Maa Mansa Puja holds a special place in the villages of Jharkhand and Bengal, steeped in tradition and faith. Devotees worship Maa Mansa, the snake goddess, as a protector against venomous creatures like snakes, scorpions, and other harmful insects, particularly during the monsoon season when such dangers are heightened. This religious practice, deeply rooted in rural life, also involves the sacrifice of goats and ducks, a custom with historical and cultural significance.
Celebrations in Jharkhand and Bengal
Maa Mansa, the goddess of serpents, is revered in many villages across Jharkhand, especially in areas bordering Bengal. The festival is widely celebrated, with the main festivities taking place around August 17th, September 17th and October 17th each year. Villagers install her idol in prominent places and perform elaborate rituals that bring the entire community together. Preparations begin weeks in advance, as artisans craft the idols, and people come together to plan the event, signifying the importance of unity and devotion.
Agricultural Connection
In the rural, agriculture-dominated regions of Jharkhand and Bengal, the worship of Maa Mansa is believed to provide protection to farmers working in snake-infested fields, ponds, and rivers. The belief is that through her blessings, farmers are safeguarded from the dangers posed by venomous creatures. This spiritual connection between Maa Mansa and rural life makes the festival an integral part of local culture, especially among those who rely on agriculture for their livelihood.
Traditional Sacrifices and Rituals
One of the more distinctive elements of Maa Mansa Puja is the tradition of animal sacrifice. Goats and ducks are offered in a sacred ritual, with the belief that this act pleases the goddess and helps ensure her protection from harmful creatures. The offerings are then shared as prasad the following day, bringing the community together in a shared meal that celebrates both devotion and unity.
The Role of the Kurmi Community
The Kurmi community, in particular, celebrates Maa Mansa Puja as part of their broader Bari Puja, which focuses on water and agriculture. For them, this festival is a time to give thanks for a successful rice planting season. They collect water from a nearby pond or river and pray for favorable rainfall, believing that their worship will bring about the right conditions for a good harvest.
Puranas and Legends of Maa Mansa
Many legends are associated with Maa Mansa, the most prominent being the story of King Chandradhar. According to popular belief, Maa Mansa was created by Lord Shiva from his divine powers and was given to Vasuki, the king of the serpent world, as his sister. However, her poisonous nature caused much difficulty, and when she desired to be worshipped like Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya, Lord Shiva advised her to seek the devotion of King Chandradhar.
Chandradhar, a devout follower of Lord Shiva, refused to worship Maa Mansa, angering the goddess. As a result, she inflicted many hardships on him, including the loss of his seven sons. However, after much persistence and with the help of Chandradhar’s wife, Maa Mansa eventually realized her mistakes and restored all of the king’s children. This myth serves as the foundation for the widespread reverence of Maa Mansa in these regions, symbolizing her power to grant protection and blessings to her devotees.
