MAHISHI (saharsa), Oct. 19 -- In Saharsa's Mahishi, the ten-day Durga Puja festival at the historic Ugratara Mandir is observed with a distinct departure from mainstream celebrations: there are no soil-based idols and, therefore, no immersion rituals. "This tradition dates back to the 16th century, when the Ugra Tara Sthan was established by Rani Padmavati of Raj Darbhanga," says Pramil K Mishra, vice president of the temple trust. Legend attributes the shrine's origin to the Vedic sage Vashishtha, who performed an intense penance known as 'Ugratapa' to honour Goddess Tara. While the shrine is famous for its lack of idols, it remains known for large-scale animal sacrifices conducted on Maha Navami. Prof Dev N Pathak of South Asian University, who has documented the shrine's history, highlights the site as an example of disciplined, authentic devotion. "Unlike high-budget commercial pandals, this space offers a rare sense of peace," says Prof Pathak, who recently published research on the site in an Oxford journal. Referencing the recent tragedy in Kolkata, he adds that the discipline maintained at this shrine offers a model for peaceful worship. In a move to preserve this heritage, the Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) is documenting the temple for their upcoming "Shakti Museum" in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. Saharsa art and culture officer Sneha Jha confirmed the visit, noting that the museum will be the first of its kind to showcase the Ugratara tradition and the diverse manifestations of Shakti across India. Social activist Amit Anand believes this initiative will promote broader awareness regarding the safety of women....