiva's better half | ||||||
| 90 | Shree | Sacred | ||||||
| 91 | Siddhi | Having all Success | ||||||
| 92 | Surashreshtta | Supreme among the Celestials | ||||||
| 93 | Sutada | Granter Of all Issues | ||||||
| 94 | Trailokyarakshini | Protector Of The Sargya, Martya, Patal | ||||||
| 95 | Tribhuvaneshwari | Goddess of Sargya, Martya and Patal | ||||||
| 96 | Tridashapujita | The Goddess Of The Celestials | ||||||
| 97 | Tridivabhavayirtri | Goddess Of Sargya, Martya, Patal | ||||||
| 98 | Vapurda | Granter Of Beautiful Appearance | ||||||
| 99 | Varada | One who grants the Boons | ||||||
| 100 | Varada | Bestower of all | ||||||
| 101 | Varada | Bestower | ||||||
| 102 | Vasudevabhagini | Sister Of Vasudeva | ||||||
| 103 | Vidhya | Wisdom | ||||||
| 104 | Vijaya | Who can conquer over all | ||||||
| 105 | Vindhyavasini` | Resident Of The Vindhyas | ||||||
| 106 | Vividayudhadhara | One who carries various Weapons | ||||||
| 107 | Vyadhinashini | Vanquisher Of Ailments | ||||||
| 108 | Yashodagarba Sambhoota | Coming out from Yashoda's Womb | ||||||
| Besides these 108 names, Durga is also called by many other names, such as, Rati, Barani, Tamasi, Nanda, Tulsi Devi, Roudri, Naini Devi etc. | ||||||||
Origin of Durga
Origin of Durga - The Mythology
According
to Hindu mythology,Goddess Durga’s miraculous arrival was the tyranny of
a demon named Mahishasura. Mahishasur's father Rambha, was King of the Asuras, once fell in love with a Water Buffalo, and Mahishasur was born out of this
union. He, therefore was able to change
between human and buffalo form at will ("mahisha" means buffalo). Despite
being a demon (the word asura means
"not-God" and does not have as strong a negative connotation as
"demon"), Mahishasura was also pious in meditation. invincible strength and favor of Lord Shiva after a
hard penance and terrific austerities. Lord
Shiva, impressed with his devotion, blessed him that no man or deity would be
able to kill him and that only a woman can kill him. Mahishasura was very pleased with this boon as he thought
that he can never be defeated by a woman. Arrogant Mahishasura started his
reign of terror over the Universe and started killing people mercilessly. He
even attacked the Abode of the Gods and conquered the heaven and desired to become
their leader
The Birth of Durga
The Gods were afraid from the terror of this wild,
destructive water-buffalo bull because most of them were defeated and
humiliated by him (Mahishasur). The Gods
took refuge under Lord Brahma, who took them to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The
solution was derived by an idea of creation of a woman who possess the ultimate
power to fight and vanquish Mahishasur.
At a single point, the divine energy of all the fires coalesced and became Shiva, in the form of a beautiful, magnificent young woman with ten hands. Her face was from the light of Shiva. Her ten arms were from Lord Vishnu. Her legs were from Lord Brahma. Her tresses were formed from the light of Yama, the God of death; the two breasts were formed from the light of Somanath, the Moon God; the waist from the light of Indra, the king of Gods; the legs and thighs from the light of Varun, the God of Seas; hips from the light of Bhoodev the God of Earth; the toes from the light of Surya- Sun God; fingers of the hand from the light of the Vasus the children of Goddess river Ganga; and nose from the light of Kuber, the keeper of wealth for the Gods. The teeth were formed from the light of Prajapati, the lord of creatures, the triad of her eyes was born from the light of Agni, the Fire God, the eyebrows from the two Sandhyas that is sunrise and sunset, the ears from the light of Vaayu, the God of Wind. Thus from the energy of these Gods, Goddess Durga was formed.
The Gods then gave to her their divine gifts: Pinakadhrik gave her a Trishul. Krishna gave her Sudarshan Chakra. Varuna, the sea, gave her a Shankh and the God of Fire gave her a missile. From the Wind God Vayu, she received Bow and Arrows. The King of Gods, Indra, gave her a Vajra and also Bell as the symbolic representation of his white-skinned elephant Airavata. From the God of Death, Yama- Durga received a Iron Rod, and from the Ruler of Waters she was given a Noose.
Durga received many other precious and mystical
treasures- Gifts of Jewels, New Clothing, and a Garland of Immortal Lotuses.
Heaven's Architect gave her a Bright Axe and Kawach. God of Mountains, Himalaya gave her Jewels and a magnificent Lion to ride
into battle.
Equipped with the fearsome weaponry of the Gods
and dressed in golden armor and jewels she set off, seated gracefully upon
that lion. His thunderous roars shook the entire Universe. The balance of the
Oceans, Mountains, Earth – all attained a new change, as whole new chains
of mountains rose, while older ranges crumbled, cracked, and gave way to dust,
water from the Oceans rippling in waves through all the 3 Worlds. Mahishasura
and his Demon Allies found their attention drawn from Heaven to Earth.
Though confident of their power and control in Heaven, even the conquering
Demon host could not help being awestruck.
In
the battlefield:
The Demons had little time to take a glance on the radiant visage of their new adversary, because she engaged them on the battlefield. First the army of Chikasura and then of Chamara- Mahishasura's chief commander came to confront the deity. They were destroyed in a great battle. At first, confident of his overwhelming power, Mahishasura was sure to defeat the Goddess, but seeing the setbacks being dealt his commander's troops on every side, it soon became obvious to Mahishasura that he would surely be cast out from Heaven.
Onto the battlefield swarmed that most
despised assemblage of Demons, wielding their unearthly collection of weapons.
Leading this evil array in its mad and desperate charge were thousands of
charioteers and cavalry of horses and elephants.
Surrounded by chants of praise, the blowing
of horns the beating of drums and songs of worship Goddess Durga roamed the
battlefield on her mighty lion. From her divine breath her army was
constantly replenished with new warriors, each able, brave and
resolute.
With her bell she confused the Demons, and many were dragged away bound and chained. With her divine sword she cut them to bits. Demons and elephants and horses died and a river of blood flowed across the battlefield
Death of Mahishsura
Mahish, the king of
the demons and usurper of the throne of Heaven, was shocked and enraged
by the disastrous events on the battlefield. He reverted to his own form,
a buffalo, and charged about on the battlefield. He ran wildly at Durga's
divine soldiers goring many, biting others and all the while thrashing
with his long, whip-like tail. Durga's lion, angered by the presence of the
demon-buffalo, attacked him. While Mahishasura was struggling with the lion,
Durga threw her noose around his neck. To escape this trap, he discarded
the buffalo disguise and assumed the form of a lion. Durga beheaded the
lion, and the demon escaped in the form of a man. Without hesitation,
Durga dispatched the man with a flight of sharp arrows. Yet again the
demon escaped, and this time took the formidable shape of a huge elephant,
which battered Durga's lion with a tusk. With her sword Durga hacked at
the tusk until it too was broken.
Weakened, the Demon
reverted once more to his own form the wild buffalo. He retreated into
the mountains where he hurled boulders at Durga with his horns. The Mother
of the Universe drank the Divine Nectar, gift of Kubera. She jumped on
Mahishasura pushing him to the ground with her left
leg. She grasped his head in one hand, pierced him with her sharp spear held in another, and with yet another of her ten hands she wielded her bright sword, beheading him. At last he fell dead, and the scattered surviving remnants of his once invincible army fled in terror.
leg. She grasped his head in one hand, pierced him with her sharp spear held in another, and with yet another of her ten hands she wielded her bright sword, beheading him. At last he fell dead, and the scattered surviving remnants of his once invincible army fled in terror.
The Gods returned
to heaven, and along with the sages of the earth, they sang praises for Goddess
Durga. Henceforth, and to this day, the Goddess Durga is worshipped by all the Gods in
heaven, and all human beings on earth. Mahishasura is there too--frozen
in his moment of final defeat, impaled by Durga's spear and prostrate
beneath her left foot.
