Maha Ambubachi Parva, also known as Ambubachi Mela or Ambubachi Festival, is a renowned festival celebrated annually in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It holds great cultural and religious significance, particularly among the followers of Shaktism, a sect that worships the divine feminine energy.

Origin and Legend: The origin of Maha Ambubachi Parva is associated with the Kamakhya Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, located on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati. According to Hindu mythology, the festival commemorates the time when the goddess menstruated or went through her annual menstrual cycle.

The legend behind this unique phenomenon is based on the story of Goddess Sati, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, who immolated herself due to her father’s insult toward her husband, Lord Shiva. Overwhelmed with grief, Lord Shiva carried Sati’s lifeless body and wandered aimlessly across the universe.

During this time, the body parts of Sati fell at different locations, and these places became powerful centers of worship known as Shakti Peethas. It is believed that the yoni (female reproductive organ) of the goddess fell at the site where the Kamakhya Temple now stands, making it one of the most important Shakti Peethas in India.

The Rituals and Observances: Maha Ambubachi Parva lasts for four days, generally falling in the month of June. The festival begins with the symbolic representation of the menstruation of the goddess. The sanctum sanctorum of the Kamakhya Temple remains closed during these four days as it is believed that Mother Earth, symbolized by the yoni-shaped stone inside the temple, undergoes the divine menstrual cycle.

The temple premises witness a significant influx of devotees, ascetics, scholars, and tourists from different parts of the country and abroad. The ambiance is filled with religious fervor and spiritual energy.

During the festival, devotees abstain from performing any religious ceremonies, and no new agricultural or productive activities are undertaken. It is considered a time of rest and purification. Many devotees take part in meditation, prayers, and recitation of hymns to honor the goddess and seek her blessings.

A unique aspect of Maha Ambubachi Parva is the presence of sadhus (holy men) and tantric practitioners who gather at the temple premises. These spiritual seekers, known as Kapalikas or Aghoris, engage in rigorous penances, meditation, and esoteric rituals. They often smear themselves with ashes and wear rudraksha beads, exhibiting their dedication and devotion to the divine feminine energy.

The Significance and Beliefs: Maha Ambubachi Parva symbolizes the cycle of creation and renewal, reflecting the natural processes of life. It is believed that during the menstrual period of the goddess, the earth regains its fertility and rejuvenates itself. The festival is seen as a celebration of womanhood and the divine feminine power.

Devotees consider this time as highly auspicious, believing that their prayers and offerings during Maha Ambubachi Parva are more likely to be answered. It is a time when devotees seek blessings for fertility, marital bliss, and overall well-being. Many childless couples visit the temple with the hope of conceiving a child, considering the goddess’s divine energy as a source of fertility.