Varanasi, March 3: In the sacred city of Varanasi, every corner resonates with the presence of Lord Shiva. Each temple, big or small, has its own fascinating story. Among these, there is a temple dedicated to the ‘Goddess of Tantrism,’ which holds a unique tradition. On the day of Rangbhari Ekadashi, the residents of Varanasi seek permission to play Holi by offering colors to Baba Vishwanath. Following this, the first gulal (colored powder) is offered to the Chausathi Devi.
In Varanasi, Holi is not just a festival of colors and joy; it is a vibrant celebration of centuries-old traditions and faith. On this day, the first gulal is offered at the feet of Maa Chausathi Devi. Locals gather with handfuls of abir-gulal (colored powder) to pray for liberation, happiness, and peace from this goddess of Tantrism. Holi is considered incomplete in Varanasi without offering gulal to the goddess. This tradition has been upheld for generations.
Located near Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Chausathi Yogini Temple is adorned with colors of abir-gulal on Holi evening. In ancient times, people from the city and surrounding villages would walk to the temple to offer gulal to the goddess. The procession was accompanied by music and festivities. Although the pilgrimage has become shorter over time, the tradition of offering gulal remains steadfast. According to religious beliefs, Chausathi Devi embodies the 64 yoginis.
The Skanda Purana’s Kashi Khand mentions that worshipping and seeing her destroys sins. Devotees’ wishes are fulfilled through her worship during Navratri. Astrologer and Vedic priest Pandit Ratnesh Tripathi narrated the story behind this tradition.
He explained, “In ancient times, King Divodasa ruled Varanasi. He was religious but did not favor the worship of Shiva. He challenged the gods that if Shiva left Kashi, he would make it a paradise. The gods prayed to Lord Shiva, who then departed to Mount Kailash. After some time, Baba Vishwanath sent the 64 yoginis to Kashi. They found Kashi so enchanting that they decided to settle here. Today, they are worshipped as Chausathi Devi.”
The temple houses idols of Mahishasura Mardini and Chausathi Mata. The complex also features the form of Maa Bhadrakali. It is believed that seeing and worshipping them fulfills all wishes and grants liberation from sins. During Navratri and Holi, the temple attracts a large number of devotees.
Local resident Prabhnath Tripathi shared, “Offering gulal to Maa Chausathi Devi before playing colors on Holi is essential. Without her blessings, the festival of Holi is incomplete. A special puja is held in the evening, and devotees offer abir-gulal to receive her blessings.”
Chausathi Ghat was constructed in the 16th century by King Pratapaditya of Bengal. Later, in the 18th century, King Digpatia of Bengal renovated the dilapidated ghat.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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