Maha Shodashopachar Puja In Mata Mahishamardini Temple (Birbhum)

The maha shodashopachar durga puja performed at the shaktipith mata mahishamardini temple in bakreshwar is a highly revered ritual. this temple is one of the shakti peethas. it is believed that the portion between the eyebrows(bhru-madhya) of goddess sati fell. this puja is performed with 16 specific offerings or steps of service dedicated to deity.

this puja includes 16 steps

1. Avahana means inviting goodess for the ceremony

2. Asana means offering a consecrated seat.

3. Padya means washing goddess feet.

4. Arghya means offering scented water to the hands

5. achman means offering water for sipping

6. madhuparka means offering a mixture of honey,curd,ghee and sugar

7. Snan means holy bath with milk, honey and ghee

8. Vastra means cloth offernigs to goddess like silk saree.

9. Alankar means gold/silver ornaments.

10. Gandha means applying sandalwood paste and vermilion(sindoor).

11. pushpa means offering fresh flowers and bel patra.

12.Dhupa means Lighting incense to purify the air.

13. deep means waving a ghee lamp to represent light and knowledge.

14. Naivedya means offering the bhog to the goddess.

15. tambul means offering betel leaves and nuts to goddess

16. Nirajana means arti is performed.