Story of Maa Harati

Harati Ajima also known as Maa, Aji, Aji Maju resides in Gosringa Parbaat facing towards south. She is worshipped for wealth, prosperity and protection of children’s. Harati Ajima is believed to be a Yakshini who had 500 children. She used to kidnap and kill other children’s and feed her children’s. Slowly, the number of children in village (mentioned as Raajgriha) decreased and children started disappearing. Finally everyone went to Lord Buddha and prayed him. Through his Bodhisattva power he saw that a Yakshini named Harati was kidnapping all the children killing them and feeding to her children so Buddha thought of a trick. In absence of Harati, Buddha went and covered her favorite son Dhana Bhaju (Priyankar) with a rice bowl. When Harati returned she couldn’t find her son Dhana Bhaju there. She panicked and started searching her child everywhere including mountains, caves, hell and heaven. Feeling helpless, she went to Buddha and worshipped him. After then Buddha made her realize how others felt when she kidnapped, killed and ate others children. Buddha also punished her that she shall have only 5 children with her. After that Buddha transformed Yakshini Harati into Harati Ajima, protector of children. Still today one can see the Mandap in front of Temple of Maa where it is believed the other children’s were covered. As she used to eat children, she asked Buddha that she will never be leaving meat and she promised that she will be protecting children’s and stupas. The name of her 500 children is unknown but in modern days her 5 children are known to people. She carries Dhana Bhaju on her back, Dhana Meju on her left hand, Wasi Bhaju on her right lap, Wasi Meju on her left lap and Jilam Bhaju stays just beside her right leg. Being a Guhyak, in modern days as well she keeps her promise by entering human body in the form of Dya Meju/Dya Bhaju and protects and cares us. Jay Harati Ajima.
Hail to the Mother Goddess.