Ratlam: Mahalakshmi Temple situated in the district witnesses a unique sight on the occasion of Diwali. Devotees decorate this temple with crores of rupees and precious jewellery, making it look like the treasury of Kubera. It is believed that doing this brings wealth and prosperity. After Diwali, their money and jewelery are returned to the devotees on the day of Bhaidooj.
Use of up to Rs 500 notes
In this temple located in Manak Chowk, Ratlam, decoration with notes and jewelery started from Sharad Purnima, 14th October this year. Devotees also provide free services in the temple. Some make bundles of notes and some mark the entry of the devotees who come with the notes. Some devotees are busy in decoration day and night. The temple is decorated with new notes of 20, 50, 100 and 500 rupees.
Devotees come from far and wide
Apart from Ratlam, devotees from nearby cities like Mandsaur, Neemuch, Indore, Ujjain, Nagda, Khandwa, Dewas and Kota of Rajasthan also come to decorate the temple and offer money and jewelery as per their devotion. Many devotees keep up to Rs 5 lakh together in the temple. Vandanvar is made for the temple from the notes given by the devotees and Mahalakshmi is attractively decorated and the sanctum sanctorum is decorated as a treasure.
India’s only temple
This is the only temple in India where it is decorated with jewelery worth crores of rupees on the occasion of Diwali. These rupees and jewelery are given by the devotees. At the end of Diwali festival, on the day of Bhai Dooj, their notes and jewelery are returned to the devotees in the form of Prasad. So far this year, Rs 1 crore 47 lakh have been counted in the temple and it is estimated that the value of jewelery is more than Rs 3 crore. Devotees also bring notes from the safes of their homes so that they can be a part of this divine event.
Eight forms of Mother Goddess in the temple
It is believed that about 200 years ago, King Ratan Singh used to worship Goddess Lakshmi as his family goddess. The king kept all his wealth in the temple for five days and worshiped for the prosperity of his kingdom, healthy body and well-being of his people. This tradition has been going on since then. Eight forms of Mother Goddess are present in the Mahalakshmi temple of Ratlam, Adhi Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Lakshminarayan, Dhan Lakshmi, Vijayalakshmi, Veer Lakshmi, Santan Lakshmi and Aishwarya Lakshmi.
Interview with Dr. Aditi Sharma, Cultural Anthropologist, on the Unique Diwali Celebrations at Mahalakshmi Temple in Ratlam
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Sharma. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the fascinating Diwali celebrations at the Mahalakshmi Temple in Ratlam. This tradition seems to draw not just local devotees but people from far and wide. Can you elaborate on the significance of this practice?
Dr. Aditi Sharma: Thank you for having me! The Mahalakshmi Temple is indeed an intriguing case of how cultural practices intersect with socioeconomic beliefs. The decoration of the temple with cash and jewelry during Diwali symbolizes the devotees’ hopes for prosperity and abundance in the coming year. It reflects the belief that the goddess Mahalakshmi, the deity of wealth, is particularly responsive to such displays of devotion.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how the use of money plays a central role in this ritual. I understand that devotees offer not just jewelry, but also bundles of cash, including new Rs 500 notes. How does this aspect influence the perception of spirituality among the devotees?
Dr. Aditi Sharma: Absolutely, the use of currency as an offering can be viewed through multiple lenses. On one hand, it can signify a very materialistic approach to spirituality, where wealth is directly correlated with divine favor. On the other hand, the act of giving can also be seen as a form of devotion and commitment to the faith. It’s much more than mere economic transaction; it’s about belief, identity, and community engagement.
Time.news Editor: That’s an insightful perspective. You mentioned community engagement—could you discuss how the festival fosters a sense of community among devotees, especially those who come from afar?
Dr. Aditi Sharma: Certainly! During this period leading up to Diwali, there’s a palpable sense of camaraderie among the devotees. Many people travel significant distances to participate in the decorating efforts and the rituals. This gathering creates a strong community spirit. Moreover, the shared goal of honoring the goddess fosters connections, as people work together to create something beautiful and meaningful. Helping each other with preparations, collecting offerings, and even the act of decoration becomes a communal ritual that strengthens bonds.
Time.news Editor: And the practice of returning the offerings to the devotees on Bhaidooj adds another layer to this tradition, doesn’t it?
Dr. Aditi Sharma: Yes, it certainly does. The return of offerings symbolizes the cyclical nature of giving and receiving in spirituality. It reinforces the idea that while wealth may be offered to the divine, it ultimately belongs to the devotees, emphasizing that the act of giving enriches both the giver and the community. This cycle nurtures a belief in divine reciprocity, encouraging participants to continue their devotion and generosity throughout the year.
Time.news Editor: As an expert in cultural anthropology, what does this ritual signify in the broader context of Indian festivals and religious practices?
Dr. Aditi Sharma: This ritual at Mahalakshmi Temple is emblematic of a larger trend in Indian festivals where material offerings are intertwined with spiritual significance. It illustrates how traditions adapt over time, incorporating contemporary practices and the evolving significance of wealth in society. Festivals serve not only as religious observances but also as reflections of cultural identity, community values, and individual aspirations.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for your valuable insights into the vibrant and layered traditions of Diwali celebrations at the Mahalakshmi Temple. It’s clear that these rituals are rich with meaning and community spirit.
Dr. Aditi Sharma: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing such a unique aspect of our culture!