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RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
These appear to be the ancient directions for a religious rite on the 14th of the dark half of the Mágha; 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, Mundamáliní, she with the chaplet of skulls, or Syámá, the black goddess; particularly when any cause has prevented the adoration of the latter in the month of Kártik. The authority for this modification of the ceremony is that of the Tantras; and, except by the Śáktas, is not held in much estimation. The day is little observed anywhere.
VARADA CHATURTHI.-Fourth lunar day of the light half of Magha (30th January-1st February).— According to some of the authorities followed in Hindustan, Śiva is to be worshipped on this day in the evening, with offerings of jasmine flowers, whence it is also called Kunda Chaturthi: but the more usual designation Varadá Chaturthí implies a goddess, the giver of boons, who in some of the Puráñas is identified with Gaurí, or more especially with Umá, the bride of Śiva. She is on this day to be worshipped with offerings of flowers, of incense, or of lights, with
जयेत्स्वयम् । The Kalpa Tattwa has ब्राह्मणेभ्यः कृशरान्नं भोजनं दत्वा ।
'Hemádri, Nirnayámrita, Padma Purána.
