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Tuljabhavani Devi's Sharadiya Navratri Begins with Manchak Nidra; See Special Photos!
- •The Sharadiya Navratri festival of Shri Tuljabhavani Devi, Maharashtra's family deity, commenced with Manchak Nidra.
- •After the Abhishek Puja, the Devi rested on a bed in the sleeping chamber for Manchak Nidra.
- •The Sevakari Palange family cleaned the Devi's bed, and Aradhi women fluffed the cotton for the mattresses.
- •According to legend, the Devi entered Yogic sleep to prepare for war against Mahishasura's atrocities.
- •The Devi observes Manchak Nidra three times a year for a total of 21 days, including eight days before Sharadiya Navratri.
Key Questions Answered
Manchak Nidra is a ritual sleep of Shri Tuljabhavani Devi that marks the beginning of the Sharadiya Navratri festival, where the Devi rests in her sleeping chamber after an Abhishek Puja before later ascending her throne on October 11th.
According to religious legend, the sleep is called Ghor Nidra because the Devi remained in a Yogic sleep preparing to wage war and eliminate Mahishasura after being awakened by Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh to protect creation from his increasing atrocities.
According to the religious tradition throughout the year, the movable idol of Shri Tuljabhavani Devi takes Manchak Nidra three times for a total of 21 days, which includes periods before Sharadiya Navratri, after Seemollanghan, and before Shakambhari Navratri.
