She is worshipped for wealth, prosperity and protection of children. Harati Ajima is believed to be an Yakshini who had 500 children. She used to kidnap and kill the other children and feed her children. Slowly, the number of children in village(mentioned as Raajgriha) decreased and children started dissappearing. Finally everyone went to Lord Buddha and prayed him. Through his Bodhitwa power he s
aw that a Yakshini named Hariti was kidnapping all the children killing them and feeding to her children so Buddha thought of a trick. In absence of Hariti, Buddha went and covered all of her children with a rice bowl. Dhana Bhaju and Dhana Meju were in river-side, so they were safe. With cleverness Lati Meju was able to come out of rice bowl through a small hole and she pulled out Lata Bhaju and Jilam Bhaju too. As they were Guhyak, the one who can transfer themselves into any form they want they were able to come out. When Hariti returned she didnt found any of her children there. She panic and started searching her children every where including mountains, caves, hell and heaven. She was able to find only her 5 children in riverside. Feeling helpless, she went to Buddha and plead him. After then Buddha made her to realize how others felt when she kidnapped killed and ate children and punished her that she shall not be given back any of her childrens and only 5 shall be with her. After that Buddha transformed Yakshini Hariti 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 childrens were covered in rice bowl. As she used to eat children, she asked Buddha that she will never be leaving meat and she promised that she will be protecting childrens and stupas. The name of her 500 children are 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.
