Sadhguru says the Navapatrika is a living symbol of nature’s sacred bond with the divine, where every leaf embodies the grace of the goddess. In the Navapatrika Snan, we see the purification of nature itself, a ritual that blesses not just the plants, but the entire world around us.
Article | October 09, 2024
Sadhguru: Durga Puja, one of the most celebrated festivals in India, particularly in Bengal and its neighbouring regions, is a grand spectacle of devotion, art, and culture. Beyond the magnificent idols, lavish decorations, and vibrant celebrations, the rituals of Durga Puja carry profound meanings deeply rooted in ancient Vedic practices. One such unique and significant ritual is the Navapatrika Snan, which holds a special place in the festival. The Navapatrika Snan symbolizes the sacred invocation of nature in its most elemental form and links the worship of goddess Durga to the forces of nature, emphasizing a harmonious balance between human existence and the environment. This article explores the significance of the Navapatrika Snan, its historical and cultural context, and the deeper meaning behind the nine leaves that form the essence of the ritual.
The Navapatrika is a living symbol of nature’s sacred bond with the divine, where every leaf embodies the grace of the goddess.
The Tradition of Navapatrika
The word Navapatrika is a combination of two Sanskrit words: 'Nava,' meaning nine, and 'Patrika,' meaning leaves or plants. Thus, Navapatrika literally refers to nine sacred plants. During Durga Puja, these nine plants, bound together to form a symbolic representation of the goddess Durga, are bathed and worshipped in a ceremonial bathing ritual called Navapatrika Snan. On the 6th day of Navratri after the complete invocation of Shotkon which we call Bodhan the Sringar process is there for the beautification processes of the Goddess Durga. The Navapatrika is sometimes referred to as 'Kolabou,' where 'Kola' means banana plant, and 'Bou' means wife or bride, leading to the colloquial belief that the banana plant is the wife of Lord Ganesha. However, in reality, the Navapatrika is much more than that — it is a representation of the nine forms of goddess Durga.
The nine plants of Navapatrika include:
Banana plant (Kola)
Turmeric plant (Haldi)
Colocasia plant (Kachu)
Pomegranate plant (Dalim)
Jayanti plant (Jayanti)
Wood apple plant (Bel)
Rice paddy (Dhan)
Ashoka plant (Ashoka)
Manaka plant (Manaka)
These nine plants are symbolic of the nine goddesses or Navadurga, representing different aspects of the divine feminine energy.
The Historical Roots of Navapatrika
The origins of Navapatrika can be traced back to ancient Bengal Nigam Tantra, where nature was revered as a divine force, and every element of the environment was considered sacred. In Tantra and very ancient Bengal, nature worship was integral to the spiritual practices of the people, and it found expression in various forms, including the worship of trees, rivers, and plants. The Navapatrika is a direct reflection of this nature worship, which predates the modern-day iconography of the goddess Durga.
The nine plants of Navapatrika symbolize the unity of nature and its forces, which are essential for the sustenance of life. They represent the bounty of the earth, the fertility of the soil, and the cyclic nature of life and death, which are all embodied in the goddess. The Navapatrika is essentially a representation of the goddess of, nurturing and protecting her children. It is a symbolic offering of gratitude to nature for its abundant resources and a plea for prosperity and well-being.
In an ancient Bengal society, where the success of crops was crucial for survival, rituals like Navapatrika were believed to invoke the blessings of nature deities for a good harvest. The inclusion of plants like banana, paddy, and turmeric in the ritual clearly reflects the tantric context of the festival, as these are essential crops in Indian agriculture.
Navapatrika Snan: The Ritual of Purification
The Navapatrika Snan or bathing of the Navapatrika is an elaborate ritual that takes place on Saptami Tithi (the seventh day of Durga Puja). The ritual is conducted early in the morning, usually at a nearby river, pond, or water body. The Navapatrika, which is tied together with a yellow silk cloth (symbolizing purity), is taken to the water for a ceremonial bath. This bath purifies the Navapatrika and prepares it for installation at the Durga Puja altar, where it is placed alongside the idol of the goddess Durga.
The Snan ritual is deeply symbolic. Water, in Tantra, is considered a purifying element that cleanses not only the physical body but also the soul. By bathing the Navapatrika in water, the ritual purifies and energizes the plants, imbuing them with spiritual power. The bath also symbolizes the renewal of life and the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction, which is central to the concept of the goddess Durga.
After the bath, the Navapatrika is carried in a procession, accompanied by the chanting of mantras and the blowing of conch shells, to the Durga Puja pandal, where it is placed near the idol of the goddess. In some traditions, the Navapatrika is draped with a red saree, further emphasizing its association with goddess Durga.
The Importance of the Nine Leaves in Navapatrika
Each of the nine plants in the Navapatrika has a unique significance, both in terms of its association with the Navadurga and its relevance in the natural world. Here’s a closer look at the symbolism of each plant:
1. Banana Plant (Kola)
The banana plant represents the goddess Brahmani, one of the Navadurga, who is associated with fertility and prosperity. The banana plant, with its large green leaves, is symbolic of the nurturing aspect of the goddess. In Indian culture, the banana plant is often considered auspicious and is used in various rituals. Its leaves are used as a platter for offerings, and the plant itself is a symbol of abundance.
2. Turmeric Plant (Haldi)
The turmeric plant is associated with the goddess Durga herself, particularly in her form as the goddess of health and healing. Turmeric is known for its medicinal properties and is used extensively in Ayurveda. It is considered a purifier and protector against evil. In the Navapatrika, the turmeric plant signifies the protective and healing power of the goddess.
3. Colocasia Plant (Kachu)
The colocasia plant represents the goddess Kalika, the fierce form of Durga, who is the destroyer of evil. The large heart-shaped leaves of the colocasia plant are symbolic of the goddess's all-encompassing nature. Colocasia is a staple in rural Indian cuisine, and its inclusion in the Navapatrika underscores its importance in sustaining life.
4. Pomegranate Plant (Dalim)
The pomegranate plant is associated with the goddess Raktadantika, the fierce and blood-thirsty form of Durga. The pomegranate, with its red seeds, is symbolic of blood and vitality. It also represents fertility and prosperity, as the fruit is known for its numerous seeds. In Hindu rituals, pomegranate is often used as an offering to deities.
5. Jayanti Plant (Jayanti)
The Jayanti plant represents the goddess Kartiki, the warrior goddess. The plant is known for its hardy nature and its ability to grow in adverse conditions, symbolizing the resilience and strength of the goddess. Jayanti also means 'victory,' and it is believed that the plant brings victory and success.
6. Wood Apple Plant (Bel)
The wood apple plant, or Bel, is associated with the goddess Parvati, the consort of Durga in her form as Parvati. The Bel plant is sacred to Lord Shiva, and its trifoliate leaves represent the three eyes of Shiva. In the Navapatrika, the Bel plant symbolizes the union of Shiva and Shakti, the male and female principles of the universe.
7. Rice Paddy (Dhan)
The rice paddy represents the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Rice is the staple food of India and is a symbol of sustenance and abundance. The inclusion of rice paddy in the Navapatrika underscores the importance of agriculture and the blessings of the goddess in ensuring a good harvest.
8. Ashoka Plant (Ashoka)
The Ashoka plant is associated with the goddess Shokarahita, the remover of sorrow. The Ashoka tree is revered in Indian culture for its beauty and is believed to bring joy and remove grief. It is also associated with fertility and is considered a symbol of love and compassion.
9. Manaka Plant (Manaka)
The Manaka plant represents the goddess Chamunda, the fierce form of Durga who slays demons and destroys evil forces. Chamunda is the goddess of war and death, and her association with the Manaka plant symbolizes her power to vanquish enemies and protect her devotees.
Symbolic Representation of Navadurga
The Navapatrika is not just a collection of plants but a symbolic representation of the nine forms of the Goddess Durga, collectively known as the Navadurga. Each plant represents a specific form of the goddess, and together they embody the full spectrum of the goddess's power — from the nurturing and protective aspects to the fierce and destructive forms.
The Navadurga, as represented by the Navapatrika, are:
Shailaputri – Daughter of the mountains, symbolizing the earth element.
Brahmacharini – The goddess of penance and austerity, symbolizing knowledge and devotion.
Chandraghanta – The goddess of peace and bravery, symbolizing the destruction of negativity.
Kushmanda – The creator of the universe, symbolizing the cosmic egg.
Skandamata – The mother of Kartikeya, symbolizing the nurturing aspect of the divine mother.
Katyayani – The fierce warrior goddess, symbolizing the destruction of evil.
Kalaratri – The dark goddess, symbolises the end of time and the destruction of ignorance.
Mahagauri – The goddess of purity, symbolizing the renewal of life.
Siddhidatri – The goddess who grants all wishes, symbolizing the attainment of perfection.
By worshipping the Navapatrika, devotees are essentially invoking the blessings of the Navadurga and seeking their protection, prosperity, and guidance.
The nine sacred leaves of Navapatrika remind us that the divine feminine is woven into the very fabric of nature. Through the Navapatrika, we honour the earth’s bounty, acknowledging that without nature’s gifts, life cannot thrive.
Environmental and Spiritual Importance of Navapatrika
The ritual of Navapatrika is not only a spiritual practice but also an acknowledgement of the importance of nature in sustaining life. In modern times, when environmental degradation is a pressing issue, the Navapatrika ritual serves as a reminder of the deep connection between humans and the natural world. The reverence shown to the plants in this ritual highlights the need for sustainable living and respect for the environment.
Moreover, the Navapatrika also emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and death. The plants, which are symbolic of fertility and life, are bathed and worshipped as part of a ritual that ultimately celebrates the victory of good over evil, life over death. This cyclical process is mirrored in the agricultural cycle, where life (the crops) is born, nurtured, harvested, and then returned to the earth to begin the process anew.
In a spiritual sense, the Navapatrika represents the interconnectedness of all life forms and the unity of the physical and spiritual realms. The ritual reminds devotees that the goddess Durga, as the embodiment of nature, is present in every aspect of the natural world, from the smallest plant to the largest tree. By honouring worshipping the Navapatrika, devotees are paying homage to the divine in its most primal form.
Navapatrika Snan is a gentle reminder that divinity doesn’t dwell only in temples and idols—it lives in every leaf, every drop of rain, and every breath of wind.
Navapatrika Snan as a Celebration of Life and Nature
The Navapatrika Snan is a beautiful and profound ritual that encapsulates the essence of Durga Puja. It is a celebration of life, nature, and the goddess in her many forms. By worshipping the nine plants of Navapatrika, devotees are not only seeking the blessings of the goddess but also expressing their gratitude to the natural world for its bounty and beauty.
In a world where the connection between humans and nature is often overlooked, rituals like the Navapatrika serve as important reminders of the sacredness of the environment. The Navapatrika Snan is not just a ritual of purification but a symbolic act of renewal, reminding us that life, in all its forms, is interconnected and deserves to be revered.
As we celebrate Durga Puja and partake in the Navapatrika ritual, we are reminded of the goddess’s presence in every aspect of life, from the plants that sustain us to the forces of nature that govern our existence. The Navapatrika, with its deep roots in Vedic tradition and agrarian culture, is a timeless symbol of the unity of nature, humanity, and the divine.
