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In Indian Sanatan culture, the festivals celebrated during Sharadiya and Chaitra Navratri have special spiritual and cultural significance. On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, nine different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped, and also on Ashtami and Navami Tithi. Kanya Pujan Or there is a tradition of worshiping Kanjak. On this day, small girls are welcomed as the embodiment of Goddess Durga, their feet are washed, offerings are made to them and their blessings are taken.
In this entire ritual of Kanya Puja, one tradition is very special and ancient, that is decorating the feet of the girls with ‘Alta’ or Mahavar. Many people consider it to be just a simple tradition or part of makeup, but there are many deep religious, scientific and esoteric secrets hidden behind it. Let us know in detail why Alta is applied on the feet of girls in the Kanjak Puja of Navratri and what is its significance.
Girls are considered to be the embodiment of Mother Durga.
According to the mythological beliefs and texts of Sanatan Dharma, girls are never considered ordinary girls, rather they are considered as The living energy and nine forms of Goddess Durga Is considered a symbol of. There is a clear mention in Devi Bhagwat Purana and other religious scriptures that during the days of Navratri, girls of different age groups are worshiped in the forms of Kumari, Trimurti, Kalyani, Rohini and Chandika etc.
When we worship girls considering them to be actual goddesses, it is considered very auspicious to adorn them with sixteen makeup items. In Hindu tradition, Alta is considered an integral part of marriage, purity and divine power. Applying Alta at the feet of girls during Kanjak puja means that we are actually worshiping and congratulating Mother Jagadamba, due to which the seeker gets the virtuous results of complete adornment and worship of the Mother.
Alta is a symbol of love, purity and cosmic energy.
Red color is considered the biggest symbol of energy, courage, purity and auspiciousness in Indian culture. The red color of Alta represents the fierce and creative power of Goddess Durga. When the tender feet of girls are colored with alta during the Kanjak puja, it is a sign of the arrival of happiness, peace, glory and prosperity in the family.
From a religious perspective, alta is not just a color but a feeling of reverence and dedication that strengthens the relationship between the devotee and God. When alta is applied at the little feet of girls, it seems as if Maa Durga herself has entered the house of the devotees to bless them. This tradition removes negative energy from the house and infuses positivity.
Ancient Sanatan tradition of foot worship and welcome
Whenever any honored guest or deity visits someone’s house, it has been our ancient culture to wash their feet and welcome them. During Kanjak puja, when girls come to the door of the house, first of all their feet are washed with pure water and then they are decorated with alta.
This process of applying Alta on the feet increases the importance of ‘Charan Pujan’ manifold. This symbolizes that we are welcoming Mata Rani at the doorstep of our house with utmost respect and hospitality. Through this spiritual connection, divine grace resides in the house and Mata Rani’s immense mercy remains on the entire family.