There is a sight at our Puja that surprises first-time visitors. On the morning of Maha Ashtami, while the dhak plays and the purohit prepares for Sandhi Puja, someone is lying flat on the ground in the courtyard, hands stretched ahead, in prayer. Then they stand up, fold their hands, and lie down again a little further on. This is dandi khata.
Ma in her fiercest form
In the exact moment when Ashtami ends and Navami begins, Ma takes the form of Chandi (read the full story in Sandhi Puja: the 48 minutes at the heart of Durga Puja). It is the holiest moment of the Puja, and the one in which devotees feel closest to her. Whatever someone wishes for, a child's health, a job, an end to a long illness, they bring it to Ma at this time.
What is dandi khata?
In dandi khata, a devotee lies full length on the ground, rises, and lies down again, moving step by step towards Ma. It is the body's way of saying what the mouth cannot. Nothing is demanded and nothing is bargained for. The devotee only gives their effort and trust, and believes that Ma, who is always mangalmoyi (the auspicious one), will fulfil the wish.
The family believes that Ma listens to every one of her children, and that she thinks of the good of the whole world.
The courtyard that morning
The Puja's other preparations carry on around the devotees. Lotuses and bel leaves are set out for Sandhi Puja.
If you are visiting, please leave the path through the courtyard clear and keep a respectful distance from anyone doing dandi khata.
