TV
The Shodasha Upachara Puja, a sixteen-day ritual, has commenced at the Durga Madhab Peeth in Talmul village of Angul district from Mulashtami. With Durga Puja approaching, the shrine has turned vibrant with devotion and festivity. The rituals are being performed with complete adherence to tradition at the peeth. Each night, 'charred fish along with juri' is offered to the Goddess as bhog.
Over the course of sixteen days, the Goddess Mahamaya is adorned in sixteen different Beshas. Among these, the Suna Besha is held on Ashtami, while on Navami she is worshipped as Mahishamardini. On the same night, a goat sacrifice is performed before the Goddess. On Dussehra, the Goddess is worshipped in the form of Katyayani.
One of the devotees said, “The Goddess always listens to the prayers of her devotees. Every night during the Shodasha Upachara Puja, the rituals and celebration continue till late at night up to 3 am.”
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The temple priest added, “On the midnight of Mulashtami the rituals begin. Following Marjana and Khadga Puja, Shodasha Upachara Puja starts. Every night, the Goddess is offered charred fish.”
Grand Dashahara Procession
On Dussehra, after the completion of Aparajita Puja, the idols of Maa Kanaka Durga and the symbolic khadga of Maa Durga are taken out in a grand procession. Accompanied by music, lights, and traditional weapons, the procession moves to the Dussehra Padia in the village, where villagers gather to offer prayers for the welfare of all.
Tradition Rooted In History
The people of Talmul village say this unique tradition has been followed since time immemorial. The Durga Madhab temple was built during the 13th century when a ruler of the Som dynasty governed Angul. Unlike other Shakti Peeths, where the Goddess is worshipped with Lord Shiva, here she is worshipped alongside Narayan or Madhab.
Over the years, this shrine has become a stronghold of faith not only for the people of Talmul but also for neighbouring villages and adjoining districts.
