Kamakhya Devi, one of the most powerful and revered forms of the Divine Mother in Hinduism, is primarily worshipped in the Kamakhya Temple located in Guwahati, Assam. She is considered the goddess of fertility, love, and desire and is often associated with the Shakti sect of Hinduism. The temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where parts of Goddess Sati's body are believed to have fallen. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to pray to Kamakhya Devi, along with additional relevant information.
Symbolism of Kamakhya Devi
Kamakhya Devi symbolizes the power of creation, fertility, and the raw feminine energy known as Shakti. The temple does not have a traditional idol but a yoni-shaped stone in the sanctum, which represents the goddess's creative power. The flowing water from the natural spring within the sanctum is considered highly sacred.
Ideal Time for Worship
The ideal time to worship Kamakhya Devi is during the early morning hours, particularly before sunrise. Special importance is given to the days of Purnima (full moon), Navratri, and during the Ambubachi Mela, a significant festival celebrating the goddess's menstruation, which is considered a powerful time for worship.
Puja Steps
Worshiping Kamakhya Devi involves a series of rituals and offerings:
Purification: Before starting the puja, take a bath and wear clean clothes. The devotee should also clean the area where the puja will be performed.
Offerings: Prepare offerings which usually include flowers (especially red hibiscus), fruits, sweets, coconuts, and red cloth. Offerings of sindoor (vermilion), kumkum, turmeric, and other auspicious items are also made.
Light the Lamp: Light a diya (lamp) with ghee or oil and place it in front of the deity. Also, light incense sticks.
Invocation (Dhyan and Sankalp): Begin with a prayer to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles, followed by an invocation to Kamakhya Devi. Take a sankalp (resolve) to perform the puja with a clear mind and heart.
Chanting Mantras: Recite the following mantras dedicated to Kamakhya Devi:
- Kamakhya Mantra:
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कामाख्ये नमः। Om Aim Hreem Kleem Kamakhye Namah. - Beej Mantra:
ॐ ह्रीं ऐं क्लीं कामाख्ये ह्रीं स्वाहा। Om Hreem Aim Kleem Kamakhye Hreem Swaha. - Navarna Mantra:ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुंडायै विच्चे।
Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche.
- Kamakhya Mantra:
Offering Flowers and Prayers: Offer flowers while chanting the above mantras, and recite prayers or hymns glorifying the goddess.
Prasad Distribution: After the completion of the puja, distribute the prasad (sacred offerings) among family members and other devotees.
Aarti: Perform the Aarti by rotating the lamp in a circular motion in front of the deity while singing or playing the Aarti song dedicated to Kamakhya Devi.
Concluding the Puja: Bow down before the deity, seek blessings, and end the puja with a prayer for prosperity, health, and well-being.
Ideal Gods and Goddesses to Worship Alongside
While worshipping Kamakhya Devi, devotees often invoke the following deities to complement the puja:
- Lord Shiva: As the consort of the Divine Mother, Shiva is often worshipped alongside Kamakhya.
- Lord Ganesha: As the remover of obstacles, he is worshipped at the beginning of any ritual.
- Kali Maa: Another form of the fierce Shakti, Kali is also revered in the same temple.
- Saraswati and Lakshmi: For wisdom and prosperity, these goddesses are worshipped alongside Kamakhya.
Rare and Relevant Facts
Ambubachi Mela: The Ambubachi Mela is an annual fair celebrated in June at the Kamakhya Temple. It is believed that the goddess undergoes her menstrual cycle during this period, and the temple remains closed for three days. On the fourth day, the temple reopens, and devotees flock to receive the blessings of the goddess.
Shakti Peetha: Kamakhya Temple is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas, where Sati's womb and yoni are said to have fallen.
No Idol: Unlike other temples, the Kamakhya Temple does not have an idol but a yoni-shaped stone with a natural spring flowing over it, symbolizing the creative power of the goddess.
The River Brahmaputra: The temple overlooks the Brahmaputra River, which is considered a masculine counterpart to the feminine energy of Kamakhya, symbolizing the union of Shiva and Shakti.
Special Days and Fasts
- Navratri: The nine days of Navratri are especially auspicious for worshipping Kamakhya Devi.
- Purnima: Full moon days are considered highly auspicious for her worship.
- Ambubachi Fasting: Many devotees observe fasting during the Ambubachi period to honor the goddess's menstruation.
Other Relevant Practices
Yantra Worship: The Kamakhya Yantra is often worshipped during the puja. It is a geometric design representing the goddess's energy and is considered highly potent for meditation and prayers.
Chanting Shlokas: Devotees also recite the Devi Mahatmyam or Durga Saptashati, which praises the goddess in various forms.
Tantric Worship: Kamakhya is also a center for Tantric practices, and many Tantrics perform secretive rituals to gain Siddhis (spiritual powers) here.
Worshipping Kamakhya Devi is a profound spiritual experience that connects devotees with the primal energy of the universe. The rituals, prayers, and offerings are all aimed at invoking the goddess's blessings for fertility, prosperity, and protection. Whether through traditional puja or deep meditation on her yantra, Kamakhya Devi's worship is a path to both material and spiritual fulfillment.