Kaushiki Amavasya, a day of immense spiritual significance, especially for Bengalis, marks the worship of Maa Tara, a goddess revered in both Hinduism and Buddhism. This occasion, deeply rooted in history and mythology, represents the convergence of diverse religious traditions and the continuity of matriarchal worship that has endured for thousands of years.
The Evolution of Mother Tara
Goddess Tara is a goddess of profound importance, symbolizing both compassion and protection. Her worship can be traced back to the Harappan civilization, nearly five thousand years ago. The continuity of matriarchal worship from this ancient era is evident in the discovery of a matrika (mother goddess) idol in Chandraketugarh, which dates back to the Gangaridai era, approximately 2,500 years ago. This continuity is further reflected in the Bengali tradition of worshipping Ganesh Janani or Ma Shasthi, a mother goddess who holds her child in her arms.
In Buddhism, goddess Tara is revered as a protective deity. She is closely associated with Hariti, the goddess who nurtures and protects children. Hariti’s role as a nurturing mother parallels Tara’s role as a protector, highlighting the shared themes of motherhood and protection across both religions.
The Historical and Artistic Legacy of Goddess Tara
The worship of goddess Tara dates back to the first century AD, as evidenced by various ancient images and paintings. The ruins of ancient Tara idols can be found in the Gandhara province, which is present-day Afghanistan. These relics attest to the widespread worship of Tara during the Palayuga (Pala Dynasty era), when numerous Tarapeeths (sacred sites dedicated to Tara) existed across India. The goddess was worshipped in various forms, notably the calm (Shantarup) and fierce forms.
The Shantarup, which symbolizes peace and compassion, later became associated with the Hariti murti and was absorbed into Hinduism. In this syncretic tradition, the child in the mother’s lap came to represent another form of Shiva. By the 11th century, the fierce form of Goddess Tara had merged with the Kali murti, resulting in a synthesis of these two powerful deities. In the Dasamahavidya (the ten forms of the Divine Mother), this fierce Mahamaya came to be known as Tara. In this form, she is depicted standing over Shiva’s lifeless body, symbolizing her dominance over death and her role as a protector.
The Significance of Kaushiki Amavasya
Kaushiki Amavasya, observed on the new moon day, holds special significance in the worship of the Divine Mother. According to mythology, it is on this day that Goddess Shambhu, taking the form of Kaushiki, vanquished the demons Nishumbha and Shumbha. This act of divine protection is symbolic of the goddess’s role as a guardian of her devotees, protecting them from evil forces.
The origins of the name “Kaushiki” are also intriguing. According to scholar Sukumar Sen, the name is derived from an ancient ethnic group known as the Kushiks, who worshipped a goddess named Kaushiki as their Kuldevi (clan deity). However, as the etymology of Kaushiki from Kushik became obscure over time, the explanation provided in the Sri Sri Chandi suggests that Kaushiki originated from the cells (Kosh) of Mahadevi, the great goddess. Goddess Kaushiki is thus one of the oldest forms of Maa Kali, and her worship on this tithi (auspicious day) is a testament to her enduring significance. Bamakhayapa, one of the revered saints of Tarapeeth, attained Siddhi on this Amavasya day in 1867. This event marked the beginning of the tradition of celebrating this sacred festival.
The Importance of Kaushiki Amavasya in Tantra Sadhana
Kaushiki Amavasya is especially important in Tantra Sadhana, a spiritual practice focused on the worship of the Divine Mother in her various forms. Every new moon is significant in the tradition of matrika worship, but Kaushiki Amavasya holds particular importance due to its timing. It occurs after the Bhadra new moon and before the Ashwin Amavasya or Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of Pitra Paksha, a period of ancestor worship that precedes the Devi Paksha, the time of the year dedicated to the worship of the goddess during Shardotsava (Durga Puja).
As the day of Kaushiki Amavasya approaches, devotees prepare themselves for the upcoming Durga Puja and Kali Puja, two of the most important festivals in the Bengali Hindu calendar. The worship of Goddess Kaushiki Kali on this day serves as a spiritual preparation for these grand celebrations, helping devotees attune themselves to the powerful energy of the Divine Mother.
Conclusion
Kaushiki Amavasya is a day steeped in history, mythology, and spiritual significance. The worship of Goddess Tara, in her various forms, reflects the deep-rooted traditions of matriarchal worship that have persisted across cultures and religions for millennia. This sacred day reminds us of the protective and nurturing aspects of the Divine Mother, who continues to be a central figure in the spiritual lives of countless devotees. Through the worship of Mother Kaushiki Kali, devotees connect with the ancient and powerful energies of the goddess, preparing themselves for the upcoming festivities and the challenges of life.
