Kojagari Lakshmi Puja at Nandi Bari: 420 Years of Tradition and Spiritual Glory

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Just like Durga Puja, Goddess Lakshmi has been worshipped at Nandi Bari in Medinipur town for nearly 420 years. Since the zamindari era, this sacred ritual has continued with the same devotion, discipline, and reverence. The Kojagari Lakshmi Puja of Nandi Bari is not merely a religious ceremony; it is a glorious symbol of the family’s heritage, culture, and deep spiritual faith.


Just like Durga Puja, Goddess Lakshmi has been worshipped at Nandi Bari in Medinipur town for nearly 420 years. Since the zamindari era, this sacred ritual has continued with the same devotion, discipline, and reverence. The Kojagari Lakshmi Puja of Nandi Bari is not merely a religious ceremony; it is a glorious symbol of the family’s heritage, culture, and deep spiritual faith. Kojagari Lakshmi Puja at Nandi Bari: 420 Years of Tradition and Spiritual Glory The Silence of the Chandi Mandap After Vijayadashami After the departure of Sri Sri Dashabhuja Durga Mata Thakurani on Vijayadashami, the Chandi Mandap and the traditional Atchala fall into silence and darkness. A deep sense of separation fills the atmosphere. Days pass in their own rhythm, yet the hearts of devotees remain filled with memories of the Mother and longing for Her blessings. The Divine Return on Kojagari Purnima With the arrival of the sacred Kojagari Full Moon night, the Divine Mother manifests once again—this time in the form of Goddess Lakshmi. At Nandi Bari, Lakshmi Puja is performed in spiritual continuity with the wooden structure of Goddess Durga, symbolizing the eternal presence of the Divine Mother in different forms. The Unique Form of the Goddess and Ritual Worship 420 Years of Unbroken Worship of Goddess Lakshmi Just like Durga Puja, Goddess Lakshmi has been worshipped at Nandi Bari in Medinipur town for nearly 420 years. Since the zamindari era, this sacred ritual has continued with the same devotion, discipline, and reverence. The Kojagari Lakshmi Puja of Nandi Bari is not merely a religious ceremony; it is a glorious symbol of the family’s heritage, culture, and deep spiritual faith. The Silence of the Chandi Mandap After Vijayadashami After the departure of Sri Sri Dashabhuja Durga Mata Thakurani on Vijayadashami, the Chandi Mandap and the traditional Atchala fall into silence and darkness. A deep sense of separation fills the atmosphere. Days pass in their own rhythm, yet the hearts of devotees remain filled with memories of the Mother and longing for Her blessings. The Divine Return on Kojagari Purnima With the arrival of the sacred Kojagari Full Moon night, the Divine Mother manifests once again—this time in the form of Goddess Lakshmi. At Nandi Bari, Lakshmi Puja is performed in spiritual continuity with the wooden structure of Goddess Durga, symbolizing the eternal presence of the Divine Mother in different forms. The Unique Form of the Goddess and Ritual Worship In a distinctive traditional form, the Goddess arrives seated upon a grey-colored elephant, holding soft lotus flowers in Her two hands. This form is a unique feature of Nandi Bari’s age-old tradition. The priest performs the rituals with strict devotion, offering sacred cloth, sweets, fruits, flowers, incense, and fragrant dhuna. The surroundings resonate with sacred chants and devotional fervor. The Arrival of Sri Sri Vishnu Shila (Raghunath Jiu) From the Radha Madhav Temple, Lakshmi’s consort, Sri Sri Vishnu Shila (Raghunath Jiu), is ceremonially brought and seated beside the Goddess on the same altar. This sacred ritual symbolizes the divine union of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi and forms an important part of the family’s traditional worship. Sacred Mantra Chanting To please the Goddess, the following sacred mantras are chanted: “Om Vishwarupasya Bharyasi Padme Padmalaye Shubhe, Sarvatah Pahi Mam Devi Mahalakshmi Namostute.” “Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi, Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat.” Pushpanjali, Offering, and Immersion Ceremony After the completion of the worship, devotees offer pushpanjali (floral oblations) and express their heartfelt wishes before the Mother. Dadhikarma bhog (a sacred offering prepared with curd) is presented to the Goddess. Later, the ceremonial pot (ghat) is immersed in the main Pushkarini of Nandi Bari. Finally, the idol of the Mother is taken to the local Kansabati Ghat and immersed in the holy river waters. Thus, for 420 years, with unwavering devotion, faith, and spiritual emotion, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja continues to be celebrated at Nandi Bari with dignity, tradition, and divine grace. In a distinctive traditional form, the Goddess arrives seated upon a grey-colored elephant, holding soft lotus flowers in Her two hands. This form is a unique feature of Nandi Bari’s age-old tradition. The priest performs the rituals with strict devotion, offering sacred cloth, sweets, fruits, flowers, incense, and fragrant dhuna. The surroundings resonate with sacred chants and devotional fervor. The Arrival of Sri Sri Vishnu Shila (Raghunath Jiu) From the Radha Madhav Temple, Lakshmi’s consort, Sri Sri Vishnu Shila (Raghunath Jiu), is ceremonially brought and seated beside the Goddess on the same altar. This sacred ritual symbolizes the divine union of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi and forms an important part of the family’s traditional worship. Sacred Mantra Chanting To please the Goddess, the following sacred mantras are chanted: “Om Vishwarupasya Bharyasi Padme Padmalaye Shubhe, Sarvatah Pahi Mam Devi Mahalakshmi Namostute.” “Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi, Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat.” Pushpanjali, Offering, and Immersion Ceremony After the completion of the worship, devotees offer pushpanjali (floral oblations) and express their heartfelt wishes before the Mother. Dadhikarma bhog (a sacred offering prepared with curd) is presented to the Goddess. Later, the ceremonial pot (ghat) is immersed in the main Pushkarini of Nandi Bari. Finally, the idol of the Mother is taken to the local Kansabati Ghat and immersed in the holy river waters. Thus, for 420 years, with unwavering devotion, faith, and spiritual emotion, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja continues to be celebrated at Nandi Bari with dignity, tradition, and divine grace.The Silence of the Chandi Mandap After Vijayadashami

After the departure of Sri Sri Dashabhuja Durga Mata Thakurani on Vijayadashami, the Chandi Mandap and the traditional Atchala fall into silence and darkness. A deep sense of separation fills the atmosphere. Days pass in their own rhythm, yet the hearts of devotees remain filled with memories of the Mother and longing for Her blessings.

The Divine Return on Kojagari Purnima

With the arrival of the sacred Kojagari Full Moon night, the Divine Mother manifests once again—this time in the form of Goddess Lakshmi. At Nandi Bari, Lakshmi Puja is performed in spiritual continuity with the wooden structure of Goddess Durga, symbolizing the eternal presence of the Divine Mother in different forms.

The Unique Form of the Goddess and Ritual Worship


420 Years of Unbroken Worship of Goddess Lakshmi Just like Durga Puja, Goddess Lakshmi has been worshipped at Nandi Bari in Medinipur town for nearly 420 years. Since the zamindari era, this sacred ritual has continued with the same devotion, discipline, and reverence. The Kojagari Lakshmi Puja of Nandi Bari is not merely a religious ceremony; it is a glorious symbol of the family’s heritage, culture, and deep spiritual faith. The Silence of the Chandi Mandap After Vijayadashami After the departure of Sri Sri Dashabhuja Durga Mata Thakurani on Vijayadashami, the Chandi Mandap and the traditional Atchala fall into silence and darkness. A deep sense of separation fills the atmosphere. Days pass in their own rhythm, yet the hearts of devotees remain filled with memories of the Mother and longing for Her blessings. The Divine Return on Kojagari Purnima With the arrival of the sacred Kojagari Full Moon night, the Divine Mother manifests once again—this time in the form of Goddess Lakshmi. At Nandi Bari, Lakshmi Puja is performed in spiritual continuity with the wooden structure of Goddess Durga, symbolizing the eternal presence of the Divine Mother in different forms. The Unique Form of the Goddess and Ritual Worship In a distinctive traditional form, the Goddess arrives seated upon a grey-colored elephant, holding soft lotus flowers in Her two hands. This form is a unique feature of Nandi Bari’s age-old tradition. The priest performs the rituals with strict devotion, offering sacred cloth, sweets, fruits, flowers, incense, and fragrant dhuna. The surroundings resonate with sacred chants and devotional fervor. The Arrival of Sri Sri Vishnu Shila (Raghunath Jiu) From the Radha Madhav Temple, Lakshmi’s consort, Sri Sri Vishnu Shila (Raghunath Jiu), is ceremonially brought and seated beside the Goddess on the same altar. This sacred ritual symbolizes the divine union of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi and forms an important part of the family’s traditional worship. Sacred Mantra Chanting To please the Goddess, the following sacred mantras are chanted: “Om Vishwarupasya Bharyasi Padme Padmalaye Shubhe, Sarvatah Pahi Mam Devi Mahalakshmi Namostute.” “Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi, Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat.” Pushpanjali, Offering, and Immersion Ceremony After the completion of the worship, devotees offer pushpanjali (floral oblations) and express their heartfelt wishes before the Mother. Dadhikarma bhog (a sacred offering prepared with curd) is presented to the Goddess. Later, the ceremonial pot (ghat) is immersed in the main Pushkarini of Nandi Bari. Finally, the idol of the Mother is taken to the local Kansabati Ghat and immersed in the holy river waters. Thus, for 420 years, with unwavering devotion, faith, and spiritual emotion, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja continues to be celebrated at Nandi Bari with dignity, tradition, and divine grace.
In a distinctive traditional form, the Goddess arrives seated upon a grey-colored elephant, holding soft lotus flowers in Her two hands. This form is a unique feature of Nandi Bari’s age-old tradition. The priest performs the rituals with strict devotion, offering sacred cloth, sweets, fruits, flowers, incense, and fragrant dhuna. The surroundings resonate with sacred chants and devotional fervor.

The Arrival of Sri Sri Vishnu Shila (Raghunath Jiu)

From the Radha Madhav Temple, Lakshmi’s consort, Sri Sri Vishnu Shila (Raghunath Jiu), is ceremonially brought and seated beside the Goddess on the same altar. This sacred ritual symbolizes the divine union of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi and forms an important part of the family’s traditional worship.

Sacred Mantra Chanting

To please the Goddess, the following sacred mantras are chanted:

“Om Vishwarupasya Bharyasi Padme Padmalaye Shubhe,
Sarvatah Pahi Mam Devi Mahalakshmi Namostute.”

“Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi,
Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat.”

Pushpanjali, Offering, and Immersion Ceremony

After the completion of the worship, devotees offer pushpanjali (floral oblations) and express their heartfelt wishes before the Mother. Dadhikarma bhog (a sacred offering prepared with curd) is presented to the Goddess.

Later, the ceremonial pot (ghat) is immersed in the main Pushkarini of Nandi Bari. Finally, the idol of the Mother is taken to the local Kansabati Ghat and immersed in the holy river waters.

Thus, for 420 years, with unwavering devotion, faith, and spiritual emotion, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja continues to be celebrated at Nandi Bari with dignity, tradition, and divine grace.

Location: Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India

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