Divasi Gowri Pooja, also known as Bheemana Amavasya, is a traditional festival observed on the Amavasya (new moon day) during the Ashada month in the Hindu lunar calendar. This festival is predominantly celebrated in Karnataka and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
Significance: The festival is dedicated to Goddess Gouri (another name for Goddess Parvati) and Lord Shiva. It is a significant occasion for Sumangalis (married women), who perform the ritual to pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands and brothers. It is believed that performing the pooja with devotion brings prosperity, good health, and peace to their families.
Rituals and Pujas:
Preparation: Women typically start their preparations by cleaning their homes and preparing special dishes for the occasion. The ritual involves various offerings and preparations that are made with care.
Worship of Goddess Gouri: The central aspect of the puja involves worshipping Goddess Gouri. Women create a representation of the goddess, often made from clay or turmeric, and decorate it with flowers, kumkum (red powder), and other traditional adornments.
Puja Rituals:
- Kalash Pujan: A pot (kalash) filled with water and adorned with mango leaves is placed near the idol or representation of Goddess Gouri.
- Offering of Prasad: Special prasad (offering) is prepared, which usually includes sweets and other delicacies. This prasad is offered to the goddess and later shared among family members.
- Recitation of Hymns: Women recite hymns and prayers dedicated to Goddess Gouri and Lord Shiva. This includes the chanting of mantras and singing devotional songs (bhajans) that are specific to the festival.
Special Observances: Some women may observe a fast or maintain a specific dietary restriction on this day, focusing their day on the ritual and prayers.
Post-Pooja Activities: After completing the pooja, women often share the prasad with neighbors and relatives, symbolizing the sharing of blessings and good fortune.
Current Status and Modern Relevance: In contemporary times, Divasi Gowri Pooja continues to be a cherished tradition among married women in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. While some of the traditional practices have adapted to modern lifestyles, the essence of the ritual remains intact. Many families still observe the festival with reverence, emphasizing its importance in fostering familial bonds and spiritual well-being.
Similar Festivals and Rituals in Hinduism:
Karva Chauth: Observed in North India, Karva Chauth is a festival where married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the longevity and well-being of their husbands. It bears similarities to Divasi Gowri Pooja in its focus on marital harmony and devotion.
Vata Savitri Vrat: This is another important ritual observed by married women, particularly in parts of North India. Women observe a fast and perform rituals under a sacred banyan tree, praying for their husbands' health and longevity.
Mahashivaratri: This festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is observed with night-long vigils, fasting, and prayers. It holds significance in celebrating the divine aspects of Shiva, similar to how Divasi Gowri Pooja honors Goddess Gouri and Lord Shiva.
Gowri Habba: In Karnataka, Gowri Habba (or Gouri Pooja) is celebrated a day before Ganesh Chaturthi and is dedicated to Goddess Gouri. This festival involves similar rituals of worship and offerings to seek blessings for family welfare.
Overall, Divasi Gowri Pooja reflects the deep-rooted traditions of Hinduism, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual practices that strengthen family ties and promote well-being.