Author: - | Last Updated: Wed 7 Sep 2011 10:34:59 AM
Ratanti Chaturdashi falls in the fourteenth lunar day of the dark half of Magha. According to the essential rite on the day of Ratanti Chaturdashi is bathing in some sacred stream or piece of water; which should be performed before dawn, whilst the stars are yet visible. As in many parts of India the temperature of the atmosphere is at this season almost cold, bathing at such an hour in the open air may easily be conceived to be no trifling penance. Offerings should also be presented on this occasion to Yama, the judge of the lower regions; for he who worships Yama at this period, it is said, shall not see death. Besides the usual libations of water to deceased progenitors, a sraddha should be celebrated, and Brahmans and the family should be fed with rice mixed with pulse, accompanied by a particular Mantra.
These appear to be the ancient directions for a religious rite on the 14th of the dark half of the Magha; but later days have changed both its time and object. According to the present practice, in Bengal at least, ablution is performed, not before sunrise, but after sunset; and instead of Yama one of the terrific forms of Devi is worshipped, Mundamalim, she with the chaplet of skulls, or Syama, the black goddess; particularly when any cause has prevented the adoration of the latter in the month of Kartik. The authority for this modification of the ceremony is that of the Tantras; and, except by the Saktas, is not held in much estimation. The day is little observed anywhere.