Kamakhya Devi Katha – Chapter 5: Origin of Ambubachi Festival

Origin of the Ambubachi Festival

Freed from the atrocities of Narakasura, the land of Kamakhya became peaceful once again. By the grace of Goddess Kamakhya, the subjects were living a life of happiness and peace, but a deep secret was hidden within the womb of the Goddess, which was to be revealed in time. This very secret later became the basis of the Ambubachi festival.

Revelation of Menstruation

One day, the temple priest, Acharya Kamalakant, was entering the womb of the Goddess for the daily worship. A strange fragrance pervaded the atmosphere, as if an unknown power was being sensed. Upon entering the womb, he saw that blood was flowing from the Yoni-Shila (vagina stone) of the Goddess! Acharya Kamalakant was stunned with fear and surprise. The puja thali fell from his hands, and he fainted and collapsed.

When he regained consciousness, he said trembling, "O Goddess, what is happening? Is this an ill omen?" Along with fear, devotion was also surging in his heart. This event was not ordinary; it was a symbol of Goddess Kamakhya's power and motherhood. At that very moment, a divine voice was heard:

"O Kamalakant, do not be afraid. This is a manifestation of my power. I am a woman, and the cycle of creation runs within me. This bleeding is a symbol of my menstruation, which makes the earth fertile and gives birth to life."

Beginning of the Ambubachi Fair

After the divine voice, Acharya Kamalakant, as per the Goddess's command, closed the temple doors for three days. He announced that Goddess Kamakhya was menstruating and that Mother Earth also rests during these three days. Therefore, all kinds of religious rituals, agricultural work, and digging activities would be prohibited during this period. After three days, the temple doors were opened, and special worship of the Goddess was performed. This day began to be celebrated as the Ambubachi festival.

The Ambubachi fair is a celebration of Kamakhya Devi's womanhood and creative power. This fair takes place every year in the month of Ashadha, and millions of devotees come to have darshan of the Goddess. It is believed that during these days, Goddess Kamakhya makes the earth fertile and fulfills the wishes of her devotees. Goddess Kamakhya herself said, "Any devotee who worships me with devotion during these days will be blessed with children, wealth, and good fortune."

Temple Customs and Prohibitions

During Ambubachi, many special customs and prohibitions are followed in the temple. During these three days, devotees reside around the Kamakhya temple and chant the name of the Goddess. During this time, cooking, eating, farming, and any kind of physical labor are forbidden. Sadhus and ascetics perform special penances during these days and chant the mantras of the Goddess. After the temple doors open, devotees are given 'Angodak' and 'Angavastra' as prasad. Angodak refers to the water used to wash the Yoni-Shila during the Goddess's menstruation, while Angavastra is a piece of cloth that covers the Yoni-Shila. In the next chapter, we will see how Vishwakarma, influenced by the Goddess's power, reconstructs the temple.