Navapatrika, also known as Kalabou, is an integral part of Durga Puja. Nabapatrika involves the worship of nine sacred plants, and the literal meaning of Navapatrika is “nine leaves” (with “Nava” meaning nine and “Patrika” meaning leaves). These plants play a symbolic role during the Durga Puja rituals.
“Rambha Kachchi Haridrach Jayanti Bilba Darimau.
Ashoka Manakshaiva Dhanyancha Navapatrika.”
These nine plants represent nine deities:
– Kadli or Rambha (Banana) tree: Represents Goddess Brahmani
– Kachchi/Kachu plant: Represents Goddess Kali
– Haridra (Turmeric) plant: Represents Goddess Durga
– Jayanti plant: Represents Goddess Kartiki
– Bilba (Bel) plant: Represents Lord Shiva
– Darimb (Pomegranate) plant: Represents Goddess Raktadantika
– Ashoka tree: Represents Goddess Sokarahita
– Manuka/Mankachu (Giant Taro) plant: Represents Goddess Chamunda
– Rice paddies: Represents Goddess Lakshmi
It is believed that there is a scientific reason behind every Hindu ritual, and the Navapatrika worship is no exception. The nine plants have their own medicinal values. In ancient times, when medical science had not developed sufficiently, ailments were treated using Ayurveda. These life-saving plants are worshipped as Devi, making the Navapatrika worship extremely significant and important. Let us look at the medicinal values of these plants.
– Kadli or Rambha (Banana) tree: All parts of the banana plant have medicinal uses. Cooked flowers are given to diabetics; the astringent sap is applied to burns and other skin afflictions, fevers, hemorrhages, acute dysentery, and diarrhea; young leaves are used as poultices for burns and other skin conditions; the astringent ashes of unripe peels and leaves are taken for dysentery and diarrhea, and are used to treat malignant ulcers; the roots are beneficial for digestive disorders, dysentery, and other ailments; the banana seed mucilage is used for diarrhea in India. The peel and pulp of fully ripe bananas contain both antibacterial and antifungal properties.
– Kachchi/Kachu (Taro) plant: The dietary fiber in taro root aids digestion and can alleviate conditions such as acid reflux, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach ulcers. Taro root contains resistant starch, which is made up of carbohydrates. Clinical studies have demonstrated that these beneficial carbohydrates can stabilize blood sugar and may lower the risk of diabetes. The high potassium content of taro root helps manage hypertension, reducing stress on the cardiovascular system and helping to prevent chronic heart problems.
– Haridra (Turmeric) plant: Turmeric has long been utilized in India to treat conditions related to the skin, upper respiratory tract, joints, and digestive system. It is marketed as a dietary supplement for various ailments, including depression, liver disease, allergies, respiratory infections, arthritic pain, and digestive issues.
– Jayanti plant: Jayanti leaves help reduce hair loss. The white Jayanti bark improves digestion and alleviates blood-related issues. Jayanti is effective against stomach worms in children, and its flowers are beneficial for colds, coughs, and headaches. Its seeds are used to address women’s menstruation issues.
– Bilba (Bel) plant: Bel is rich in nutrients such as calcium, potassium, iron, and vitamins A, B1, B2, and C. Various components of the bel plant can effectively treat hepatitis, ulcers, tuberculosis, and digestive issues. Additionally, it is an excellent source of tannins, which help treat cholera.
– Darimb (Pomegranate) plant: Pomegranate possesses numerous pharmacological properties, including anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-malaria, anti-fibrotic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial effects.
– Ashoka tree: Consuming the bark or leaves of the Ashoka tree can help eliminate stomach worms, providing relief from pain and swelling. The bark also possesses anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and pain-relieving properties.
– Manuka/Mankachu (Giant Taro) plant: Giant taro can be used to treat insomnia and functions as an antioxidant. It also has antifungal properties. After cooking, the leaves and stems are edible, although the giant taro is rarely consumed due to its itchy rhizomes. It is also used to treat acute abdominal pain and severe burns.
– Rice paddies: Rice is rich in protein, iron, fiber, and vitamin B, which can help combat malnutrition. Rice bran has immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying rice grain to the skin can help with swellings, blemishes, boils, and sores. Sticky rice is often used to treat indigestion, heartburn, and upset stomachs.
The Ritual of Navapatrika Snan:
On the early morning of Saptami, the seventh day, the Nabapatrika snan takes place. Goddess Durga is invoked in the Nabapatrika. This ritual involves collecting nine distinct plants or trees, binding them together, and securing them with branches of the white Aparajita plant (Clitoria ternatea) using a sacred yellow thread. The Navapatrika is then bathed in river or pond water. Afterward, these plants are placed on a stand for worship.