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A unique tradition observed in Bhopal during Chaitra navratri is that of organising 'Kanya Bhoj' or feasts for young girls who are considered manifestations of the Goddess. This tradition has been going on for years. The priest and other members of the temple look forward to this day. Several ancient temples in Bhopal, like Sheetla Mata Mandir, Mahakali Mandir, and Santoshi Mata Mandir, organise such community feasts where prasad is first offered to the deity and then served to the girls.
The Kanya Bhoj rituals allow people to show their devotion to the goddess while also serving the community. Besides the food, the girls are also presented with gifts like stationery items, clothes, jewellery, etc. as a gesture of blessing.
The festive atmosphere, elaborate worship, enthusiasm of the devotees and smiling faces of the young girls make Kanya Bhoj one of the highlights of the Chaitra Navratri celebrations in Bhopal. At each temple, prasad is first offered to the presiding goddess after elaborate rituals and prayers by the devotees. Thereafter, young girls are invited to partake in the prasad, considered the goddess’ blessing.
Curfew Wali Mata
The historic Curfew Wali Mata temple in Peer Gate is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Durga. For the Kanya Bhoj, the temple offers malpua as prasad to the deity. The food served to kanyas consists of puri, aloo curry, pumpkin (kaddu) sabji, and malpua. The temple resonates with the sounds of bhajans and bells during the crowds and celebrations of Chaitra Navratri.
Address: Bhawani Marg, Peetal Nagri, Azad Market, Peer Gate, Somwara, Bhopal
Image credit: Freepik
Gayatri Mandir
Gayatri Mandir, located in M. P. Nagar in Bhopal, is a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Gayatri. During navratri, Kanya Bhoj, a community meal, is organised for young girls who are considered forms of the goddess. Satvik meals consisting of puri, sabzi, rice kheer and suji halwa are cooked with devotion and offered to the girls. Kesar pedhas are offered as prasad to the Devi, then given to the devotees and served to kanyas.
Address: Infront Of Reserve Bank, Near, Maida Mill Rd, Indira Press Complex, Zone-I, Maharana Pratap Nagar, Bhopal
Image credit: Freepik
Shri Kalika Mandir
The Shri Kalika Mandir on Sutania Road is a beautiful and sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Devotees believe Goddess Kali bestows her divine blessings on all her followers who visit the temple to pay respects during the auspicious time of Chaitra Navratri. The temple volunteers work tirelessly in the kitchen, preparing prasad of halwa, puri and aloo sabzi (dry) to be served in kanya bhoj. The temple also prepares special prasad of fresh fruits and boondi laddoos, which are offered to Goddess Kali and distributed to everyone visiting the temple.
Address: 7C35+QHP, Nr. Thana Tallaiya, Sultania Road, Bhopal
Image credit: Freepik
Shri Maa Mansa Devi Dham
Shri Maa Mansa Devi Dham, located in Govindpura, Bhopal, is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi. During Chaitra Navratri, the temple organises kanya bhoj for young girls. This meal consists of puri, kala chana, kaddu ki sabzi, and halwa. Rice kheer is offered as prasad to the goddess, is prepared by the temple staff with devotion.
Address: 7C3J+MM7, Raisen Rd, Iqbal Colony, Govindpura, Bhopal
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Shree Maa Kali Vijasan Mandir
The Shree Maa Kali Vijasan Mandir, located on Kolar Road, is a beloved Hindu temple dedicated to the fierce and powerful goddess Kali. On the 9th night of Chaitra Navratri, the temple hosts a Kanya Bhoj where young girls are fed a delicious meal. Typical prasad offered to the goddess during Chaitra navratri is sweet modaks made with stuffing of coconut shavings and jaggery.
Address: 5CX8+8P6, Kolar Rd, Chuna Bhatti, Bhopal
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The temple kitchens prepare food offerings such as sabudana khichdi, chole curry, poori and halwa, which are served in kanya bhoj.
Kankali Mata Mandir
The Kankali Mata Mandir in Patel Nagar, Bhopal, is dedicated to the goddess Kankali Mata. As part of the Chaitra navratri rituals, the temple offers meals to girls in an event called Kanya Bhoj. The prasad prepared for Devi Mata includes coconut barfi and a special mixed flour ladoo called navapatrika, made with nine different grains.
Image credit: Freepik
The bhoj includes wholesome Satvik foods like aloo sabzi, poori, badam halwa and boondi raita. The food is cooked with devotion and offered to the goddess before being served in bhoj.
Address: 7F2W+QW8, Manak Vihar, Patel Nagar, Bhopal
