The mantra that reverberates through the elements is, “Swaha”. No offering at the altar is complete without this mantra. Swaha denotes the sense of fulfilment once freedom from worldly desires is the supreme offering. In a different meaning, Swaha herself is a goddess, the divine consort of Agni the god of Fire.

How does the goddess feel when parents sacrifice their own daughter, as a mark of giving up their greed, as they chant, “Swaha”? “Jatadhari Kamini Ma”, is a living incarnate of traditional faith and belief. Her “jata” or matted hair has endowed her with wealth, power and reverence. Religious illusion, desire for money and societal pressure compel her to remain shackled to her extraordinary divine power. But her mind wishes to break free. Who would grant freedom to her? Rohini, the chosen one, failed to liberate her.

This time it’s little Jalpa’s turn. Would she be able to perform her duties as expected? Would Krishna and Jignesh help their school going daughter ascend Jatadhari Kamini Ma’s throne? Maybe this time, the sacrificial offering would be of a completely different kind as the mantra “Swaha” is chanted.