This post is in response to the “Durga Puja Challenge” thrown by our dear Shaunak.
Sorry, dear @Shaunak, I could not locate any Durga Puja Pandal near my home, so I am writing about our tradition with the photo of our celebration; we follow the tradition of the Mookambika Temple rituals.
While both Durga Puja in North India and Saraswati Pooja in South India (I have considered Kollur Mookambika Temple) are vibrant celebrations dedicated to powerful goddesses, they reflect the diverse cultural and religious tapestry of India. Durga Puja is a grand, public spectacle of artistic fervour and communal feasting, while Saraswati Pooja at the revered South Indian shrines is a more focused, temple-centric ceremony centred on knowledge and learning.
The most fundamental difference lies in the primary deity being worshipped. Durga Puja in Kolkata celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga, the ten-armed warrior goddess, over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil. The idols prominently feature Durga with her children – Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesh.
In contrast, the Mookambika Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, who is considered an amalgamation of the divine feminine trinity. She is worshipped as Maha Kali (the goddess of power) in the morning, Maha Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) at noon, and Maha Saraswati (the goddess of knowledge) in the evening. While Saraswati Pooja is a significant part of the Navaratri celebrations here, the worship encompasses the goddess in her multifaceted forms.
Vidyarambham: The most prominent ritual associated with Saraswati Pooja here is the ‘Vidyarambham’ (initiation into learning) ceremony held on Vijayadashami, the tenth day of Navaratri. Thousands of young children are brought to the temple to write their first letters.
Worship of Knowledge: Devotees, especially students, offer their books, musical instruments, and tools (Ayudha Puja) for blessings, seeking the grace of Goddess Saraswati/Durga for success in their endeavours.
Amazing post @TravellerG ji Loved reading about the diverse Durga and Saraswati Puja traditions across India. Thank you for sharing your insights and photos
This is a new and insightful learning for me about Goddess Mookambika - an embodiment of the divine feminine trinity.
This unique ritual stands out to me. It’s beautifully conceived and deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition.
While we (in Northern part of India) typically worship these three goddesses separately during different months as per the Hindu calendar, the spiritual significance remains the same.
Thank you, @TravellerG, for sharing such a profound insight.
Dear @TravellerG It is rather interesting to read about the goddess Durga, I have seen pictures and meet-ups littered everywhere on connect about this deity and I had to even do a small research last week.
In Nigeria, celebrations of deities are not common at all, even where there are, its is not widely celebrated like this.
In India, worship of deities is very common… Different deities are worshipped in multiple forms.
Thanks for your valuable feedback, dear @MrFreez
Thanks also for your valuable companionship…
Regards
Hello, dear friend @Kumaarsantosh
Firstly thank you for your kind feedback - happy that you liked the post.
This concept was was conceived and practiced by Shri Aadi Shankaracharya - even today the same is strictly followed in Kollur Mookambika Temple.
I shall be adding a photo of Mookambika Devi soon.
Once again, thank you very much for your kind response & support.
Best Regards
Amazing to know about the Saraswati Puja @TravellerG sir. Very detailed post
You have summed up the tradition of Saraswati Pooja very precisely. During my stay in Chennai, we used to perform Saraswati Puja at home as well.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post
Ohh… yes, for you it is a familiar ritual - but for many, it is new…
Thanks for your kind feedback and valuable companionship, dear @Ssiddharth2000
Happy Durga/Saraswati Puja prayers…
Sincerely
So kind of you to give your valuable feedback and thank you for your kind words and compliments. Appreciate your nice companionship, dear LG friend @Shalz
Most sincerely with prayers
It was my pleasure to join this wonderful Challenge, dear @Shaunak. It is really meaningful challenge - these are special moments where our heritage and culture are projected to international community…
Once again thank you for this beautiful challenge.
Regards with
Durga/Saraswati Puja greetings
Loved reading about the diverse Durga and Saraswati Puja traditions across India. Thank you for sharing your insights and photos 
I am from West Bengal, India. 
