Patna: Devotees are worshipping Goddess Kaalratri, the seventh manifestation of Goddess Durga, on Saptami of Sharadiya Navratri on Saturday. The doors of Durga Puja pandals across Patna are set to open for the public amid Vedic chants and traditional rituals, with elaborate temple-inspired structures drawing attention across the city.
According to Pandit Narayan Pandey, the doors of the Goddess’s sanctum will open during Ravi Yoga, coinciding with the Mula and Purvashadha nakshatras, as per the Hindu almanac.
Patna Pandals Draw Inspiration From Famous Temples
Grand pandals have been erected across Patna, including along Boring Road, Bailey Road and in Etwarpur. Several have been designed around prominent religious structures.
In Etwarpur, a pandal inspired by the Jagannath Temple in Puri stands 121 feet tall and 120 feet wide. Around 80 artisans worked on its construction.
At Dak Bungalow Chauraha, the pandal follows the architectural theme of the Khajuraho temples. Near Himgiri Chauraha on Boring Canal Road, organisers have erected a Shivling-shaped pandal measuring around 100 feet in height and 150 metres in length.
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Durga Puja Pandal Opening Timings
According to the Varanasi Panchang, the auspicious window for opening the Goddess’s sanctum on October 17 is from 7.23am to 8.48am. The opening may follow Navpatrika Pravesh and other prescribed rituals.
If the morning window is missed, the doors may alternatively be opened during Abhijit Muhurat, from 11.20am to 12.06pm.
Astrologer Pandit Rajan Upadhyay said Rahu Kaal will occur between 8.50am and 10.16am. According to astrological traditions, auspicious activities are generally avoided during this period.
Other timings listed in the Varanasi Panchang for October 17 include:
- Brahma Muhurta: 4.25am to 5.15am
- Vijaya Muhurta: 1.38pm to 2.24pm
- Additional auspicious period: 2.38pm to 4.04pm
Goddess Kaalratri: Significance And Worship Rituals
Goddess Kaalratri is traditionally depicted with a dark complexion, dishevelled hair, three eyes and a garland said to glow like lightning. She rides a donkey and represents the destruction of evil, ignorance and negative forces.
Despite her fierce appearance, she is also known as Shubhankari, or the bringer of auspiciousness. Religious beliefs associate her worship with protection from fear, illness, sorrow and negative influences.
Jaggery and sweets made from jaggery, including malpua, are traditionally offered to the Goddess. Red hibiscus and red roses are among the flowers used in worship, while vermilion is also offered.
Red and sky-blue clothing are considered auspicious for the occasion in the religious traditions described by astrologers.
The worship begins with prayers to Lord Ganesha and the Kalash, followed by offerings of flowers, roli, akshat, sindoor and bhog. Devotees light incense and lamps before chanting the mantra, “Om Aim Hreem Kleem Kaalratryai Namah”.
The Navarna mantra, “Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vicchai”, is also traditionally recited throughout Navratri. The ritual concludes with aarti and distribution of prasad.
Patna Traffic Diversions From October 17 To 20
Traffic restrictions and alternative routes have been announced for Bailey Road and areas around the Rajabazar flyover from October 17 to 20.
The following routes have been specified for different destinations:
- Saguna Mor to Patna Airport: Vehicles can travel via Rukanpura, beneath the Rajabazar overbridge, Jagdeo Path and BMP.
- Saguna Mor to Hartali Mor and Income Tax Golambar: Vehicles can take the route through Rukanpura and over the Rajabazar flyover.
- Saguna Mor to Digha, Rajiv Nagar and Pataliputra: Commuters can turn left at Ashiana Mor and use Ashiana-Digha Road.
- Rajiv Nagar and Digha to Hartali Chowk: Vehicles can travel along the Rajiv Nagar drain, through Keshri Nagar and beneath the Rajiv Nagar railway overbridge, continuing onto Atal Path. An alternative route runs via Ramnagari Mor, Friends Colony Road, AG Colony Road, the stretch beside IGIMS and JD Women’s College to Bailey Road.
- Rajiv Nagar and Digha to Saguna Mor: Vehicles can travel from the Passport Office on Ashiana-Digha Road via Maurya Path and Ambedkar Path to Bailey Road.
- Rajiv Nagar and Digha to Patna Airport: Commuters can use the route along the Rajiv Nagar drain, passing through Keshri Nagar and beneath the Rajiv Nagar railway overbridge before continuing via Atal Path.
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Devotees and commuters have been advised to account for the diversions while travelling around the city during the Durga Puja celebrations.
