Sharadiya Navratri
Goddess Durga is the most revered form of ‘shakti’ (feminine power) in Hinduism. Navratri is a big religious festivity for nine nights (and ten days). These nine consecutive and propitious days are dedicated to this goddess. There are four seasonal Navratris, however, Chaitra Navratri in spring season and Sharad Navratri in autumn are the ones mainly celebrated. Of these two, the post monsoon autumn Sharad Navratri is most observed in Devi’s honor in the bright half of Ashwin month of Hindu calendar.
Legend
The occasion celebrates the victory of good over evil which played out in the form of the prominent battle between Devi Durga and demon Mahishasura. It were these nine goddesses (Navdurga) who were able to conquer the invincible Mahishasura who was granted immortality by Lord Brahma and was told that he could only be defeated by a woman. Mahishasura wreaked havoc by attacking trilok (earth, heaven and hell). Finally the holy trinity- Brahma ,Vishnu and Shiva- pooled in their divine powers to give rise to ‘Shakti’ who killed the ferocious buffalo demon after nine nights of furious battle. The tenth day became ‘Vijayadashami’ or the day of victory.
Celebrations
Sharadiya Navratri is observed differently in various parts of the Indian cultural sphere. In northern states it is synonymous with Ram Lila and Dussehra. In the east and various parts of north east India it is celebrated as Durga puja. For some people it is a time for religious reflection and fasting, and for others it is a time for feasting and dancing. Dances include ‘Garba’ especially in Gujrat.
Health
The period of Navratri always falls at the time of seasonal change when our body has low immunity level and is more susceptible to falling sick. At this transition period staying without food or with light food preserves our health. Fasting is an effective way to kindle our digestive fire and burn away the accumulated toxins from our body and mind. It also helps in self discipline and facilitates spiritual purification.
Navratri means ‘nine nights’. As night provides rest and rejuvenation after which we feel refreshed so it brings freedom from all kinds of fear, anxiety, botheration and brings deep relaxation.
Message Incognito
As Goddess Durga won over the fierce demon after a fight; there is always a continuous battle of good versus evil inside our minds. This is the hidden message of Navratri. Worshipping Goddess Durga for nine days helps us in winning over the ‘asuras’ (demons) or evils of our own life. These evils are kama (lust), krodh (anger), lobh (greed), moha (attachment), ahankar (ego), bhaya (fear), irshya (jealousy), jadta (inertia) and ghrina (hate). By observing fast for nine days we should take commitment to destroy each evil everyday with the blessings of Maa Durga.
Nine incarnations of Maa Durga
‘Shakti’ exists in numerous ferocious as well as innocent manifestations. Hence each day of Navratri is dedicated to different forms of the goddess -
Day 1: Shailputri – Daughter of the Himalaya, with trident and lotus in Her hands, She rides on the bull and is worshipped as the consort of Shiva.
Day 2: Brahmacharini - Barefeet with japmala and kamandal in Her hands She is the unmarried Parvati engrossed in tapasya for attaining Shiva.
Day 3: Chandraghanta - With ardhachandra (half moon) on her forehead She is the embodiment of beauty and bravery.
Day 4: Kushmanda - Riding on a tiger with eight arms She is the creative power of the universe.
Day 5: Skandamata – The four-armed Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), riding a lion and holding her baby- She is symbolic of the transforming strength of a mother when her child is confronted with danger.
Day 6: Katyayini – The warrior Goddess she is one of the violent forms of devi. She was created with combined energies of the trinity by Sage Katyayan.
Day 7: Kalratri - The most ferocious form of Durga. She removed her fair skin to kill the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha and turned black with fiery eyes.
Day 8: MahaGauri – She is the ‘extremely fair’, benevolent form devi took after slaying demons as Kalratri.
Day 9: Siddhidatri - Seated on a lotus She bestows all kinds of siddhis (magical or divine powers).
So worshippers adore their mother in all incarnations with celebration for nine days. Fasting meditation and spiritual practices performed during this period connects us with our spirit which in turn invokes our positive qualities and destroys the demons inside. Sadhakas and devotees must utilize these nine highly spiritually charged nights to deepen their practice.
JAI MATA KI
Author Ms Hema Trivedi is an ardent devotee of SriKrishna.