Navarathri Celebration
One of the greatest celebrations at Devi Shree Jaganmatha temple, is the Saran Navarathri, commencing from Suddha Padyami of Ashwayuja month with varied and respective special Alankaranas that are done every day on par with eighteen Shakthi peetas. Thousands of devotees participate in every day evening pooja during Navarathri celebrations.
Navarathri is celebrated with great devotional fervour at Devi Shree Jaganmatha temple. Special abhisekham and special alankaram is perfomed every day during the Navarathri period. Special alankaram includes Mother in Her different divine forms. Apart from this, there are Homas and Lalita Sahasranama parayanam every day. On the first six days of Navarathri, Tri Devi Homa is performed, which is followed by prasad distribution. On the Sapthami day, Sri Lalitha Homam and on the Durgaastami day, Devi Sri Chandi Homam are performed following the rituals prescribed in the scriptures. On the Navami day, Akhanda parayanam (Lalita Sahasranama from 6 AM to 6 PM) is conducted with great devotional fervour. About 500 devotees participate over 12 hour period during the Akhanda parayanam. On the final day, that is the VijayaDasami day, a grand procession of Vijayothsava is conducted. In addition, both Lalita Sahasranama parayanam and Lalita Sahasranama namaavali archana is conducted between 7 to 8 pm followed by special Arathi with Shodasha ubacharam. Prasad distribution follows at 8.30 pm.
It is mentioned in the scriptures that the Navaratra period is the most auspicious time in the year for Mother-Worship, and that devotees will be blessed with pure knowledge and everlasting bliss and peace, if one reads Sapthasathi (Devi Mahatmyam) and Lalita Sahasranama with unconditional devotion. For details please see the 2013 invitation.
Monthly Pooja
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Pushkara year celebration
After twelve years of the Punarprathishta of Mother Devi Shree Jaganmatha, Pushkara year celebration was performed from August 2004 to August 2005. Kumbabhishekham was performed from 18th to 22nd May 2005 as part of pushkara celebrations.
Sankata Hara Chaturthi
Sankata Hara Chaturthi is observed on the Chaturthi or Chavithi, the fourth day of Krishna Paksha during every month. It is mentioned that the Sankata Hara Chaturthi mahatmya was narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhistira.
At Devi Shree Jaganmatha temple, Sankatahara Chaturthi pooja is performed every month on Krishna paksha Chavathi day, between 5pm to 8pm. Ganesh Homam is performed, which is followed by abhishekam, alnkaram and ashtothra namaavali pooja. The pooja concludes with prasaad distribution to devotees. Many devotees participate and make it a grand celebration every month.
Lord Kuja, the Mangala Deva, performs severe austerities for 1000 years without food or water to appease Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha very pleased with the austerities of Lord Kuja, appears in front him and bestowed His Blessings. This happened to be the Magha Krishna Chaturthi day soon after moon rise. Immensely satisfied with the blessings of Lord Ganesha, Lord Kuja, requests Lord Ganesha that he may thus bless any devotee who undertakes the Chaturthi Vrata with devotion. The greatness of Sankatahara Chaturthi is mentioned in the Bhavishya Purana and the Narasimha Purana.
Skanda Shasti
Skanda, the Lord Muruga, also known as Lord Subramanya or Lord Kartikeaya, killed the demon Soorapadman with his Vel; the main Skanda Shasti festival is held on this day. Since then, on every sixth day (shukla paksha shasti) of every month, devotees of lord Muruga perform the Skanda Shasti pooja with great devotional fervour.
Skanda Shasti festival, like most other Hindu festivals celebrates the victory of good over evil. According to Skanda Puranam, the demons under the leadership of Surapadma, defeated the Devas and took over the three worlds. They found immense pleasure in torturing the Devas. They went on a massive rampage and destroyed everything that belonged to the Devas. The demons continued their rampage and also held son of Lord Indira as captive. Lord Subramanya adorned the role of general of Devas and decided to teach a lesson to the demons. He soon defeated the demons and killed the most powerful Soorapadman with his auspicious Vel. This act of the Lord is known as Soorasamharam. On this auspicious day devotees glorify the act of Lord Muruga and chant ‘Vetri Vel’, meaning victory of Vel. Vel is the weapon presented by Parvathi Devi, the Mother of Lord Muruga (Skanda). The Vel is considered as blessings of Mother Shakthi to Skanda.
It is believed that when Skanda Shasti is observed with love and devotion Lord Muruga is well pleased and bestows Marrital bliss.
At Devi Shree Jaganmatha temple, Skanda Shasti pooja is performed every month, from 9 to 10 am, on shukla paksha shasti day. Lord Muruga is worshiped with abhishekam, alnkaaram and ashtothra namaavali pooja on shukla paksha shasti. The pooja concludes with prasaad distribution to devotees.