Lakshmi Sora: The Sacred Clay Discs That Preserve Bengal's Ancient Worship Traditions
Lakshmi Sora is used mainly during Kojagari Lakshmi puja and also on Thursday worship of Goddess Lakshmi in Bengal.
The Essence of Symbolic Worship
In the spiritual landscape of Bengali Hinduism, particularly among families tracing their roots to East Bengal (present-day Bangladesh), a remarkable tradition continues to flourish—the worship of Goddess Lakshmi through painted clay discs known as Sora. These earthen symbols represent an ancient form of devotion that predates the widespread use of sculptural idols, embodying the profound Hindu understanding that the Divine transcends physical form.
The practice finds its philosophical foundation in the Vedantic principle that Brahman, the Supreme Reality, is both saguna (with attributes) and nirguna (without attributes). While elaborate idols serve as powerful focal points for worship, simple symbols like the Sora remind devotees that divinity can be invoked through any medium when approached with sincere devotion. This aligns with Krishna's teaching in the Bhagavad Gita (9:26): "Patram pushpam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati, tad aham bhakty-upahritam ashnami prayatatmanah"—meaning the Lord accepts even a leaf, flower, fruit, or water when offered with devotion by a pure-hearted soul.
Regional Varieties and Artistic Expression
The diversity of Sora styles across Bengal reflects the rich tapestry of local traditions and family lineages. Each variety tells a unique story of devotion, migration, and cultural preservation. The Sureshwari Sora, originating from Sureshwar village in Faridpur district, presents a fascinating theological integration—Lord Shiva at the apex, Goddess Durga with her divine family in the center, and Goddess Lakshmi at the base. This arrangement symbolizes the interconnectedness of different aspects of the Divine, acknowledging that all deities are ultimately manifestations of the same Supreme Reality.
The Ganoki Sora, created by the Ganok Thakurs, represents hereditary artisanal traditions passed down through generations. The Faridpuri Sora comes in two principal variations: one featuring Durga above with Lakshmi below, and another depicting Lakshmi-Narayan or Radha-Krishna in the upper section with Lakshmi beneath. This layering often symbolizes the cosmic hierarchy and the relationship between different divine energies.
The Dhakai Sora takes a minimalist approach, featuring Goddess Lakshmi alone in all her resplendent glory. This singular focus emphasizes Lakshmi's independent power as the source of abundance, prosperity, and spiritual wealth. Other regional styles include the Taherpur Sora, Kumartuli Sora, and variations featuring multiple figures—ranging from single to seven figures—each representing different aspects or manifestations of the goddess.
Symbolism and Spiritual Significance Of Lakshmi Sora
The use of clay as the medium carries deep symbolic meaning in Hindu tradition. Clay represents the element of earth (prithvi), one of the five fundamental elements (pancha mahabhutas) that constitute creation. Just as the universe emerges from formless energy and returns to it, clay idols and discs are created for worship and later immersed back into water, completing the sacred cycle. This impermanence reminds devotees of the transient nature of material forms while honoring the eternal essence they represent.
During Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, celebrated on the full moon night of Ashwin month, families that maintain the Sora tradition gather to worship prosperity, abundance, and spiritual illumination. The term "Kojagari" comes from "Ko Jagarti"—"Who is awake?"—referring to the belief that Goddess Lakshmi descends to earth on this night and blesses those who remain awake in devotion. The painted Sora becomes a sacred portal through which the goddess's presence is invoked and experienced.
The bright colors used in painting these discs are not merely decorative but carry symbolic weight. Red symbolizes shakti (divine feminine energy), yellow represents knowledge and learning, green signifies growth and harmony, while gold embodies prosperity and divine radiance. Each brushstroke is an act of devotion, transforming simple clay into a vessel of sacred power.
Beauty in Simplicity
The Sora tradition exemplifies the Hindu principle that genuine devotion requires neither elaborate rituals nor expensive materials. What matters most is the purity of heart and sincerity of intention. The Bhagavad Gita (9:27) instructs: "Yat karoshi yad ashnasi yaj juhoshi dadasi yat, yat tapasyasi kaunteya tat kurushva mad-arpanam"—whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer in sacrifice, whatever you give away, whatever austerity you perform, do it as an offering to the Supreme.
This teaching finds perfect expression in the Sora tradition, where humble clay and natural pigments become instruments of profound spiritual connection. The practice stands in beautiful contrast to increasingly commercialized worship practices, reminding us that the divine presence is equally accessible through simple, heartfelt devotion.
Migration and Cultural Preservation
The partition of Bengal in 1947 led to massive population movements, yet many families carried their Sora traditions across new borders. This cultural migration transformed these clay discs into powerful symbols of identity, memory, and continuity. For displaced families, maintaining the Sora tradition became a way to preserve their ancestral heritage and maintain connection with their roots.
These families understood that tradition is not rigid adherence to the past but a living stream that adapts while retaining its essential character. Even in new environments with access to elaborate idol-making facilities, they chose to honor their ancestral practices, demonstrating that true tradition is carried in the heart, not merely in external forms.
Present Status and Future Outlook
Today, the Sora tradition faces both challenges and opportunities. Rapid urbanization, changing lifestyles, and the availability of mass-produced idols have led to a decline in traditional practices. Younger generations, often disconnected from ancestral villages and customs, may not learn the significance or methodology of Sora worship. The artisanal knowledge required to create these painted discs—from preparing the clay to mixing natural pigments—risks being lost.
However, there is growing awareness of the need to preserve intangible cultural heritage. Cultural organizations, heritage enthusiasts, and conscious families are working to document and revitalize the Sora tradition. Workshops teaching Sora painting techniques are being organized, and exhibitions showcase different regional varieties, educating broader audiences about this unique form of worship.
The environmental consciousness awakening in modern society also works in favor of traditional practices like Sora worship. Clay discs are completely biodegradable, leaving no ecological footprint—a stark contrast to idols made with synthetic materials and chemical paints. This alignment with sustainable practices may help younger generations appreciate the wisdom embedded in ancestral traditions.
The Path Forward
The future of Lakshmi Sora tradition depends on recognizing it not as an outdated custom but as a living spiritual practice with profound relevance. It teaches us that simplicity need not diminish sanctity, that local traditions carry universal truths, and that environmental responsibility and spiritual depth can harmoniously coexist.
As the Upanishads remind us, "Isavasyam idam sarvam"—the Divine pervades everything. Whether we worship through elaborate temples or simple clay discs, through grand ceremonies or quiet offerings, the essence remains the same: connecting with the sacred presence that dwells within and around us. The Sora tradition, with its humble materials and profound devotion, continues to illuminate this eternal truth for those who have eyes to see and hearts to understand.