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Devaraj Indra Puja in South Bengal :
In the Month of Bhadra during the 12th lunar day of Shuklapaksha Shri Indra Deva is worshipped in regions - Bankura , Bishnupur and Bardhaman.
The Bishnupur Malla Raj Family and their relatives living in the regions around take part in Indra Puja (Shākrotthanā).
The Bishnupur Malla Raj Family and their relatives living in the regions around take part in Indra Puja (Shākrotthanā).
Description of the ritual in the Bishnupur Raj :
In the Morning Anantadev , Kuladevata of Mallas is worshipped along with "Golden Indra" vigraha. After that Abhishek of the Raja is performed by keeping the head of Raja beneath both of them and by a stream of flowing water.
In the Morning Anantadev , Kuladevata of Mallas is worshipped along with "Golden Indra" vigraha. After that Abhishek of the Raja is performed by keeping the head of Raja beneath both of them and by a stream of flowing water.
On the big field known as "Indkuri" a big Saal tree is surrounded by bamboo poles and covered with white cloth. The cloth is also thus divided into many portions forming the Dhwaja. It initially rests on ground.
Meanwhile The Raja comes riding on an elephant and surrounded by his subjects. He circumambulates the flag and touches the Indraddhwaja. The Purohita recites Mantras and the Raja gives Anjali.
Immediately his subjects including Santhals raise the flag up.
Immediately his subjects including Santhals raise the flag up.
They begin singing and playing various musical instruments. People say that this is the unity between King of the Heavens and the King of the Earth. Thereafter he may also distribute clothes amongst his subjects.
It's performed to increase the wealth and Power of the King , peace and prosperity among the subjects , and in order to defeat his enemies.
This is also performed in Khatra and other surrounding 8 Mahals collectively called "Ind Parab of 9 Mahals". In this worship local tribal leaders also have various important roles.
This is known as Shākrotthanā which has roots in Puranic tradition. This was also performed in Medinipur by the Kings of Narajol as successors of the Kshatriya Dynasty of Karnagar Raj.
Around Bishnupur in the Bankura district, Indra Puja among ordinary inhabitants : In the same month in certain households Vigraha made of Earth is worshipped.
On evening local women bring Naivēdyàs and an Earthen pot which consists of various saplings which have grown from seeds planted in it few days back. The pots are kept beside the Ghāta and the Purohita begins reciting Mantras.
The "Chhata(umbrella utsav)" is also a worship of Indradeva in the same area.
