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During Shardiya Navratri, Durga temples across India are adorned in flowers, the feast is prepared to feed communities, and venerations continue for nine days. It is considered the most auspicious time of the year.
Revered Hindu temples like Kamakhya Temple, Jwala Devi Temple, Bhubaneswar Temple, Meenakshi Temple, and more witness grand celebrations during the nine days. If you are visiting any of these or are intrigued by what they offer as bhog to the temple Goddesses, here is a short guide for you.
Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru, Karnataka
Apart from the Dravidian architecture, Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru is also known for featuring a statue of Mahishasura who, according to mythology, was killed by Goddess Durga. It is believed that the hair of Sati fell here when Lord Vishnu desiccated her dead body. Therefore, it is also a Shakti Peetha. Tamarind rice (puliyogare), lentil salad (kosambari), and pongal are served here along with jaggery and coconut-based sweets during Navratri.
Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu & Kashmir
Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir is among the most crucial pilgrimage centres for Hindus in India. It is believed that Goddess Durga was hiding from Mahishasura in the cave where the present-day shrine exists. She killed the demon here and his head fell a couple of kilometres above the cave. Dry fruits, kheer, nuts, and delicacies prepared with rice grain and milk are offered to the Goddess during Navratri.
Kalighat Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal
The Kalighat temple of Kolkata is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is among the 51 Shakti Peethas. This is where the right foot toes of Sati fell. An amazing fact about this temple is women priestesses organise the venerations. Rice, vegetables, meat, fish, kheer, chutney, halwa, yoghurt, chana, and puri are offered to the Goddess.
Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
The Kanaka Durga Temple in Andhra Pradesh is a Swayambhu which means something that self-manifests. During Navratri, the idol of the Goddess here is offered rice dishes like pulihora. Pongal and laddus are also a part of the sacred offerings to the deity.
Kamakhya Temple, Assam
The Kamakhya Temple in Assam is also a Shakti Peetha where Aryans and non-Aryans worship binding rituals of two communities together. It is also one of the oldest centres for Tantric practices. Goddess Kamakhya is offered both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights during Navratri. While the vegetarian meal includes kheer, dry fruits, nuts, and other dishes, the non-vegetarian bhog includes fish and goat meat.
Jwala Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Goddess Jwala Devi is believed to be the one with the flaming mouth. The temple is a sacred sight for Hindus in the states and tourists exploring the beauty of the mountains here. During Navratri, sattvic meal is prepared and offered to the deity. This includes rice, kheer, milk-based sweets, and some kinds of pakoras.
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is counted among the oldest temples to exist in India. Goddess Meenakshi is believed to be the consort of Lord Shiva. The huge temple complex attracts thousands of devotees every year. Vadai, pongal, curd rice, and other rice and milk-based dishes are a part of the prasad offered to the Goddess, and later, distributed among devotees.
