Patna: As devotees across Bihar observe Navratri through prayers and rituals, a distinctive form of worship is drawing attention at the Naulakha Durga Temple near the Secretariat in Patna. Shri Shri 108 Baba Nageshwar Das is performing a nine-day sadhana with 21 earthen kalash weighing more than 65 kilograms placed on his chest.
The 65-year-old devotee says he has been performing the ritual since 1997. This year’s observance marks nearly three decades of his devotion to Goddess Durga.
21 Kalash Stacked More Than 11 Feet High
Baba Nageshwar Das lies on a prepared bed of soil covered with a sheet in front of the idol of Goddess Durga. The 21 kalash are stacked vertically on his raised chest, forming a structure reported to be more than 11 feet high.
Thread supports help keep the vessels balanced, but the devotee says the weight rests on his chest.
According to Baba Nageshwar Das, the weight of the kalash has increased over the years. He said he began the practice at the age of 35 and has continued it during Navratri.
Says the Practice Began After a Dream in 1997
Explaining how he began the ritual, Baba Nageshwar Das said he had a dream before Navratri in 1997 in which he understood that Goddess Durga was guiding him to undertake the kalash sadhana.
He said he has since dedicated the nine-day practice to the Goddess and believes that his faith gives him the strength to continue.
The devotee also said his prayers are intended to seek blessings for his neighbourhood, society, Bihar and the country.
Preparation Begins Before Navratri
Baba Nageshwar Das said he begins preparing for the ritual around the time of the Jitiya fast. He gradually reduces his food and water intake before stopping both ahead of Navratri.
He says he abstains from food and water throughout the nine-day period while continuing the sadhana. After the ritual and concluding prayers, he resumes drinking water on the night of Dashami and initially takes water and fruit before gradually returning to regular meals.
He advised other devotees to undertake religious practices according to their physical capacity and avoid putting their bodies under excessive strain.
Dietitian Warns Against Prolonged Fasting Without Water
Dr Pallavi, a dietitian at IGIMS, cautioned that prolonged fasting without water can have serious health consequences. She said she does not recommend such practices to the general public.
She explained that when the body does not receive food, it begins using stored energy, including fat. However, the absence of water creates additional risks, including dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Prolonged fasting can also lead to weakness and other complications, particularly if the person continues physical activity.
Dr Pallavi advised people undertaking religious fasts to rest and avoid strenuous activity. She also recommended that people generally continue drinking water during fasting unless a qualified medical professional has advised otherwise for a specific reason.
Who Should Avoid Strict Fasting?
The dietitian advised pregnant women and people with existing illnesses against undertaking prolonged, water-free fasts without medical guidance.
People who feel unwell during a fast should not ignore symptoms or continue solely out of religious obligation. They should seek appropriate medical advice and stop the fast if necessary.
While fasting is part of many religious traditions, the effects vary from person to person. A prolonged fast without water can be dangerous, and gradual preparation does not eliminate the risks.
Faith and Personal Safety During Navratri
Baba Nageshwar Das’s ritual reflects one devotee’s way of expressing faith during Navratri. His own advice is that worshippers should practise according to their physical capacity and avoid causing excessive hardship to the body.
Health experts similarly stress that religious observance should not come at the cost of personal safety. Anyone considering an extended fast, particularly without water, should consult a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on another person’s experience.
