Durga Puja 14
“Amantran” is a Sanskrit word that translates to “invitation” or “calling.” In the context of Durga Puja, “Amantran” refers to the ritual of inviting Goddess Durga and her divine family to come and reside in the specially crafted idol or image for the duration of the festival. This ritual is a crucial part of the preparations for Durga Puja and is performed with great reverence and devotion.
The Amantran ritual typically takes place on the sixth day of Durga Puja, known as “Shashti,” which falls on the sixth day of the waxing moon in the month of Ashwin (September-October). It precedes the Bodhon (unveiling of the idol) and other important rituals during the festival.
Here is an overview of the Amantran ritual in Durga Puja:
Preparation of the Idol: Before the Amantran ritual, the Durga idol is carefully crafted by skilled artisans. The idol represents Goddess Durga riding a lion and defeating the demon Mahishasura. It is usually made from clay, wood, or other materials and is adorned with elaborate decorations.
Setting the Stage: The main puja area or pandal (temporary shrine) is decorated with intricate designs, artwork, and flower arrangements. The idol is placed on a specially decorated platform or pedestal within the pandal.
Invocation and Prayers: A priest or designated individual performs a series of rituals to purify the idol and sanctify the pandal. This involves reciting mantras and offering prayers to invite Goddess Durga and her divine family, including Lord Shiva, Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kartikeya.
Offerings: Various offerings, such as flowers, fruits, incense, and lamps, are presented to the goddess and her family as part of the worship.
Amantran Mantra: The priest recites specific Amantran mantras that extend the invitation to the goddess and her divine entourage to come and bless the devotees during the festival.
Tikka and Prasad Distribution: After the Amantran ritual, devotees may receive tikka (a mark on the forehead) and prasad (blessed food) from the priest as a sign of the goddess’s blessings.
The Amantran ritual marks the symbolic moment when Goddess Durga is formally invited to descend from her divine abode to reside in the idol for the duration of Durga Puja. It is a sacred and spiritually charged event that sets the stage for the grand celebrations and worship that follow during the festival. After the Amantran, the Bodhon (unveiling), Shashti Puja (worship on the sixth day), and other rituals take place, culminating in the immersion of the idol on Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day of Durga Puja.