Ajmer : A unique tradition of burning of Mahishasura is celebrated during Asoj Navratri in the Shaktipeeth Shri Bari Mata Temple located on Beawar Road near Bijaynagar in Ajmer district of Rajasthan. The event is the first of its kind in the state, where the effigy of Mahishasura is burnt instead of Ravana. This tradition started about 23 years ago, and since then the festival is being celebrated with great pomp and show every year.
This year, on October 11, Maa Bhagwati Mardini will burn a huge 41 feet effigy of Mahishasura. Krishna Tak, head of the trust of Bari Mata Tirtha Dham, says that Mahishasur was a demon, to end whom the gods and goddesses empowered Mother Durga. Mata, riding on a lion, fought with Mahishasura and defeated him, thereby destroying the negativity.
There is no specific reason given for the tradition of burning Mahishasura, but the credit for starting it is given to Chunnilal Tank, a devotee of the mother. On this day, a grand fair is organized in the temple, in which a huge crowd of devotees gathers. Various tableaux are decorated here, which enhance the religiosity.
Seeing the grandeur of Bari Mata temple is also a different experience, its peak is 185 feet high and idols of many gods and goddesses are installed here, like Bholenath, Maa Lakshmi, Shri Ram, and Gayatri Mata.
Burning of Mahishasura is not just a religious act, but it is a symbol of devotion, reverence and culture, which enriches the religious heritage of Rajasthan.
