Durga Puja is just around the corner and the devotees will soon witness the grandeur of Maa Durga that are created my talented artisans. But many people do not know that artisans collect soil from outside the doorstep of a brothel or nishiddho palli to make the grand idol. This is briefly mentioned in the iconic scene of Devdas, featuring Madhuri Dixit. Here's why artisans follow this ritual.

Why Do Artisans Collect Soil From a Brothel To Make Maa Durga's Idol?

There are several belief systems that started this ritual of artisans collecting the soil  from outside the doorstep of a brothel. It is considered punya mati, aka sacred soil, without which the idol is traditionally believed to be incomplete.

What Are The Beliefs Behind This Ritual?

According to popular folklore, it is believed that when men visit a brothel, they leave behind all their virtue, piety, and moral righteousness at the threshold before entering. Therefore, the soil outside the door absorbs these left-behind virtues.
Another reason behind this tradition is said to be the inclusion of outcasts and socially ostracised women. It is said that when Goddess Durga destroyed Mahishasura, a demon who disrespected women, including the soil from a brothel signifies giving respect to women who faced humiliation from society and stigma.
According to ancient Vedic traditions, there are nine classes of women called Navkanyas that also include a sex worker (Vaishya) and must be honored during the worship of the Goddess.

Another folklore is linked to the ancient period, where it is believed that a group of prostitutes once went to bathe in the Ganga River when they saw a man with leprosy sitting. He pleaded everyone for their help to take a holy dip, but everyone ignored him. However, the prostitutes helped him, and the man turned out to be a god in disguise.
It is said that the god was Lord Shiva, who granted the prostitutes a boon. In return, they requested Maa Durga's idol to be made from the soil of their courtyards. Hence, the tradition continued that the artisans take soil from brothel and bank of the Ganga river.
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