Durga Puja 2023: Chokku Daan- Bringing Maa Durga To Life, When Eyes Of Durga Are Drawn? Meaning

Add as a preferred source on Google

Durga Puja 2023: Chokkudaan: India is a land of festivals and cultures and each one of them has distinct rituals that are followed with strict rules. Durga Puja is almost here and therefore, to capture the spirit of this festival, we need to delve deeper and find the significance behind it.

One such ritual is Chokkudaan and it means offering eyes to Goddess Durga. It holds paramount significance in the Bengali Hindu community. This year, Durga Puja will be celebrated from Friday, 20 October- Tuesday, 24 October 2023. Through this post, let's embark on a spiritual journey to understand the significance and symbolism of Chokku Daan in Durga Puja.

Durga Puja 2023: Meaning Of Chokku Daan
The word 'chokku Daan' translates to 'giving eyes, and the ritual denotes the act of drawing the eyes of the goddess Durga on the idol, symbolizing life and its spiritual awakening. This sacred act is performed before the commencement of the Durga Puja, a major annual festival that celebrates the goddess as the invincible force of nature and the divine mother of all creation.

This is known as the first ritual of Durga Puja and is done on Mahalaya, which will begin this year on 14 October. While all the idols are decked up and ready for pandal, Durga's face remains hidden till the auspicious moment of Chokkhu Daan, when the eyes are drawn to the clay idol.

The essence of Chokku Daan lies in infusing life into the statue of Goddess Durga. By drawing her eyes, the artist invokes the divine spirit of the goddess, turning the idol from mere clay to a representation of divine energy. This act embodies the philosophy of 'Pran Pratishtha', signifying the infusion of life force. The ritual is a metaphor for the awakening of one's inner divine power and consciousness, marking the beginning of their spiritual journey.

Durga Puja 2023: Significance Of Chokku Daan
In the metaphorical context, the 'eyes' are seen as the windows to the soul. The Chokku Daan ritual is believed to awaken a divine vision, symbolizing the upliftment from materialistic desires to a higher spiritual realm. It motivates devotees to introspect, comprehend the deeper truths, and foster spiritual wisdom. Furthermore, the act of opening the Goddess's eyes sends out a potent message that she is watching, guiding, and protecting her devotees, providing a sense of solace and security.

The ritual of Chokku Daan holds a deep spiritual resonance for the millions of devotees who celebrate Durga Puja, representing not only a physical but a spiritual awakening. It encourages us to delve deeper into our own spirituality, cultivates mindfulness, and brings us closer to divine wisdom. Each stroke in the eyes of the Goddess brings devotees one step closer to the profound realities of life.

Disclaimer: The benefits of gemstones mentioned in this article are based on traditional beliefs and astrological practices. Results may vary from person to person. We recommend consulting a certified astrologer or gem expert before wearing any gemstone for astrological purposes. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.