The rich tapestry of Kashmiri culture is steeped in religious traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. Among the most significant religious figures in the valley is Mata Ragnya Bhagwati (Ksheer Bhavani), whose worship transcends religious boundaries and reflects the harmonious coexistence of diverse communities. The festival dedicated to this revered goddess, Zyeshta Ashtami, which falls during the lunar month of May-June, is a momentous occasion for the people of Kashmir, especially for the Kashmiri Pandit community. It is a day marked by devotion, prayer, and the coming together of families and communities, reaffirming the deep spiritual and cultural connections within the valley.
Mata Ragnya Bhagwati is not only revered as a goddess of power and fertility but also as a symbol of divine grace. The temple dedicated to her, located in the picturesque town of Tulmulla in the Valley, is considered as one of the holiest shrines in Kashmir. It is believed that the goddess has the power to heal, protect, and bless her devotees, and her presence in the valley has been a source of spiritual solace for centuries. The temple itself, with its tranquil surroundings and sacred atmosphere, is a focal point for the religious and cultural life of the region, drawing pilgrims from various parts of India.
The Zyeshta Ashtami festival, celebrated on the eighth day of the first lunar fortnight, holds a special place in the hearts of the devotees. This day marks the annual celebration of Mata Ragnya Bhagwati’s divine presence and is observed with much devotion and reverence. For Kashmiri Pandits, the occasion is an opportunity to reconnect with long-lost family members and acquaintances. The festival becomes a time for unity and reconciliation, as families come together to pay homage to the goddess and celebrate their cultural heritage. This reunion is not only significant on a personal level but also serves as a reminder of the shared history and traditions of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
The significance of Zyeshta Ashtami extends beyond the immediate context of the Kashmiri Pandit community. The festival is also important for the people of the Valley, who, for generations, have maintained close ties with their Pandit brothers and sisters. In a region marked by its diversity, the festival serves as a symbol of unity and mutual respect among different religious and cultural communities. The participation of Muslim shopkeepers within the temple complex, who manage small stores selling vegetarian food to the pilgrims, highlights the multicultural nature of the region and reinforces the values of coexistence and tolerance.
On the day of Zyeshta Ashtami, the temple complex is abuzz with activity as devotees from across the region gather to offer their prayers. The rituals performed on this day are rich in symbolism and spiritual significance. Devotees present Kheer, a sweet rice pudding, along with milk as offerings to the goddess, symbolizing purity, devotion, and the nurturing qualities of the divine. The act of offering Kheer is also believed to invoke the blessings of Mata Ragnya Bhagwati, asking for her protection, guidance, and grace.
In addition to the food offerings, the temple is filled with the sounds of hymns, bell ringing, and the fragrant aroma of incense sticks. These elements combine to create a sacred atmosphere, where the divine presence is felt in every corner of the temple. The chanting of hymns and the ringing of bells are central to the worship rituals, representing the reverence and devotion of the pilgrims. The lighting of lamps filled with butter is another essential part of the ceremony, symbolizing the illumination of the heart and the dispelling of darkness, both literal and metaphorical.
These rituals, deeply rooted in the cultural practices of the region, help to foster a deep connection between the devotee and the divine. The observance of Zyeshta Ashtami is marked by a distinct ritual practice—refraining from non-vegetarian food. Devotees abstain from consuming any form of non-vegetarian food, symbolizing purity and discipline in their spiritual journey. This practice is a common feature of many religious festivals in India and is a testament to the importance of self-control and devotion in the process of worship. Within the temple complex, the small stores that sell vegetarian food serve as a reminder of the diversity within the Kashmiri society. The stores are often run by Muslims, reflecting the spirit of interfaith cooperation and respect that characterizes the region. This aspect of the festival is particularly significant in promoting the idea of religious harmony and mutual understanding in a multicultural society.
The role of Zyeshta Ashtami in the lives of Kashmiri Pandits extends beyond mere ritualistic observance. It is an occasion that provides an opportunity for introspection, reflection, and reaffirmation of cultural identity. The festival offers a platform for the community to come together and celebrate their shared history, values, and traditions. In a region that has witnessed significant social and political upheaval over the years, such occasions provide a sense of continuity and resilience, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual ties that bind the community together.
The Zyeshta Ashtami festival and the worship of Mata Ragnya Bhagwati exemplify the rich cultural and religious traditions of Kashmir. The festival is not only a celebration of the goddess but also a testament to the enduring spirit of unity, respect, and harmony among the diverse communities of the region. In the coming months, as the Zyeshta Ashtami festival approaches, it is a time for Kashmiri Pandits and other devotees to renew their devotion, reconnect with their heritage, and celebrate the sacred bond that ties them to the land and its spiritual traditions.
The worship of Mata Ragnya Bhagwati (Ksheer Bhavani) and the celebration of Zyeshta Ashtami serve as powerful reminders of the importance of spiritual devotion, community unity, and cultural preservation. As the festival approaches in the months of June, it offers an opportunity to reflect on the deep-rooted traditions that continue to shape the lives of the people of Kashmir and the broader Indian subcontinent. It is a time for all devotees, regardless of their religious background, to come together in reverence and celebrate the timeless bond between the divine and the human.
Taruuna Qasba is a postgraduate scholar in Archaeology and Heritage Management from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi. She recently completed her thesis titled “Divine Feminine in Kashmir: The Saptamatrikas as Expressions of Shakti in Kashmir Shaivism” exploring the spiritual and archaeological aspects of goddess worship in the Kashmir Valley.
Currently, she serves as the Regional Coordinator for the India World Heritage Olympiad, contributing to heritage education for school students. For her outstanding work in the field, she was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the State Department of Archaeology, Government of Delhi.
Dr Janki Thaker