Prasad Patta

Just below the main sitting place of Shree Shantadurga devi is a Patta [belt] which is called the Prasad Patta or the Sinh Patta. This Patta is made of copper and the width of this Patta is 24 inches X 12 inches. On this Patta, there is a picture of a lion [Sinh] which is 9 inches in width and 9 inches in height. Hence it is also called Sinh Patta.

On this patta, people offer Prasadpuja for seeking Devi’s permission (Kaul) for undertaking new ventures, marriages, etc. and blessings for fulfillment of their wishes. For seeking Devi’s Kaul, flowers, petals and buds of the red Patala (Patkuli) flower are placed at 58 specific places over the patta. At 9 places full flowers are placed, at 18 places buds are placed and at 31 places petals are placed. Every place has its own meaning and accordingly the Devi’s Kaul is interpreted.

This PrasadKaul can be taken throughout the year except during the period of Shukl and Krishna Panchami, Ashwin Shukl Pratipada to Dashmi, Magh Shukla Pratipada to Shashti and from Phalgun Krishn Pratipada to Shashti.

This Patta which was in use for a very long time, got degraded after much use, so on Phalgun Shukl Saptami in Shake 1828 known as Plavan Sanvastar i.e. on Monday, the 9 February 1929, this old Prasad Patta was replaced by a new Prasad Patta. This occasion of installation of the new murti of Devi and new Patta is commemorated every year during the period from Phalgun Shukl Saptami to Dashami.

It would be interesting to note that the PrasadKaul of the Devi is sought not only by the G.S.B.’s but also by the original G.S.B.’s who were forcibly converted during the Portuguese regime.

Whenever the Devi does not give Kaul for a long time, the brahmin priest from the temple seeking the Kaul on behalf of the devotees goes out to check whether any converted Kulavi (person whose family deity is Shree Shanrtadurga devi is called her Kulavi) has come to seek her Kaul and if so, first the kaul is sought for the converted Kulavi and only after that the Devi gives Kaul to the G.S.B. Kulavi.