The Calamity-Averting grand puja is a ritual based on the practice of the White Umbrella Goddess. This is one of the most powerful and sacred puja amongst various Buddhist rituals. One procedure of this ritual is to consecrate and offer tormas (ritual cakes) to counterattack negative forces such as illnesses, mental disturbances, disputes, enmities, defilements, misfortune, premature death, factors against congenial surroundings and 84,000 bad forces. Hence, this puja is named DUKAR TORTHOG in Tibetan, literally meaning - counterattacking negativities through torma offerings.
By this ritual, we drive away all harms and evils by the blessings of the White Umbrella Goddess and her surrounding deities in the form of tormas (one big torma in the middle representing the Goddess, and surrounded by 33 white flags representing the deities). More than 30 different kinds of ingredients are required for this puja - whereby it serves to offer to specific deities, and seek their protection for different kinds of obstacles. By participating in this puja, one gains the protection from dangers of fire, water, weapons, poisons, malediction, untoward accidents and untimely death. It also pacifies the chances of epidemics, harmful spells, contagious diseases, conflicts and wars. In addition, we also receive the benefit and protective care of a myriad of divine guardians and goddesses.
The White Umbrella Goddess is an intrepid and fearless deity. Through her practice, one can prevent the influence of any evil magic or spirits, as well as the attack or harassment of the formless, and help increase fortune, wisdom and longevity.
“This is not a common puja, it is one of the biggest pujas in Tibetan Buddhism. There are 30 over specific ingredients required for this puja, which are special offerings to 30 over different deities. Everyone has his own favourite food, and if I give you what you enjoy most, you will be very pleased. So in the same way, the elaborate offerings are the favorite of each individual deity. And each deity helps to clear us of one particular type of obstacle. This puja is very effective in clearing us of very big obstacles.”
Lobsang Chodar, 43 Geshe Lharampa
White Umbrella Goddess
Asuras and gods reside in the region between the God and Demi-God realm (within samsara). There naturally grows a wish-fulfilling tree – whenever the gods run into any difficulty, they would pray to this tree and their wishes will be fulfilled. This has however, incurred the wrath and jealously of the Asuras, and in a fit of hatred, raged attack towards the god realm. Not wanting to suffer defeat, the King of the God realm quickly approached Lord Buddha Shakyamuni to seek His blessings. At that moment, there shone a bright white light from the crown of the Lord Buddha. And it manifested into the intrepid and powerful White Umbrella Tara. With the pure merits of Lord Buddha, the White Umbrella Tara emanates a thousand arms and a thousand eyes, blessing and saving all the harm of the gods.
The White Umbrella Goddess is an intrepid and fearless deity. Through her practice, one can prevent the influence of any evil magic or spirits, as well as the attack or harassment of the formless, and help increase fortune, wisdom and longevity.
Specially Blessed White Umbrella Goddess Khorlo from the Monastery
Within the Khorlo is a piece of White Umbrella mantra, as well as the secret mandala of the deity. The Khorlo has been blessed by a thousand over monks of the Gaden Shartse Monastery, and possesses unimaginable merits, and be free of obstacles.
The benefits of a White Umbrella Khorlo -
Will not be affected by any poisons
Will not be injured by any weapons or machines
Will not be hurt by fire and extreme heat
Will not be drowned in deep waters
Will not be disturbed by the formless
Will not be affected by any curses or charms
Will be safe and free from accidents (if hung in the car)
Will be protected and blessed by all Vajra Dakas, Dakinis and Bodhisattvas