Dear Readers,
From the Desk of Managing Editor, IJENAS & Editor, Vasundhara
Indian philosophy has always been humane and dignified view of the sacredness of all forms of life, and that humans are only a link in the chain of life and consciousness. Vedas, the oldest hymns composed by great spiritual seers and thinkers which are the repository of Indian wisdom, reflect the vibrancy of an encompassing world-view which looks upon all objects in the universe, living or non-living, as being pervaded by the same spiritual power. There is an age old early Morning Prayer, which indicate the level of respect, offered to the Earth, the life yielding mother.
Samudra-Vasane Devi, Parvata-Stana-Mandite Vishnu-Patni Namastubhyam, Pada-Sparsham Kshamasva Me
( Oh Mother Earth, the Goddess who is having Ocean as her Garments and Mountains as Her Bosom, Who is the Consort of Vishnu, I Bow to you; Please Forgive me for Touching You with my Feet)
In India, Autumn is considered as the season to worship Goddess Durga, the supreme feminine power, the energy of creation or mother nature( parama prakriti). Our scriptures call her Nabapatrika, and in native dialects she is worshiped as Kolabou. Worship of Nabapatrika is offering prayers to nine specifically mentioned plants and plant parts, being wrapped in a saree, as a representation of mother goddess.
Interestingly enough, Nabapatrika was actually a popular ritual performed by the peasant folks for prosperous harvest. As during autumn, beauty of nature is at its peak with blue sky and white clouds, blooming white kans flowers and glowing dew drops and is the time for reaping crops, peasants worshipped Goddess Nabapatrika for good harvest. Infact Nabapatrika represented the primitive form of Durga Puja. Later, when Durga Puja, became a popular festival of the season. Nabapatrika, was added as the most important part of the worship.
The nine plants of Nabapatrika represent nine forms of the Goddess. Banana plant represents Goddess Brahmani, Colocasia represents Goddess Kalika,
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