Damnak Chaturdashi is an auspicious day for the Hindu community that is celebrated on the 14th day of the waxing phase of the moon in the Chaitra month. This day holds great significance for certain Hindu communities in North India, Odisha, and Maharashtra. The day is marked with special pujas and rituals that are performed by devotees to seek blessings from the divine.
One of the most significant events that take place on this day is the darshan of Mother Goddess Hingula. It is believed that every year on Bishnu Damanak Chaturdashi, which is also known as Chaitra Shukla Chaturdashi, Goddess Hingula appears to her devotees in the form of burning fire at a spot near the Hingula temple in Gopalprasad, which is around 14 km from Talcher in Odisha.
Another ritual on the same day if Dayana chaturdashi , Dayana Chori Ritual is celebrated on the 13th and 14th day of Chaitra’s bright fortnight to honor Lord Jagannath’s collection of Dayana leaves. Representative deities are taken to Jagannath Ballabha Matha’s garden to pick up Dayana leaves, which are offered to the deities on the 14th day, also known as Damanaka Chaturdasi.
Dayana Chori Ritual
As the day of Chaturdashi approaches, Maa Hingula appears near the temple and informs the chief Dehury about the location of the burning spot. The spot is kept surrounded by heaps of coal until Chaturdashi. On the day of Chaturdashi, a canopy provided by the king of Talcher is placed above the fire. Thousands of devotees from far and wide, irrespective of their caste, creed, and religion, offer bhog into the fire, but interestingly, the canopy does not burn.
Maa Hingula
photo: Maa Hingula Itihasa talcher ମା ହିଙ୍ଗୁଳା ଇତିହାସ ତାଳଚେର
After nine days, a puja called ‘sital’ is performed on the spot by the Talcher king and the Dehury. This event is a testament to the unwavering faith of the devotees in the divine power and is a true reflection of the rich cultural heritage of India.
The significance of Damnak Chaturdashi goes beyond just the darshan of Goddess Hingula. It is a day that holds great spiritual importance for the Hindu community. The day is marked with various rituals and pujas that are performed by devotees to seek blessings and offer gratitude to the divine.
In Odisha, the day is celebrated as Damanaka Chaturdashi and is dedicated to Mother Goddess Hingula. Devotees offer special prayers and perform various rituals to seek blessings from the deity. The day is also marked with various cultural programs and events that showcase the rich heritage of the state.
Damnak Chaturdashi is not just a day of religious significance but also a day that brings people together in celebration and joy. The day is marked with various cultural events, processions, and fairs that bring people from different communities and backgrounds together. It is a day that celebrates the diversity and richness of the Indian culture and traditions.
In conclusion, Damnak Chaturdashi is a significant day for the Hindu community that is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. The day marks the darshan of Mother Goddess Hingula and is marked with various rituals and pujas that seek blessings from the divine. It is a day that celebrates the diversity and richness of the Indian culture and traditions and brings people from different communities and backgrounds together in celebration and joy.
