India is the most spiritual country in the world, which is full of pilgrimages. These are holy places where sin and sorrow are prevented and the main objectives of life righteousness, finance, work and salvation are met. These places are related to various festivals and which are to some events in the past.
Tale of Panchakanya dham is as mysterious as Sanatan Dharma and Asam. The Asam came from Aasmaan (āsamāna), ‘Aas(āsa)’ means Sun and ‘Māna’ means bearer like Shaktimaan, Dhimaan, thus Aasmaan (āsamāna) means one who holds Sun. Since Assam is on the east of India, and the Sun rises in the morning this place was called Aasman (āsamāna) by people of Aryavarta which deformed to Assam. Actually Assam is not a distortion of Ahom which most historian believe.
Almost all the rishis (ṛṣi) of Aryavarta (āryāvarta or India) who were seer of the Vedic mantras would do austerity to get Siddhi (siddhi, special prowess) in this place. Everyone had seen first Light (jyoti) here, hence the place was named as “Pragjyotishpur (prājñajyotipura) or the “City of First Light”. The Asaman ("āsamāna") name was prevalent from the ancient time, while Pragyajyoti ((prājñajyoti) were popular among ascetics. Asaman (āsamāna) was the center of penance (tapobhūmi) of Varāha (varāha) and Vamana (vāmana) Avataras.
Panchakanya dham is located on the southern border of Guwahati about 4km from NH 37 on the Khobhak hillock which is 300 meters from Vashistha Ashram.
Origin on Panchakanya
In this hilly region, after a prolonged
duel, Bheemasura (bhīmāsura) was killed. Rudradeva was so agitated that the
flames of his anger ("kṣobha") began demolishing the hill. The Gods
in all directions were suffering, then they requested the Goddess Kāmākhyā
(kāmākṣī). Devi Kāmākhyā (kāmākṣī) together with five of Her prowess came to
serve "Harukeśvara" (Lord Shiva) and settled as virgin form of
"Paṃcayonī" the Panchakanya.
पञ्च पुष्करिणी देव्याः पञ्च योनी स्वरूपिनी |
पंचभि दुर्गा योनिभि:पूजयते पंचवक्त्रकम | स्थिता रमयितं तत्र नित्यमेव हिमाद्रिजा ||
उग्रचंडा, प्रचंडा च् चन्दोग्रा, चन्दनाइका | चन्दाचेती च् योगिन्या: पंचाया: परिकीर्तिता: ||
The generally understood names of Goddess Panchakanya are - Maha Durga, Maha Lakshmi' Maha Saraswati, Maha Annapurna and Maha Kali
पञ्च पुष्करिणी देव्याः प्रचंडा सर्वकामदा | त्रिपुरायास्तु तंत्रेण ताः पूज्याः सध्कोत्तमै: |
कामेश्वरी तंत्र मन्त्रेरथवा पूजयेच्छिवाम ||
बालायारित्रपुरयास्तु मंत्र मस्या: प्रकीर्त्तितम् | कामेश्वर्यास्तु वा मंत्रं पूजनेहस्याः प्रकीर्त्तितम् || (का.पु.)
The best way to worship Devi is with 'Tripurabala or Kameshwari' mantra. This is so because, this mantra is the most noblest of all mantras for her worship. lf one offers her in devotion and faith five garlands, five varieties of fruits, five varieties of dishes (Nivadyam), red sandalwood paste and light five ghee lamps and incense sticks, she fulfills all wishes. For her 'kumari pooja' is the most superior of all poojas because it is a symbolic form of her presence. lf one
performs 'Kumari Pooja' or gets it performed, one is blessed with the fruits of their worship. lf one worships her in total faith and devotion, one gets freed of diseases, the vicious cycle of poverty and unhappiness. So, worship her with total faith.
God Godess of Panchakanya Dham
Rudradev Bhimashankar is the hero of the hill and has taken a place in the north - west part of the shrine. Lord Rudradev is very fond of curds and he in Kshobhak hill is in an angered form. His devotees, bathe (Abhishekam) the lord with curds to cool him and seek his blessings. He, lord Herukeswara is as vast as the sky and is infinite as time. He is also one of the twelve 'Jyothi Lingas' and is known as lord 'Bhima Shankara'.
Next to him is Lord Vishnu in the shade of the hood of thousand headed Sheshnag. To the south of him is Maha Prabhu Triloknath.
Next to him is Lord Vishnu in the shade of the hood of thousand headed Sheshnag. To the south of him is Maha Prabhu Triloknath.
Next to him is Kaal Bhairav. To his west is his three forms past, present and future. These forms are represented as a stone structure and was originally on the river bed.
Next to it is the beautifully ornated (mano moha) carrier of Ma Panchakanya, crafted by the master technician Lord Vishwakarma himself. That stone, that has taken the Garuda like shape is the carrier of Panchakanya. To the west of this carrier, is the place of Lord Mahaveer Hanuman', the son of lord 'Vayu'.
The 'Yagashala' is in the southern part of the temple. Lord Agni, is kept visibly represented all the time in the Yagya kunda.
Here 'Yagyas' are performed all through the year.'Akal Bodhan' Yagya is performed for nine continuous days in the month of 'Falgun', 'Vasanthi durga Yagya is perlormed for nine days in 'Chaitra'; 'Rudra Yagya' is performed for the whole month of 'Shravan'; 'Sharadiya Durga Yagya for nine days in 'Ashin'; 'Vishnu Yagya' for twelve days in 'Kartika'; 'Ganesh Yagya for twelve days in the month of 'Magha' and 'Chandi yagya' for five days in the season of Vasanth'.These are some of the important yagyas performed in here by the blessings and grace of 'Ma Parameshwarl'.
Here 'Yagyas' are performed all through the year.'Akal Bodhan' Yagya is performed for nine continuous days in the month of 'Falgun', 'Vasanthi durga Yagya is perlormed for nine days in 'Chaitra'; 'Rudra Yagya' is performed for the whole month of 'Shravan'; 'Sharadiya Durga Yagya for nine days in 'Ashin'; 'Vishnu Yagya' for twelve days in 'Kartika'; 'Ganesh Yagya for twelve days in the month of 'Magha' and 'Chandi yagya' for five days in the season of Vasanth'.These are some of the important yagyas performed in here by the blessings and grace of 'Ma Parameshwarl'.
Sri Sri 'Rudra Kali' has her own place in the eastern corner of the temple. She is the Goddess of Kali yuga and she is the Goddess 'Mahamaya'.
On the river bank, the statue with its head facing the north is the single tusked, lord 'Maha Ganesh' who was awakened at dawn, on the Uma chathmrti day of Akal Bodhan Yagya and he has taken the responsibility of controlling the world in 'Kali kaal'. ln 'Kalikaal' he is referred to as' Trikaal Ganesh' and he rides on horse. In' Satya yug his vehicle was a lion, in treta a peacock and in Dwapar Yug a rat. lt is written in the Puranas and tantra shastra, that Lord Ganesha would be on a horse and bring an end to creation in 'Kali kaal'. To his right, 'Kalidevi takes the name of 'Dakshina' and to his left as 'Bhama', with a sword in her hand. Lord Ganesha flanked by Kalidevi on both the sides, gives orders to her and she follows his orders. lf Lord Ganesh is worshiped with offerings of a ghee lamp, garland, kumkum , the sacred thread, ladoo and if a coconut is broken in front of him, he fulfills all wishes.
To the front of Lord Ganesh flows the sacred 'Kanta' river, the remover of all sins. The river kanta in its flow forms a pool like structure.This is the 'Mahakunda' and in this the dev-devis bathe everyday. One who bathes in this divine river 'Kanta', the daughter of Kshobhak, one gets freed from the bondages of previous birth, becomes beautiful, full of Character and wins the world of Lord Shiva. At present, structurally the pool is no longer there but the qualities of the river remain unchanged.
तच्छैल पुर्वभागेतु कन्तानाम महानदी | दक्षिणं सागरं याति प्रथम ञ्चोत्तररस्त्रवा ||
दिव्यं कुण्डं महाकुण्डं तच्छैलापत्य काङिक्षतौ | संस्थितं तत्र स्नात्वा तु तां देवीं परिपूजयेत ||
कान्ताया: सलिले स्नात्वा वसन्ते मान्वोत्तम: | रूपवान गुणवान भुत्वा शिवलोकाय गच्छति ||
( Originating from the eastern mountains, river Kanta flows to the southern Ocean, caves there and taking a bath in the river, worship Devi. The person, who has his bath in Devi Kunda, the noble one who worships Goddess Panchakarini will not be born again. The noble one who is bathes in river Kanta in spring season becomes handsome, full of character and attains the world of Shiva.)
lf one bathes in river 'Kanta', takes the blessings of Lord Maha Ganapathi and performs pooja to Ma Panchakanya wishes gets fulfilled.
A little ahead, by the bank of the river. There, in the midst of the river lies the Rhinoceros, the vehicle of Lord Mahakaal represented with form of a big boulder' . His blessing can free one from untimely death. He is worshipped by bathing him in milk (abhishekam) and offering an apple.
Anyone,who in faith has his 'Charanamrit' gets freed from diseases.
The beautiful boulder, that is attached to the hill opposite the temple on the southern side , is the place of Krishna deva. Pooja is performed to him in 'Raas yatra', 'Dol Yatra' and on 'Gopashtami day'. To his west two big boulders! The one below, is the place of the warrior of Gods and the master of the art of weaponry - Lord Kartik. The one above him is the place of Goddess Jagaddhatri seated on a tiger.
Going further up, the hill is very steep, a huge boulder is the place of Lord Kuber. He is the treasurer of Lord Shiva. He keeps an account of sins of all beings and the wrongdoer is never left unpunished. The one who pleases him, amasses immense wealth. Three huge boulders above Lord Kuber is the place of three Gods. Amongst them, the one in the middle is Sri Sri Lord Ganesh with his parents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on both his sides. ln this sacred place, if pooja is to be performed to any of the Gods, it would be first to Lord Ganesh, second to Lord Kuber and than to the desired deity. Offerings required for the pooja of Lord Kuber is the simplest and least expensive of all. A ghee lamp, incense sticks and an unbroken cluster of bananas is enough to appease him.
To the left of Lord Kuber is another 'place', represented as a stone standing. He is the last incarnation of 'Navanath', 'Panchapeer' (Maulana Sahib). He is flanked on both his sides with two soldiers as guards, Mughal and Pathan. He is an islamic deity and is in a 'Purna Shakti 'form. Panch Peer is to be worshipped with offerings of candles, incense sticks and vegetarian food. After giving 'Ajaan'. (an islamic practise of calling out to the Lord aloud in his praise), the holy book Koran is to be read and Namaz is to be performed. Maulana Saheb
is always present there and he fulfills all wishes.
A little above to the place of 'Vedic Maharishi Bhrigu'. At the end of Dwapara, five thousand eighty years before, after kicking Lord Vishnu on his chest and as per the advice of Lord Vishnu, headed towards the Himalayas and began penance in Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh. From there, five thousand eighty years later, in the month of February 1980, on the maha amavasya day, when there was a total solar eclipse, ending his penance, 'Jagathguru', the Vishnu reborn 'Bhrigu Mahatma returns to his own place Kshobhak.
This incident, forced the great scientists (Astronomers and Astrologists) to predict the coming of a catastrophe and drowned the humans in fear. On the advice of Maharishi Bhrigu, on the next day of the solar eclipse, the historical 'Akal Bodhan' Yagya' was performed for the good of humanity.
The blessings of 'Mritunjeya -a Markendeya, the grandson of Sage Bhrigu and Mahakaal Bhrigu, and become a winner of time.
A little above to the left the body of demon 'Mahisha' lies, after being beheaded by the angered Goddess Bhagawathi (Mahisasura Mardinii) with her sword.
This is the main place of the three eyed Durga (Trinayani).
This is also the place where one could win the four goals of life -'Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha'. Above her, with matted hair is the lord, who held the ocean of poison in his throat, neither swallowing it nor letting it out (Maha Neelakanta). The Triloka Gyani, Goddess Ganga is continuously flowing through his hair, so that your sight could become meaningful. Drinking this ambrosial (amrit/ sacred) water, the destroyer of sins and purify your mind and body.
A little above, near the 'Aghor dev'. Touching is prohibited ! this illusionary body of ours cannot withstand the might of this powerful deity. Walking a little above, by taking support of the huge stone to the left carefully on toes. This is the place of 'Jagatmata Sitala'. She is a very powerful Goddess. While performing pooja to her, the Kumaris should be well ornamented. The old lady, Goddess Sitala likes sweet halwa, rice flour of the' Joha'variety, the big lemon that is red inside, and fruits like jackfruit and mangoes. Taking her blessings and retrace the same lane back carefully.
Let us walk about hundred feet above to the left. This is 'Amaravathi'. The kingdom of the king of Gods lndra (Devraj) and the assembly of Gods. Every Saturday at twelve noon, thirty three crore Dev-Devis meet here. Never come here at that time. Look below from here. The well below is 'Yamakunda'.
It is a very difficult way down, so you cannot go down. To the east, on the middle of the hill there is a boulder standing in a solemn posture. lt is the place of Goddess Tara, who was worshiped by the great Sage Vasistha. To the left of the place, further up in the hill there many small caves. lf one has to reach them, one has to go from the temple directly and not from here.
Kshobhak hill, in Kalikaat is the abode of the entire Dev- Devis, who were awakened after five thousand and eighty years of sleep and are performing their own duties. I have introduced everyone briefly to you. Why I have gave away this secret to you, you shall know in future yourself.
Rituals of the Panchakanya Dham
Daily worship and ablution gives freedom from poverty and diseases. Ablution of Ganesh, Kal Bhairav, Bhimashankar (bhīmāśaṃkara) and Panchakanya if done with (1.4 kg), curd, 60.5 grams Ghee and honey one gets all the desired fruit. Every evening of 14th day of waning moon there is a special prayer and anointing. During Shiva Ratri there is special four “prahar”(Chatur prahar) (3 hour period) worship and anointing day and night.
Panchakanya shrine annual worship and sacrifice
- Baisakh (April 15-May 15) Akshay Tritiya
- Jyeshtha (May 15 and June 15), Buddha Purnima Uma Chaturthi
- Ashadh (June 15 to July 15) Ambubashi
- Shravan, (15 July to 15 August) the Guru Purnima Rakhi Purnima and the Sri Rudra Yagna and solstice worship Mansa
- Bhadon (August 15-September 15) The privilege Chaturthi (Ganesh) Janmashtami
- Ashwin (September 15 to October 15) Sri Sri Durga festival, the annual Shiva and Lakshmi Puja chaturdasi
- Kartik (October 15-November 15) The Deep Ananta Vishnu Yagna
- Magh (January 15 to February 15), Ganesh Chaturthi, Saraswati Puja
- Falgun (February 15 to March 15) Shivaratri, famine sensing sacrifice
- Chaitra (March 15 to April 15) Basanti Puja
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