Heads bow to the headless goddess

KANPUR: Hundreds of devotees thronged Mata Chhinnamastika temple at Shivalaya on 'Saptami' of Navratri here on Sunday. The most famous custom related to this renowned city temple is that it remained closed throughout the year and is open only on 'Saptami', 'Ashtami' and 'Navami' during 'Navratras'.
As the name means, Mata Chhinnamastika (broken head) is the goddess without head.An important custom related to this temple is that it opens only twice a year in 'Navratris'. This is due to belief of the people according to which seeing the goddess is prohibited as her attire is horrific and soaked in blood.
Maa Chinnamstika 'darshan' is prohibited on other days. According to 'Durga Saptashati', this 'swaroop' (appearance) of goddess can make a devotee fearful of her existence. This is the reason the temple remains closed throughout the year, said K K Tiwari, member of the committee taking care of Chinnamastika temple. He added, it is believed that Maa Chhinnamastika is the goddess of intelligence and power, hence this is the prime spot for all students either appearing in board exams or in competitions.
As per Hindu Mythology, Chhinnamastika is among the 'Dash Mahavidya' of Maa Shakti. After Lalita Mata, this is the only temple in the city which is the prime spot for devotees interested in 'Yog Sadhna' or 'Siddhi Sadhna' forms of prayer and meditation.
The priest of the temple also informed that the tradition of offering 'bali' (sacrifice) has a religious significance in the temple since ancient times. Even today the custom of sacrifice is commenced on the last day of 'Navratri' which is 'Mahanavami'.
It is worth mentioning here that initially, the 'bali' of goat or buffalo (maheesh) was considered auspicious as it denoted sacrifice of the animal instinct within humans. The bali of 'goat' meant sacrifice of 'lust' and obsession within oneself, while the 'bali' of buffalo symbolised the sacrifice of anger hidden within a person.
The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to 'Maa Kaalratri'. According to her name, she is the goddess who conquered death. It is believed the deity is pleased with everything which is not valued by humans or those who run over mundane things. 'Maa Kaalratri' is riding over an ass and have axe in her hands. The open hair and brave smile add to the looks of the goddess believed to bestow her children with positivity and courage.
Goddess Durga was worshipped in puja pandals and temples at various places in city, special puja ceremonies and events marked Saptami of Navaratra.