In a Guru Sannidhyan programme, Avdhut said that Devi is everywhere. She is in every Bhutas. That's why Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhutessu. Devi Gandheswari is actually Mahishmardini. There is a tragedy for Banik Sampradaya i.e. Business Community created by Ballalsen or Ballāla Sena that's why Gandheswari Puja Started during that time in Bengal.
In the vast pantheon of mythology, where gods and goddesses reign supreme, there exists a figure of profound significance and reverence: Devi Gandheswari, the embodiment of the divine feminine. As a manifestation of Shakti, the primordial cosmic energy that permeates the universe, Devi Gandheswari represents the eternal power of creation, preservation, and destruction. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve deep into the mystical realm of Devi Gandheswari, uncovering her origins, symbolism, legends, rituals, and spiritual significance.
Origins of Devi Gandheswari:
The origins of Devi Gandheswari can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures and mythology, where she is depicted as a divine goddess of immense power and beauty. According to legend, Devi Gandheswari emerged from the cosmic ocean during the churning of the milky ocean, manifesting as a radiant goddess adorned with celestial ornaments and divine weapons. Blessed with auspicious qualities and sacred attributes, Devi Gandheswari embodies the essence of Shakti, the primal energy that gives rise to the universe.
Symbolism and Attributes of Devi Gandheswari:
As a manifestation of Shakti, Devi Gandheswari embodies the infinite power and potential of the divine feminine. She is often depicted as a radiant goddess adorned with celestial ornaments, her countenance exuding grace, beauty, and compassion. In her many forms and manifestations, Devi Gandheswari symbolizes the creative, nurturing, and transformative aspects of the feminine principle, inspiring devotees to cultivate virtues such as love, compassion, and wisdom.
The attributes associated with Devi Gandheswari vary across different traditions and regions, reflecting the diverse interpretations and symbolism attributed to the goddess. In some depictions, she is portrayed as a fierce warrior goddess wielding weapons of destruction, while in others, she is depicted as a benevolent mother goddess showering blessings upon her devotees. Regardless of her form, Devi Gandheswari embodies the dualities of creation and destruction, life and death, embodying the cyclical nature of existence.
Ballalsen destroyed the supremacy of Bengal. Killed the Banik Sampradaya. Khastriya Sampradaya, and finally made khichdi of Tantra for his vested interest.
Legends and Stories of Devi Gandheswari:
Throughout Hindu mythology, there exist numerous legends and stories that highlight the significance of Devi Gandheswari and her divine manifestations. One such legend recounts the tale of Devi Gandheswari's victory over the demon Mahishasura, who had threatened the balance of the universe with his tyranny and arrogance. In a fierce battle that raged for centuries, Devi Gandheswari vanquished the demon and restored peace and harmony to the cosmos, earning her the title of Mahishasura Mardini, the slayer of Mahishasura.
Another popular legend tells the story of Devi Gandheswari's incarnation as Sati, the beloved consort of Lord Shiva. In this tale, Sati sacrifices her life in a fit of despair and anguish, unable to bear the humiliation inflicted upon her by her father, Daksha. Consumed by grief and rage, Lord Shiva unleashes his divine fury, wreaking havoc upon the universe and threatening to destroy all of creation. However, Devi Gandheswari intervenes, calming Shiva's rage and restoring balance to the cosmos, thereby averting catastrophe.
The Major legend comes from Mahanandishwar Purana. It is like that.
Gandhasura was very angry with the merchants. He has vowed to wipe out the entire Bene community with his own hands. So by appeasing Shiva with severe austerities, his bridegroom became a formidable warrior. The only reason why Gandhasura became so hostile was his father, Subhuti.
Subhuti Lok's character had no fixed address. One day he went to abduct Ben's daughter Surupa despite having a wife. But, there was no last defense. He was caught by Bened, and the humiliation ended after a long beating. It is a shame to say that to avenge this insult of his father, the boy did penance, increased his strength, and gave his mind to murder. Come on, what else can I say, the education of demons is like that!
At present the situation is such that Gandhasura or his associates attack Benepalli from time to time, kill whoever they come across and completely destroy the houses. That day, under the orders of Gandhasura, the Sangopangas attacked the house of a poor Ben named Suvarnabat. When he got angry and killed Suvarna, he started searching for killing his wife Chandravati too saying that she would destroy Suvarna's family. Because Chandravati Purnagarbha.
When the house was attacked by evil demons, Chandravati first thought how to save the child in the womb! And he was in no mood to think about anything else. As a result, he immediately rushed out of the window-door and entered the forest at the end of the village. Chandravati was running in search of a safe place in the forest. But, this immense effort was his undoing. He once lay down on a bed of wild grass panting impatiently with the unbearable pain in his lower abdomen. Then, through that unbearable pain, she soon gave birth to a beautiful daughter. But, she could not sustain her life in labor and died.
At one end of that forest is the abode of sage Kashyap. His ashram is there. He received the orders of Goddess Mahamaya in meditation. He knew that Goddess Bashundhara was born in the forest. She was motherless and fatherless at birth. Kashyap should bring her up like a daughter. On receiving the order of the goddess, the sage went out in search of a daughter. As soon as he came out of Tapoban, a divine fragrance suddenly attracted him. That fragrance has enraptured the entire forest, pulling him towards the source!
As he walked, he reached the girl. The child is playing next to the dead mother. His wristband is broken. Oh, what a wonderful, innocent creation! The enchanted sage took him in his arms. Then he realized that this child-organ is the shape of the fragrance!
After the funeral of Chandravati, Kashyap brought the daughter in his arms to the ashram. Since the girl's body exuded a wonderful fragrance, she was named Gandhavati. With the sage's education and education, Gandhavati gradually passed her childhood and entered adulthood. Like Tilottama, the ten directions shone in beauty.
Then one day the sage told him the brutal reason for the death of his biological parents. Knowing the brutality of the Asuras, the fire of revenge burned in Gandhavati's heart. After burning a great sacrificial fire, he engaged in austere penance. On the other hand, when the Bene community is fed up with the tyranny of Gandhasura, and is dying to be killed, the 'trahi trahi' is constantly seeking a way to escape by killing the gods. Just then, Gandhasura, the womanizer son of that womanizer father, heard about Gandhvati's incomparable beauty and beauty.
Thus his mind turned from Bened's direction to Gandhavati. He was desperate to get her. Along with his companions, Rishi immediately appeared at Kashyap's ashram. Yes, he had come to pick her up, but he was enchanted to meet the meditative Gandhavati. So wanted to submit to the words of love. But no, it did not break Gandhavati's meditation. As soon as the love trap failed, he began to fear. Uhu, that did not break Gandhavati's meditation!
Now Gandhasura lost his patience. After failing twice, his head caught fire. He grabbed a handful of Gandhwati's hair in an effort to drag her away. But, even if he tried hard, he could not move Gandhwati, he could not break his meditation, let alone drag him away!
Even though Gandhvati's meditation was not broken by the demonic insult, the Yajna Kund became infuriated by the woman's insult. Covered all the pastures. Seeing that world-wide smoke, the group of demons got scared. Gandhasura left Gandhvati's hair and stood away in shock.
Then, a celestial goddess appeared in the sky, breaking the smoke of the Yajna Kund. On his quadrilateral is a bright armour. He is the lion army.
Now Gandhwati's mind is broken. When he bowed down and worshiped the goddess who appeared in front, the goddess looked at Gandhasura with a look of anger. Gandhasura was ready to counter-attack, he too assumed a gigantic body and attacked the goddess with a roar. A fierce battle began.
Tribhuvana shook in that fierce battle. The gods rushed to the sky-way to witness the fierce battle. The Asuras hid in the darkness in fear of the unknown. Humans took shelter of the gods. The merchant community began to pray in earnest for the goddess to save them forever from Gandhasura's tyranny. And the gods began to pray to the Supreme Lord for the victory of the goddess.
At the end of the fierce battle, the invincible goddess in her extreme anger pierced her mighty trident in the chest of the mischievous demon. Gandhasura died due to the blow of that kalas-like trident. His huge lifeless body fell to the earth. To lighten the weight of the soil, the goddess lifted him up and threw him into the ocean.
The goddess was still maddened by her fierce anger, so all the gods, including Brahma-Vishnu-Maheswara, immediately rushed to the goddess and started worshiping the goddess in unison. He praised a lot. As she killed Gandhasura and established peace in the world, they addressed this new goddess as Goddess 'Gandeshwari'.
After getting the name 'Gandheswari' and receiving sincere worship from the deities, the goddess was finally appeased, pacified. Then by the will of the goddess, Gandhasura's huge body fell into the sea and turned into a huge island. Spices and aromatic trees, vines, and herbs grew on that island. Devi named that island, Gandhadweep. A group of the Bene community was given the right to trade by extracting incense from this island, giving them the name 'Gandhabanika'.
The day Goddess Gandheshwari killed Gandhasura was the full moon day of Baisakhi. On this day, the Goddess first appeared and protected the merchant community from the tyranny of Gandhasura forever, protected it from destruction, and created the 'Gandhavanik' community and gave them the right to trade in incense. So soon she became the supreme Aradhya Devi of the Gandavanika community, and also started getting annual puja at Mahadhumdham to all the Beneds on the day of Baisakhi Purnima.
Rituals, Festivals, and Worship of Devi Gandheswari:
Throughout India and other parts of the Hindu world, Devi Gandheswari is venerated through various rituals, festivals, and forms of worship that celebrate her divine attributes and significance. Temples dedicated to Devi Gandheswari are scattered across the country, serving as sacred sanctuaries where devotees can offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek the blessings of the goddess.
One of the most prominent festivals dedicated to Devi Gandheswari is Navaratri, a nine-night celebration that honors the divine feminine in all her manifestations. During this auspicious occasion, devotees engage in elaborate rituals, recite sacred hymns, and participate in colorful processions to pay homage to Devi Gandheswari and seek her blessings for prosperity, success, and spiritual fulfillment. The festival culminates in Vijayadashami, the tenth day, which marks the triumph of good over evil and the victory of Devi Gandheswari over the demon Mahishasura.
Spiritual Teachings and Lessons from Devi Gandheswari:
Beyond her role as a divine goddess and cosmic mother, Devi Gandheswari embodies profound spiritual teachings and lessons that resonate with seekers on the path of self-realization and enlightenment. Through her various manifestations and incarnations, Devi Gandheswari inspires devotees to cultivate virtues such as courage, compassion, and resilience, guiding them on their spiritual journey toward liberation and ultimate union with the divine.
The story of Devi Gandheswari serves as a timeless reminder of the eternal power and grace of the divine feminine, illustrating the transformative potential of love, devotion, and surrender in the journey toward spiritual awakening. As we honor and venerate Devi Gandheswari, let us also strive to embody her noble qualities and virtues, thereby drawing closer to the divine presence that resides within us all.
Devi Gandheswari stands as a radiant symbol of the divine feminine, embodying the eternal power and grace of Shakti, the primordial cosmic energy that gives rise to the universe. Through her various manifestations and incarnations, Devi Gandheswari inspires devotees to cultivate virtues such as love, compassion, and wisdom, guiding them on their spiritual journey toward liberation and ultimate union with the divine. As we honor and venerate Devi Gandheswari, may we also strive to embody her noble qualities and virtues, thereby drawing closer to the divine presence that resides within us all.
