“Dih Baba,” the villagers whisper. Have you ever wondered who this protector is? Right here in Varanasi, almost every village cherishes its own Dih Baba. This ancestral god is a guardian and provider. We are standing in front of deeh baba mandir.
Deeh baba mandir is more than just a temple. It is a place where locals seek solace and protection. Especially during times of crisis, Dih Baba becomes the focal point of their prayers. The deeh baba mandir is a symbol of hope.
During the devastating second wave of COVID-19, when healthcare was scarce, villagers across Varanasi turned to Dih Baba. They embarked on a 21-day puja. This special prayer sought to ward off the virus. They also appeased goddesses like Sheetala Mata.
Imagine the scene twice daily prayers filled the air at deeh baba mandir. Women predominantly led these rituals. They sought to quell the anger of ancestral gods. The villagers believed the pandemic was a result of divine displeasure.
Offerings were made in the hope of restoring harmony. The culmination of the 21-day puja was a “kadhai”. This translates to a special meal. This meal was consumed after a ritual offering to the gods. The deeh baba mandir was central to this practice.
A video from Kamauli village sparked widespread adoption of these pujas. It showed priests and villagers performing a ritual. The video spread rapidly via WhatsApp and Facebook. Soon, villages all over the district embraced the practice. The deeh baba mandir became a hub for these activities.
The acolyte in the video declared that Dih Baba and Sheetala Mata must be worshipped for 21 days. Afterwards, kadhai had to be performed. Only then, the voiceover in the video promised, would corona flee their homes. People trusted in deeh baba mandir.
Offerings called “dhaar” were made a mix of water, neem, or milk. These were intended to appease the deities. Sheetala Mata is often invoked during epidemics. Her idol carries a broom and a jar of medicinal water. Dih Baba’s importance grew.
The myths surrounding Dih Baba are diverse. One belief tells of nine goddesses. The youngest, Dulara Devi, is easily angered. Her anger brings outbreaks. The deeh baba mandir is considered an important place.
Another belief holds that Dih Baba guards the village borders. Nothing can enter without his permission. During epidemics like smallpox or chickenpox, neem leaves and water were offered. The deeh baba mandir played a key role.
The shared belief was that COVID-19 stemmed from the gods’ anger. Only they could end it. The puja at deeh baba mandir aimed to pacify these deities. It was a desperate attempt to vanquish the disease.
Even now, the deeh baba mandir stands as a testament to faith and resilience. It reminds us of a time when communities turned to their ancestral gods for solace. They sought protection in the face of overwhelming adversity. The deeh baba mandir is still a place of reverence.
The deeh baba mandir represents more than just a physical structure. It embodies the enduring spirit of the people. It reflects their unwavering belief in the power of faith and community.