Lucknow: Mankameshwar Temple observed Gudiya Pujan and Naag Panchami on Monday with an emphasis on respect for women, preservation of folk traditions and a broader message of brotherhood and peace.Mahant Devyagiri led the rituals and departed from a customary practice linked with Gudiya Pujan in which dolls, or gudiyas, are beaten. She said the tradition should be reconsidered through the lens of compassion and dignity, noting that dolls symbolise young girls and their childhood.“Women and girls are referred to as a form of Goddess Bhagwati; hence, they should be worshipped, not beaten,” Devyagiri said. She added that in Sanatan tradition, girls and women are regarded as manifestations of Goddess Bhagwati and therefore deserve honour and respect.Devyagiri said she introduced Gudiya Pujan at the temple in 2015 after reflecting on the ritual’s meaning. “Why should the gudiyas be beaten when they should be worshipped? Sanatan Dharma teaches us to respect and honour women as they resemble goddesses,” she said.As part of Monday’s observances, Devyagiri performed puja of the gudiyas and offered chana, kheer and puri. The celebrations coincided with Naag Panchami, during which she offered a rakhi to Naag Devta, highlighting the festival’s cultural and spiritual significance.Temple officials said the observance sought to uphold tradition while encouraging compassionate reinterpretation that supports social harmony.
