Manabasa Gurubar: How Goddess Lakshmi Defied Caste and Embraced Feminism

Introduction to Manabasa Gurubar

Manabasa Gurubar is a sacred ritual celebrated in Odisha, where married women worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, health, and prosperity. This ritual takes place every Thursday during the month of Margasira (November to December). It is believed that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi visits homes to bless the family with wealth and happiness. The puja is performed with great devotion and care, following each traditional step.

The Rituals of Manabasa Gurubar

On the morning of Manabasa Gurubar, Odia women wake up early to clean their homes, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi only visits neat and clean houses. The entrance of the house is decorated with “Chitta” or “rangoli,” made using a rice-water mixture called “pithau.” This is done to invite the Goddess in. A regional pot filled with freshly harvested paddy is also placed in the puja area, symbolizing prosperity.

The Significance of Manabasa Gurubar

It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits every household during Manabasa Gurubar, bringing blessings of wealth and prosperity to those who have performed the puja with devotion. Her presence is not just a blessing, but also a reminder of the importance of cleanliness, respect, and care in one’s life.

The Story of Lakshmi’s Encounter with Casteism

In one significant story from the rituals of Manabasa Gurubar, Goddess Lakshmi is believed to have visited the home of ( Shreya) lower-caste woman during her wanderings. The woman’s house was beautifully decorated with “Chitta,” and the entrance had “Lakshmi Pada” (rangoli of Lakshmi’s feet). Lakshmi was impressed and entered the house, ate the prasad (offering) made by the woman, and blessed her with prosperity.

When Lord Balabhadra, the elder brother of Lord Jagannath, heard about this, he criticized Lakshmi for entering the house of someone from a lower caste, calling her actions a violation of social norms. In response to this disrespect, Goddess Lakshmi decided to leave the house of Lord Jagannath, hurt by Balabhadra’s words. As a result, the brothers suffered great misfortune and lost everything.

The Lesson of Humanity and Feminism

After many years of struggle, the two brothers, now destitute, ended up at the house of the same lower-caste woman who had once served Goddess Lakshmi. Despite their past arrogance, the woman, with her deep sense of humanity, fed the brothers, showing kindness and compassion. Balabhadra, realizing his mistake, apologized to Lakshmi and asked her to return to the temple.

This story teaches a powerful lesson about the importance of humanity over caste, creed, or religion. It shows that true kindness and respect do not depend on social status. Goddess Lakshmi, in her wisdom, rejected the concept of untouchability, embodying the principles of equality and justice. Moreover, her actions in this story shows that she was not just a goddess of wealth but also a strong feminist, willing to challenge societal norms in the name of compassion.

Conclusion: 

The story of Manabasa Gurubar and Goddess Lakshmi’s encounter with casteism reveals a profound message humanity and kindness surpass caste and social divisions. Goddess Lakshmi’s actions remind us that discrimination based on caste or religion goes against the true teachings of Sanatana Dharma. The supreme truth resides in all beings, and by discriminating against others, we are, in essence, disrespecting the divine presence in them.

In a world where casteism and social divisions often persist, the story of Goddess Lakshmi offers a timeless lesson in compassion, respect, and feminism, challenging us all to break barriers and treat every human being with dignity.