Navratri
Navratri is a festival celebrating 9 forms of Shakti. This is a pan-India festival which is celebrated in various forms, all symbolising the victory of Dharma over adharma. In the festival of Navratri, as per the tradition, rituals of ghatsthapana and mala-bandhan should be performed.
Why is Navratri festival celebrated?
Shakti, the Goddess, fought the demon Mahishasur for nine days from Pratipada to Navami and finally killed him on the Navami night. Also, this vrat (avowed religious observance) of Navratri was shared by Sage Narada to Bhagwan Shriram. Shriram observed this vrat, obtained blessings from the Divine Mother and went on to defeat Ravan.
When is Navratri celebrated?
Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Navami (the first to ninth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin). The 9 days are marked by various religious observances like Kumarika pujan, and rituals like the Garba dance, to propitiate the Goddess.
In 2023, Navratri will be celebrated from 15th October to 23rd October.
History of Navratri
A. This vrat (Vowed religious observances) was advocated by Sage Narad to Shriram, so that He could kill Ravan. After completion of this vrat, Shriram attacked Lanka and finally killed Ravan.
B. The Devi fought with the demon Mahishasur for nine days from Pratipada to Navami and finally killed him on the night of Navami. Since then, She came to be known as Devi Mahishasurmardini, the annihilator of Mahishasur.
Importance
A. Whenever the tamasik, demoniacal and cruel people become powerful and start troubling the sattvik, righteous humans, the Devi incarnates to reinstate Dharma. This is the vrat of this Deity.
B. During Navratri, the Devi Principle is a thousand times more active than usual. To benefit most from this Principle, one should chant || Shri Durga Devyai Namaha || as much as is possible during the period of Navratri.
Navratri articles
Articles about Shri Durga Devi
Shri Durgadevi or Durga Mata or simply Durga Ma (as She is often called by Her devotees), is one of the most beloved and worshipped feminine forms of Shakti. Shri Durgadevi is lovingly worshipped to appease Her tarak (Saviour) form in which She nurtures and protects Her devotees. At the same time, Devotees have deep faith in Her marak (Destroyer) form, in which She fights, defeats and annihilates negative energies and protects Her dear devotees.
Here you can read the following information and much more –
- How to worship the Goddess using vermillion (kumkumarchan) ?
- What are the different types of Shaktis?
- Complete and half Peeth (Seats of Shakti) and their functions
- Worshipping the Goddess on specific days
- What is the science underlying the act of ‘Gondhal’ for Goddess ?
