Page 284 - Kolaj Sharodiya Review Edition

Fact and myth in Sree Sree Sharadiya Durga Pujo

Fact: Nobopatrika (Navapatrika)

Myth: Kolabou/Wife of Ganesha

Debanjan Sen

During Sree Sree Sharadiya Durga Puja, all of us must have observed that there is a
banana plant draped with a saree placed mostly beside Ganesha.

There is a myth spread that the banana plant draped in saree is “KolaBou” (plantain
wife) of Shri Ganesha and hence placed beside the Lord. This is absolutely wrong and
a myth which still continues and its seen that some parents tell their children when they
ask about the mysterious plant lying beside Shri Ganesha.
The fact is that it is NOBOPATRIKA (Navapatrika). It contains the nine types of leaves
that represent 9 forms of Ma Durga. Hence its not wife but the mother of Shri Ganesha
in Her 9 forms.

• Plantain represents Sri Bhramani
• Colocasia (Arabi) plant represents Ma Kalika
• Turmeric plant represents Ma Durga
• Jayanti plant represents Goddess Kartiki
• Bel leaves represent Ma Parvati
• Pomegranate leaves represent Goddess Raktadantika
• Asoka leaves represent Goddess Shokarahita
• Arum plant represents Goddess Chamunda
• Rice paddy represents Ma Lakshmi

All these 9 variants of plants/leaves are high in medicinal values and also have other
nutrients good for health.

The nine forms of the Goddess are invoked in the Nabapatrika which has ritualistic
bath and adorned with saree and garlands. As it has to be placed on the altar with
the 5 deities, it was placed beside Sri Ganesha and it has hence become a ritual.

So let us keep in mind the above fact and myth and convey the fact rather than
spreading a myth.
Source: Internet