Dhumavathi Jayanthi is ascribed to Sri Dhumavathi Devi, the seventh of the ten manifestations of Sri Dasha Maha Vidya. The other manifestations are Kali, Tara, Tripura Sundari (Sadoshi), Bhuvaneshwari, Tripura Bhairavi, Chinnamastha, Bhagala Mukhi, Mathangi and Kamala.
Dhumavathi Jayanthi occurs on the Shukla Paksha Ashtami of Jyeshta month. For 2023, it falls on Sunday, 28th May 2023. The exact duration of the Ashtami Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendar.
It is believed that Sri Dhumavathi is the fiercest manifestation of Sri Durga Devi. Some scholars believe that Sri Dhumavathi had appeared during cosmic dissolution. At times, She is depicted as riding a horseless wagon and at times as sitting on crow.
As per the legend, Sri Parashu Ram, Sage Brihu and Sage Dhurvasa had worshipped Sri Dhumavathi.
On Dhumavathi Jayanthi, the devotees wake up before sunrise. After morning bath, they prepare for the puja. It is believed that the puja is done in a secluded place. Puja is done with flowers; lamps are lit; and incense sticks are burnt. Offering of black gingelly tied in black cloth as neivedyam is considered auspicious.
Sri Dhumavathi is worshipped under tantrik method. As a custom, it is believed that married women do not directly take part in the puja.
It is also believed worshipping Her would result in alleviation of problems of the devotees. She is also called as Kalah Priya as She offers solutions to the devotees’ troubles. It is ardently considered that worshipping Sri Dhumavathi would result in relief from calamities and victory in disputes.
