Surath


Suratha was an emperor of ancient Vanga. He was also a proverbial person of Hindu lore. His capital was in Bolipura, now Bolpur. He was extremely democratic emperor of Bengal. He was a devotee of Devi Durga. According to the Markandeya Purana he preached the Devi Mahatmya in Marthya among the dweller of Marthya and also he was the first organizer of durga puja in Bolpur, Bengal and later this durga puja festival become popular in others part of India from Bengal.

Background

History of first Durga Puja of world

King Surath lost his kingdom and all his property. Losing everything he left his capital Bolipur to re-explore his fate. Later, he met with Vaishya Samadhi, who was a businessman. Coincidentally he was also bankrupt as he was cheated with his family. Then, fortunately they met SuMedhas Muni. SuMedhas advised them to bring back their fate they must worship the Goddess Devi Durga.
King Surath and Boishyo Samadhi worshipped Devi Durga as Durga Puja or Durgotsob at ashram of Medhas Muni in Garh Jungle,West Bengal. It was the first durgapuja of world. In current days, the ghar jungle is in Durgapur, Purba Bardhaman, West bengal. They worshipped Devi durga in spring time. So, this festival is called Basanti puja or "Basanto kalin durgotsob". According to Sri Sri Chandi they made this durga image by clay in Garh jungle. After puja Surath returnback all his lost property and he came back to his capital bolipur. Surath enrooted durgapuja in his capital bolpur in spring. During this puja, he sacrifice lakhs of animal. From this bengali term "boli", this place called as "Bolipur".

Surath in popular mass media

In the day of Mahalaya, there is a cultural drama performance in DD Bangla where king surath regarded as first worship of Goddess Debi mahisasuramardini.