On 14th June 2024, the birth anniversary of Dhumavati, the seventh of the ten
Mahavidya Goddesses
, will be celebrated. Dhumavati is described as an old widow, considered an unlucky sign in Indian culture. She is associated with hunger, thirst, and the beginning of fights—characteristics not very close to the traditional concept of divinity as the embodiment of beauty, richness, and balance.
This deity represents certain undesirable or evil aspects of life.
However, their worship at specific times of the year underscores a profound understanding in Hinduism: that everything in the world, even the things that may be considered unfavourable, are, in fact, necessary for the existence of the world.
Astrological Importance
Dhumavati is associated with the shadowy realm in Vedic astrology and is considered the deity of the unknown. Her Jayanti on June 14, 2024, coincides with certain planetary positions accentuating her importance. This day is in the moon's waning phase, called the Krishna Paksha, a period of reflection, letting go, and transformation.'
In astrology, Saturn, the planet of hardship and discipline, is connected with the lessons Dhumavati symbolises about accepting life's difficulties. Rahu, the shadow planet of obsession and illusion, is the planet most associated with her unfulfilled desires. Ketu, symbolising separation and spiritualism, reflects her final message of freedom from worldly fetters.
Dhumavati’s Jayanti is particularly beneficial for people who are experiencing tough times during these planets’ periods. It is a day when ceremonies are performed, not to appease these influences but to learn from them. For example, an individual in Saturn’s period might use this day to contemplate the lessons learned from life's struggles.
It is also notable that the lessons of Goddess Dhumavati are active in our birth chart in the sixth house of diseases and enemies, the eighth house of transformations and the occult, and the twelfth house of loss and liberation.
Importance in Various Life Areas
Dhumavati’s role in her career is all about accepting failures as lessons. Her symptoms include a job loss, a failed project, or a difficult boss. On her Jayanti, one is supposed to sit back and reflect on one’s career not only for achievement but also for experience. It is a day to seek something more meaningful than just the next rank and the next dollar.
In finance, Dhumavati symbolises scarcity or some sort of financial shock, such as an unplanned expense. Her Jayanti is perfect for reflecting on how we interact with money. Is it so that we are bound with chains of materialism? Is it possible to be satisfied with less? It is a day to save money, pay back debts, and give to the needy, knowing that the essence of life is not in possessing material things.
Dhumavati, being a widow, speaks of loss in love. Her Jayanti is effective for overcoming the pains of break-ups, abusive relationships or the death of a dear one. It is not about dwelling on the grief but realising that love extends beyond the physical body. For couples, it is a day to sort out disputes and differences; for Dhumavati, it creates quarrels, but quarrels can also bring understanding.
Dhumavati teaches that roles are not permanent and can change at times in family life. Kids get older, and roles shift. Her Jayanti is a day to enjoy these fleeting friendships, make up with lost family members, and pay respect to dead ancestors. It is about the importance of family and how family ties can remain unbroken despite the changes that occur in life.
Hunger and thirst are the aspects of Dhumavati that directly concern health. Her Jayanti is perfect for a fast or starting a detox process, not only for the body but also for the mind. It is a day to face vices, diseases, or habits that one does not want in one's life. The emphasis is placed on accepting the body’s transience while providing it with care through practices such as yoga or meditation.
Remedies and Rituals
The Dhumavati mantra, “Om Dhum Dhum Dhumavati Devyai Svaha,” effectively removes barriers and attains courage within. Recite this 108 times on her Jayanti, preferably using a rudraksha or black-bead rosary.
Make a small puja room in the Pitru or ancestral corner in the southwest direction of your house. Place an image of Dhumavati, depicted as an old woman or a crow. It is appropriate to use black or dark blue cloth and give black sesame seeds, black pepper, or bitter food.
On the occasion of
Dhumavati Jayanti
, it is considered auspicious to give black dress materials, black food grains, or black money to poor widows, elderly persons, and orphanages. This act recognises life's challenges and passes on the virtue of kindness.
Black, dark blue, and grey are the colours associated with Dhumavati. Wear or surround yourself with these hues on her Jayanti or the day dedicated to her. They symbolise the source of all things and the place to which they return.
Fasting: A simple sattvic meal or a complete fast, if the health condition allows it, is in harmony with the Dhumavati aspect of hunger and fasting. Avoid taking spicy foods during breakfast to give your stomach a chance to rest.
