Kataka: While Goddess Durga is worshipped in her traditional ten-armed form at pandals across Odisha on Maha Navami, devotees throng the famous Baradhari Peetha at Badakshira village in Nishchintakoili block of Kataka district to seek the blessings of Maa Binshabhuja, a unique manifestation of the goddess with 20 arms.
A large number of devotees have gathered at the shrine to witness the special Navami rituals and offer prayers to the deity, whose distinctive form sets her apart from other manifestations of Goddess Durga.
According to local belief, the goddess fulfils the wishes of devotees who make a manasik (a vow or prayer for the fulfilment of a wish) before her. Devotees whose wishes are fulfilled traditionally offer bhog (ritual food offerings) and a new sari to the goddess in gratitude.
Another distinctive tradition associated with the shrine is the bursting of firecrackers by devotees who have made such vows, as part of the observances linked to their manasik.
The unique 20-armed form of Maa Binshabhuja and the enduring faith of devotees make the Baradhari Peetha a special centre of worship during the Durga Puja festivities.
