Draft:Biswas Barir Durga Mandir

Biswas Barir Durga Mandir

In 1740, Krishna Govinda Das, a member of the Maudgalya tribe, received the esteemed title of "Biswas" from the powerful Nawab Alivardi Khan. This marked a significant turning point in his life. Leaving his ancestral home in Bhita Bahran, he relocated to Sagardighi, where he constructed a Kachari house and assumed the important position of Tahsildar under the authority of Raja Udwant Singh of the Nashipur Estate. Even while residing in his birthplace, Krishna Govinda Das had initiated the worship of Mahamaya, a significant deity in Hindu mythology. A Divine Revelation Krishna Govinda Das's son, Gourahari Das Biswas, inherited his father's residence in Sagardighi. While living there, he began experiencing a peculiar phenomenon. At the stroke of midnight, he would distinctly hear the sound of anklets emanating from a nearby hillock, where a majestic banyan tree stood. Intrigued by these mysterious sounds, he decided to investigate. One night, he remained awake and, to his astonishment, witnessed the source of the sounds. A few days later, a profound message was conveyed to him. A divine voice instructed him, "I will be born as your daughter. The goddess pot that your father has installed in the north corner must be immersed in the nearby pond. Under this very banyan tree, you shall establish an altar and commence my worship with an earthen image, according to your means. My worship shall adhere to strict Vedic rituals. My complexion will be a radiant golden hue. My awakening will not occur on Pratipadadi, but on the auspicious occasion of Krishna Navamya. On Sashti, only an invitation will be extended to me. During the chariot procession, the sons of the family shall apply clay to their hands. On Krishna Navami, I will be worshipped as a daughter. The daughter who will be born will establish the ghat. A full bath will be performed in the waters of the southern ghat of the Dighi, followed by my immersion in the same ghat. Prior to this, my red feet will be anointed with oil and turmeric." The divine message also outlined the specific rituals and offerings:

* Saptami: Seven poyas of flour, five types of fried labra.
* Astami: Eight poyas of flour.
* Navami: Nine poyas of flour.
* Shetala: Luchi, puri, fried brinjal, and seven poyas of milk.
* Dashami: Churamanya, various sweets, curd, and curd dumplings.

Furthermore, the message designated Radharman Dev of Baluchar (Jiaganj) as the guru for the worship. Nabapatrika, the embodiment of nature, would be placed to the left of Kartik. The Nabapatrika would be brought swinging on the shoulders of two sons of the family, and she would be welcomed by the family bride. A Unique Tradition Emerges This divine message laid the foundation for a unique and deeply personal family tradition. These instructions, along with seventeen other specific rules, have been meticulously followed by the family for 275 years, from 1750 to 2024. While some customs have been discontinued due to social changes, others have been revived. For instance, the feast for hundreds of Kumaris (young girls) and Brahmins on Navami, which was discontinued for a period, has been reinstated in recent years. This puja stands in stark contrast to conventional Durga Puja practices, as it adheres strictly to the divine instructions received by the ancestors. The Evolving Landscape The banyan tree and the original Kachari house have long since disappeared, leaving behind only a pile of Bengali bricks as a testament to the past. The temple itself has undergone several transformations: from a humble straw-roofed structure to a more durable tiled one, then to tin, and finally to the present impressive marble-carved edifice. A poignant reminder of the past can be found to the right of the deity's seat, where the banyan tree once stood. This spot is still considered sacred, and the Bhog of the sixty-four Yoginis is offered here during the Saptami, Ashtami, Sandhi, and Navami. A Legacy of Integrity The zamindari system, a prominent feature of the region, prevailed until 1932. My great-grandfather, Manindranath Das, served as the chief advisor of the "Khasmahal," essentially the treasury. Recognizing the changing times, he voluntarily retired and transferred the zamindari duties to the seresta of the Nashippur estate. The Raja of Nashippur was deeply impressed by Manindranath Das's honesty and dedication. He withheld his retirement letter for eight months, eventually issuing it only after repeated requests. Notably, the retirement certificate was signed by a lower-ranking official, not the Raja himself. Furthermore, instead of the honorific "Shriman," Manindranath Das was addressed as "Babu," a subtle indication of the Raja's respect. This account provides a glimpse into a remarkable family tradition, deeply rooted in faith, history, and a commitment to preserving ancestral values. I hope this chronological retelling provides a clearer understanding of this fascinating family legacy.