Kolkata, Oct. 12 -- Though the Malla kingdom may have vanished into the pages of history, its royal legacy lives on in Bishnupur, where descendants preserve a 1,030-year-old Durga Puja steeped in legend, devotion and centuries-old rituals, claimed to be the oldest in West Bengal.

Traditionally dated to 997 AD, the Puja centres on Maa Mrinmoyee, whose temple was established by King Jagat Malla, the 19th ruler of the Malla dynasty.

According to legend, the goddess appeared in the king's dream and instructed him to shift his capital from Pradyumnapur to the forested area that later became Bishnupur. Following her directions, the king unearthed a small representation of the goddess's face, which was incorporated into a clay idol made using soil from the Ganga.

Bishnupur MLA Shukla Chatterjee told Millennium Post that efforts were underway to secure heritage status for the temple, which she described as the state's oldest. She said successive governments had failed to take adequate steps to preserve it, adding that she was hopeful the Suvendu Adhikari-led government would support the initiative.

Unlike conventional Durga idols, Maa Mrinmoyee's idol is not immersed after the festivities. It retains its sacred foundation and is repainted whenever a member of the royal family receives a divine dream. A separate painted pot depicting Durga is also worshipped annually.

"Our Goddess, Maa Mrinmoyee, is very much alive, and the emotions of locals are closely tied to this puja. The rituals continue for 15 days, keeping traditions passed down for more than a thousand years alive," said Alpana Singha Thakur, known as Ranima.

Alongside Maa Mrinmoyee, three other forms - Boro Thakurani, Mejo Thakurani and Chhoto Thakurani - are worshipped through painted representations brought to the temple at different stages. The ceremonies feature cannon fire, while another distinctive ritual involves worshipping Mahamayi Devi, or Khachchar Vahini, depicted riding a mule.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.