Page:Durga Puja - With Notes and Illustrations.djvu/118



(1.) size of the pratima varies greatly in different families. Some have the plank about $4 1⁄3$ cubits long, and the figures are accordingly about 4 cubits high. Such enormously large and unwieldy pratimas are rare. In the Sastras, however, there is no direction given as to the size of the pratima, except when it is made of precious metals or crystals, though it is expressly stated that the pratima should be so made as to excite veneration and love. Miniature pratimas may be here and there seen, but they are not general. The usual size of the pratima is with plank about $3 1⁄4$ cubits long and $1 1⁄2$ cubits broad, these dimensions are observed every year in the construction of the same. Some families have pratimas made of metals, a composition of copper, silver, zinc and other metals, is preferred, copper predominating. Such pratimas are permanent, and are not thrown away on the tenth day of the moon. In such cases a ghata is usually established on the occasion of the Durga Festival, which after the puja is over is deposited in water. Those, who have other murtis or representations such as Sinha-Vahini (the-ten armed goddess standing on a lion and the asura), Jagaddhatri (the four-armed goddess seated on a lion), Annapurna (the two-armed goddess distributing rice and other food) or other figures of Durga Sakti, establish the Navapatrica and the usual ghatas. The ghata and the Navapatrica are thrown into the river after the completion of the puja.