Introduction
The phenomenon of menstruation occurring to goddesses in Hindu temples is a fascinating and unique aspect of Hindu worship, symbolizing the divine feminine energy (Shakti) in its most potent and primal form. This ritual not only represents the cyclical nature of life and creation but also highlights the reverence for womanhood, fertility, and the natural processes of life.
Symbolism
Menstruation in Hinduism is often associated with the power of creation, fertility, and the cyclical nature of life. The menstruating goddess embodies the creative force of the universe, capable of both nurturing life and unleashing destructive powers. This cyclical process is symbolic of the regenerative and transformative power of nature, akin to the seasons and the waxing and waning of the moon.
In temples where goddesses are believed to menstruate, the event is seen as a manifestation of the goddess's connection to the earth and the natural world. The menstrual cycle is a reminder of the goddess's role as the cosmic mother, who sustains and nourishes all life. It also signifies the goddess's involvement in the physical world, breaking the boundary between the divine and the mortal.
Importance
The menstruation of goddesses in temples holds significant religious and cultural importance:
Affirmation of Shakti: The event is a powerful affirmation of Shakti, the divine feminine force. It acknowledges the sacredness of feminine energy and its role in creation and preservation.
Fertility and Prosperity: The menstruation of the goddess is believed to bring fertility and prosperity to the land and its people. Devotees pray for blessings of fertility, good health, and success in agricultural endeavors.
Purification and Renewal: The goddess's menstruation is also seen as a time of purification and renewal. The temple is often closed during this period, symbolizing a time of rest and rejuvenation for both the goddess and the devotees.
Social and Cultural Significance: In a society where menstruation is often stigmatized, these rituals elevate the status of the menstrual cycle, challenging taboos and promoting a more holistic understanding of femininity.
Current Status and Worship
Today, the practice of worshipping menstruating goddesses continues in various parts of India, most notably in the states of Kerala and Assam. These temples attract thousands of devotees, especially during the periods when the goddess is believed to menstruate.
Kerala: Chengannur Mahadeva Temple
- Goddess Parvati: At the Chengannur Mahadeva Temple in Kerala, the goddess Parvati is believed to menstruate periodically. When this occurs, the temple is closed, and the idol of the goddess is removed and taken to a nearby temple for ritual purification. After a few days, the temple reopens, and the goddess is reinstalled with great celebrations.
- Worship and Rituals: Special rituals are conducted during this time, including the offering of new clothes and special pujas (worship ceremonies). The menstrual cloth, known as "rakta vastra," is highly revered and is believed to possess divine powers. Devotees seek blessings for fertility, prosperity, and protection from diseases.
Assam: Kamakhya Temple
- Goddess Kamakhya: The Kamakhya Temple in Assam is one of the most famous temples where the goddess is believed to menstruate. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, an incarnation of Shakti. During the Ambubachi Mela, which occurs in the month of June, the temple is closed for three days to mark the goddess's menstruation.
- Ambubachi Mela: This festival attracts thousands of pilgrims, including sadhus (holy men), tantric practitioners, and devotees from all over the country. The temple remains closed during the menstruation period, and after the ritual purification, the temple is reopened with great festivities. The cloth used during the menstruation, known as "angavastram," is distributed among devotees as a sacred object.
- Tantric Significance: The Kamakhya Temple is also a significant center for Tantric practices, where the menstrual blood of the goddess is considered highly potent and powerful.
Stories and Legends
The belief in menstruating goddesses is deeply rooted in local myths and legends:
Kamakhya Temple Legend: According to legend, the Kamakhya Temple marks the spot where the yoni (vulva) of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva was carrying her burnt body across the sky. The temple is thus a symbol of the reproductive power of the goddess, and her menstruation is celebrated as a reminder of her creative energy.
Chengannur Mahadeva Temple Legend: In Kerala, it is believed that when Parvati menstruates, she undergoes a period of seclusion, symbolizing the natural cycle of a woman. This legend is tied to the belief that the goddess is intimately connected with the earth and its cycles, reflecting the agricultural and fertility concerns of the region.
Modern-Day Relevance
In modern times, the worship of menstruating goddesses continues to challenge societal taboos around menstruation. These rituals promote a more positive and reverent attitude toward menstruation, counteracting the stigma that often surrounds it. The temples serve as powerful reminders of the sacredness of the feminine and the natural processes of life, encouraging a more inclusive and holistic view of divinity and spirituality.
Moreover, these practices have attracted the attention of feminists and scholars who see them as potential sources of empowerment for women. By venerating the menstrual cycle as divine, these traditions challenge the notion of impurity associated with menstruation and instead highlight its creative and life-giving power.
The phenomenon of menstruating goddesses in Hindu temples is a profound expression of the reverence for the feminine divine in Hinduism. It underscores the importance of the natural cycles of life and the deep connection between the divine and the earthly. These practices, rooted in ancient traditions, continue to resonate with modern devotees, offering a powerful counter-narrative to the stigma surrounding menstruation and affirming the sacredness of the feminine in all its forms.