Harati Ajima: the deity of protecting children, parents and adults

Photo:catbirdinindia

Harati Ajima: the deity of protecting children, parents and adults. Location: Swayambhu, Kathmandu

The deity protects
•    Children from diseases particularly from smallpox in the past;
•    Children from untimely passing away;
•    Children from any other evils, and harms;
•    Parents and adults from injuries and diseases;
•    Parents and adults from making any loss in businesses.

Devotees pledge to ‘bhakal’ of making offerings of
•    ‘Kala puja’ means a regular puja comprising holy water, flower, rice, amber or vermillion, and wicks soaked in oil plus two boiled and peeled duck eggs;
•    ‘Chha hayeku’ puja: a special offerings performed by a Vajracharya priest;
•    Offering of a live rooster or a duck.

Days of the deity: Saturdays are preferred but any day is good for making offerings to the deity.