Kumari Puja: A Special Tradition in Ramakrishna Missions Durga Puja, Says Swami Sarvalokananda

New Delhi, October 18 (Daily Kiran) : The Ramakrishna Mission in New Delhi is celebrating Durga Puja with a focus on the spiritual practice of Kumari Puja, according to Swami Sarvalokananda Maharaj, the mission’s secretary. He emphasized that worshiping Goddess Durga is not just a religious ritual; it serves as a means to awaken the auspicious energies within individuals.

Swami Sarvalokananda explained that this year, the Panchang indicates that the seventh day of the festival will be observed over two days, altering the traditional schedule. Typically, the idol of Goddess Durga is immersed on the tenth day following the seventh, eighth, and ninth days. However, due to the unique arrangement of dates this year, the Kumari Puja will be held on the second day.

During Kumari Puja, young girls aged five to twelve are revered as embodiments of the goddess. This tradition allows devotees to see the divine form of Goddess Durga in these young girls. It is a significant aspect of the Durga Puja celebration at the Ramakrishna Mission.

Swami Sarvalokananda noted that Swami Vivekananda had placed special importance on the Kumari Puja tradition during Durga Puja at Belur Math. This practice has been upheld for many years and continues to be celebrated with devotion today. The Ramakrishna Mission has been organizing Durga Puja since 2023.

He further stated that the Durga Puja at the Ramakrishna Mission is conducted according to scriptures and established rituals. Various ceremonies take place throughout the day, embodying devotion and reverence. The focus of the worship is on internal spirituality rather than external showmanship.

The essence of worshiping Goddess Durga is to awaken positive energy and auspicious powers within individuals. Each person harbors both positive and negative tendencies, and spiritual consciousness is vital to dispel the negative and strengthen the positive.

Swami Sarvalokananda remarked that Durga Puja is an ancient religious tradition symbolizing the worship of power. In today’s society, there is an urgent need to promote positive energies and eliminate negative tendencies. He encouraged prayers to Goddess Durga for the awakening of auspicious powers in every individual, fostering harmony, goodness, and positivity in society.

The hallmark of the Ramakrishna Mission’s Durga Puja is the Kumari Puja, which allows devotees to witness and honor the form of Goddess Durga in young girls.