In Hindu jagaranas, which are all-night vigils devoted to worship and singing in praise of deities, the story of Goddess Sheranvali, also known as Durga or Sherawali Mata, is often recounted through vibrant songs and rhythms. These devotional gatherings are filled with fervor and spiritual energy, drawing devotees into a deep state of worship and connection with the divine.
One of the most striking phenomena observed in jagaranas is
the occurrence of "khelna," where the Goddess is believed to
"play" or possess a woman from among the devotees. This divine
possession is a profound spiritual event marked by noticeable physical and
behavioral changes in the possessed woman.
The initial signs of possession often include glazed eyes,
suggesting a trance-like state where the woman is no longer fully present in
her usual consciousness. Her voice may undergo a transformation, taking on a
different tone or resonance, which is believed to be the voice of the Goddess
speaking through her. Additionally, the woman may start rotating her head in a
distinctive manner, a motion that signifies the physical manifestation of the
divine energy within her.
This state of possession is considered a temporary yet
complete domination of the woman's body by the Goddess. During this time, the
woman's own consciousness is said to be blotted out, replaced entirely by the
power and presence of the deity. The community views this as a sacred and
awe-inspiring moment, where the divine touches the mortal realm in a tangible
way.
Such instances are not merely personal spiritual experiences
but also communal events that reinforce the collective faith and devotion of
the participants. The possessed woman becomes a vessel for the divine, and her
actions, speech, and presence during this state are interpreted as direct
communications from the Goddess. This reinforces the spiritual atmosphere of
the jagarana, deepening the sense of divine presence and blessing among the
gathered devotees.
Sometimes the possessed woman takes the role of an oracle and answers questions. The possessed women is worshipped by touching the feet by those participating.
The phenomenon of possession in jagaranas highlights the
dynamic and interactive nature of Hindu worship practices, where the boundaries
between the divine and human can become fluid, allowing for moments of direct,
experiential connection with the divine. This event is a powerful testament to
the living, vibrant nature of faith and spirituality in Hindu traditions, where
the divine is not a distant entity but one that actively engages with and
inhabits the lives of the faithful.