Swasthani is a Hindu goddess who bestows great blessings on all of her worshippers. She always grants the requests of everyone, who show devotion to her with utmost sincerity.
According to the legends, Goddess Swasthani has four hands, each holding a lotus, Chakra, Trisul and a sword. It is believed that she is seated on Astha Matrika, or the eight Goddess of might. Mahakali, Vaishnavi, Brahmi, Maheswari, Kaumeshwari, Barahi, Indrayani, and Chamunda are the Astha Matrika. The eight Daura Surwal knots in the Nepali customs are also thought to be blessed by the Astha Matrika.
Agasthya Muni, a saint, received a series of tales from Lord Kumar in the Swasthani Brata Katha. Kumar is the eldest child of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Shiva is the central focus of the narrative. It also goes by the name Skanda Purana. Also, it is a way of praying to Lord Shiva and all of his guises.
Swasthani Katha begins on the full moon day of Poush\Magh (January) and continues for 31 days till the next full moon in a series of 31 chapters.
The stories of Swasthani Mata are told in Nepalese homes during this lunar month. Although it is a long standing custom, neither fasting nor reciting the narrative are compulsory.
The tales in the Swasthani Brata Katha mostly concern devotees who, as a result of their ignorance, commit foul misdeeds and are saved by Goddess Swasthani. Goddess Parvati is the central focus of the first few chapters of Swasthani Brata Katha. The hardship of Lord Shiva’s wife Parvati and how she got her wish from Shree Swasthani are the basis of a few chapters in the Swasthani Brata Katha.
The Swasthani Brata Katha is written in Nepali. Some people think that it was originally composed in Newari before being translated into Nepali. People in Sankhu are believed to still possess a handwritten Swasthani book written in Newari. The tales are narrated differently in other languages than it is in Nepali.
Some ladies read the narrative of Swasthani Mata in the middle of the day while fasting for the entire month and eating only one meal each day. Those who don’t fast may also recite the tale in the early hours of the day or just before meal. They worship the Swasthani Brata Katha with Abir, Kesari, and Jau Til as well as flowers, Dhup Batti, and Diyo before reciting the tale. They prepare unique offerings to the deity Swasthani. Every home has sesame Laddu in particular. The women, who are fasting, present 108 counts of Dhup Batti, Laddu, and flowers each.
It is said that if you observe the Goddess Swasthani’s fast, she would grant all of your requests.
The Swasthani Brata Katha mentions the river at Sankhu, Sali Nadi. Therefore, worshippers visit this prime, sacred spot during the month of Swasthani.
People offer special, symbolic offerings of devotion on the last day of Katha. It is customary to paint the Mahamantra Om on a copper plate and create a mud Shiva Linga with the Om sign.
The Shree Swasthani Brata Katha is concluded with the Shiva Linga puja on the last day.
Compiled By: Rebika Bishokarma
Photo Credit: www.spotlightnepal.com
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