The Goddesses in Hindu Dharma are often depicted as the powerful, radiant beings they are. They are beautiful, celestial, with virtues such as grace, nurturer, knowledge, wealth etc. One such form of the Goddesses is different from the rest, smoky complexioned riding a chariot with a flag bearing a crow- Dhumavati. Seventh of the 10 Mahavidyas, Dhumavati personifies the dark side of life. Her name means “she who is made of smoke.”
Dhumavati Jayanti Rituals:
1) On the day of Dhumavati Jayanti, devotees get up before sunrise and dedicate the day to worshipping Mata Dhumavati. The main puja ritual should be performed in an isolated place. The Goddess is worshipped with dhoop, incense sticks and flowers. Special ‘Prasad’ is prepared on this day. It is believed that by offering black sesame seeds tied in black cloth to Devi on this day, can grant fulfilment of one’s wishes.
2) During the time of puja, special Devi mantras are recited to please Goddess Dhumavati and seek Her blessing for ending all the miseries in life. After the recitation of mantra, ‘aarti’ is performed and the Prasad is distributed among family members and other devotees.
On the occasion of Dhumavati Jayanti, a special procession is prearranged during night for all the devotees of Goddess Dhumavati.
3) Tantriks especially worship Goddess Dhumavati with full devotion to gain all materialistic wealth.
4) According to the traditions, married women are barred from worshipping Mata Dhumavati. They are only allowed a glimpse from far. This tradition is followed for the safety of their husband and sons.
Dhumavati Jayanti Importance:
According to Hindu legends, the goddess Dhumavati is associated with all the unfavorable things. It is thought to have appeared during the period of cosmic dissolution. Some Hindu scholars firmly believe that the goddess Dhumavati is the emptiness just before creation and after destruction. The goddess is represented in the form of an ugly old woman sitting in a chariot without horses. Sometimes she is also portrayed riding on a crow. Symbolically, the goddess Dhumavati exhorts the faithful to look beyond superficial Truth and strengthen their faith in the Supreme Truth, from which both beauty and ugliness arises.
Although the appearance of Mata Dhumavati was dangerous and frightening, she still blessed her children and embodied the liberation of the Earth from all sinners and demons. Even in ancient times, Saint Parshuram, Bhrigu and Durvasa worshipped the goddess Dhumavati for obtaining special powers. In some areas she is worshipped as a protective deity. Tantric practitioners worship the goddess Dhumavati to overcome all obstacles in life and fulfill their wishes. He is also known as “Kalahpriya” to offer solutions to Kalah problems of this world. It is believed that even a glance at the goddess Dhumavati on the day of Dhumavati Jayanti brings divine blessings to the observer.
In characteristics and nature She is compared with Goddess Alakshmi, Goddess Jyeshta and Goddess Nirriti. All these three Goddesses are embodiment of negative qualities but at the same time worshipped at special timings of the year.
Dhumavati Origin:- As per legend mentioned in Pranatoshini Tantra, once Devi Sati due to satiate her extreme hunger swallowed Lord Shiva. Later on the request of Lord Shiva itself, She disgorged Him. After this incident, Lord Shiva rejected Her and cursed Her to assume the form of a widow.
Dhumavati Iconography:- Goddess Dhumavati is depicted as an old and ugly widow. She is thin, unhealthy with pale complexion. Unlike other Mahavidya(s), She is unadorned with jewelry. She wears old, dirty clothes and has disheveled hair.
She is portrayed with two hands. In one of her trembling hands, She holds a winnowing basket and makes either boon conferring gesture or knowledge giving gesture with the other hand. The boon conferring gesture and knowledge giving gesture are known as Varada Mudra and Chin Mudra respectively. She rides on a horseless chariot bearing an emblem of a crow.
Dhumavati Sadhana:- Goddess Dhumavati Sadhana is done to get rid of extreme poverty. She is also worshipped to make body free from all sorts of diseases.
Dhumavati Jayanti Mantra List:
Dhumavati Mool Mantra:
ॐ धूं धूं धूमावती देव्यै स्वाहा॥
Om Dhum Dhum Dhumavati Devyai Svaha॥
Saptakshar Dhumavati Mantra (7 Syllables Mantra):
धूं धूमावती स्वाहा॥
Dhum Dhumavati Svaha॥
Ashtakshar Dhumavati Mantra (8 Syllables Mantra):
धूं धूं धूमावती स्वाहा॥
Dhum Dhum Dhumavati Svaha॥
Dashakshar Dhumavati Mantra (10 Syllables Mantra):
धूं धूं धूं धूमावती स्वाहा॥
Dhum Dhum Dhum Dhumavati Svaha॥
Chaturdashakshar Dhumavati Mantra (14 Syllables Mantra):
धूं धूं धुर धुर धूमावती क्रों फट् स्वाहा॥
Dhum Dhum Dhura Dhura Dhumavati Krom Phat Svaha॥
Panchadashakshar Dhumavati Mantra (15 Syllables Mantra):
ॐ धूं धूमावती देवदत्त धावति स्वाहा॥
Om Dhum Dhumavati Devadatta Dhavati Svaha॥
Dhumavati Gayatri Mantra:
ॐ धूमावत्यै विद्महे संहारिण्यै धीमहि तन्नो धूमा प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Dhumavatyai Vidmahe Samharinyai Dhimahi Tanno Dhuma Prachodayat
