Navratri
Navratri is a nine-night festival, where 'Nava' stands for 'nine' and 'Ratri' for 'night.'
During the night, you experience rest and restoration. Through sleep, you delve into your inner self, and wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready for the day ahead. Similarly, Navratri, the 'nine nights', offers a time for profound rest. This deep rest brings freedom from all worries, deep relaxation, and sparks of creativity.
Navadurga and significance of each day of Navratri
Navadurga consists of 9 forms in which Devi is worshipped. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a specific manifestation of the Mother Divine.
First Day – Shailaputri
On the first day of Navratri, Devi Shailaputri is worshipped. She is known as the daughter of the Himalayas, symbolizing strength and grace. Shaila, meaning mountain, signifies her steadfast nature. By honoring Devi Shailaputri, we seek to connect with the divine consciousness that elevates us to higher realms of awareness.
Second Day – Brahmacharini
On the second day, Devi Brahmacharini is worshipped. Devi Brahmacharini embodies Devi Parvati's form when she underwent intense penance to unite with Lord Shiva. Brahma signifies divine consciousness and achar refers to conduct. Brahmacharya is the conduct or action rooted in divine consciousness. This day is particularly sacred for introspection and exploring our inner divinity.
Third Day – Chandraghanta
Devi Chandraghata presides on the third day. Chandraghata is the unique form that Devi Parvati assumed during her union with Lord Shiva. The moon, symbolizing the mind, is represented by "Chandra." "Ghanta" signifies a bell that emits a constant sound. This day emphasizes concentrating the mind on the Divine, leading to inner peace and balance.
Fourth Day – Kushmanda
On the fourth day, Mother Divine is honored as Devi Kushmanda. The name Kushmanda signifies a pumpkin, with "Ku" meaning little, "ushma" meaning energy, and "anda" referring to egg. This universe, emerging from the cosmic egg (hiranyagarbha), is a manifestation of Devi's infinitesimal energy. The pumpkin symbolizes prana, possessing the unique ability to absorb and emit prana. It is considered one of the most pranic vegetables. Devi Kushmanda is worshipped on this day, bestowing us with Her divine energy.
Fifth Day – Skandamata
Skandamata is known as the Mother of Skanda. On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees worship the motherly aspect of Goddess Parvati. In this form, she is revered as the mother of Lord Kartikeya, symbolizing maternal love and care. Worshipping Skandamata is believed to bestow wisdom, wealth, power, prosperity, and ultimately, liberation.
Sixth Day – Katyayani
Devi Katyayani, on the sixth day, embodies the fierce aspect of Mother Divine, arising to vanquish evil forces. She emerged from the wrath of the deities and is renowned for defeating Mahishasura. In our scriptures, righteous anger is deemed acceptable, and Katyayani symbolizes this divine anger that maintains cosmic order. She is the force that emerges to restore harmony in times of chaos and upheaval. Invoking Devi Katyayani on the sixth day is a powerful practice to overcome inner obstacles hindering spiritual growth.
Seventh Day – Kalaratri
On the seventh day, we honor Devi Kalaratri. Mother Nature embodies both extremes - one terrifying and destructive, the other beautiful and peaceful. Devi Kalaratri is a fierce manifestation of the goddess, symbolizing the dark night. Night, an aspect of the Divine Mother, brings solace and rest to our souls. It is during the night that we glimpse the infinite expanse of the sky. Devi Kalaratri represents the boundless dark energy that encompasses countless universes.
Eighth Day – Mahagauri
Devi Mahagauri represents beauty, empowerment, and liberation in life. She embodies the serene and graceful essence of Nature, guiding us forward and granting us freedom. She is the revered Goddess worshipped on the eighth day.
Ninth Day – Siddhidatri
On the ninth day, we venerate Devi Siddhidatri. Siddhi denotes perfection. Devi Siddhidatri embodies perfection in life. She turns the unachievable into achievable. She leads us beyond the logical mind to explore the boundless realms beyond time and space.
What does Navratri signify?
In today's fast-paced world, finding time for oneself can be a challenge. The nine days of Navratri offer a chance to unwind and rejuvenate the mind. By following a sattvic diet and practicing regular meditation, one can experience a profound body-mind detox in just nine days.
During Navratri, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the soothing chants and effortlessly meditate. Simply sit back, close your eyes, and let the Devi's chants guide you into a state of meditation.
The Story behind Navratri?
According to legend, when the demon Mahishasura's tyranny became unbearable for the gods, they prayed for a powerful being to vanquish him. The trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva united their powers, giving rise to the formidable Goddess Durga. Despite Mahishasura's confidence in his own strength, he was no match for Durga's might. A fierce battle ensued, culminating in Durga slaying him with her trident. This victory is commemorated as Vijaya Dashami, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The nine days of Navratri showcase Durga's prowess in defeating the most formidable demons. Devotees observe this period by fasting, meditating, and seeking inner strength to overcome their own adversities.
Here are the different types of Navratri celebrated in India:
1. Chaitra Navratri: This Navratri is celebrated in the Chaitra month (March-April). It is more popular in North India, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.
2. Sharad Navratri: This Navratri falls in the Ashwin month (September-October). It is the most prominent and widely celebrated Navratri, observed as a festival across India. It includes festivities like Ramleela, Durga Puja, Garba, and Dandiya Raas.
3. Vasant Navratri: This Navratri is also known as the Spring Navratri and is celebrated in the Chaitra month (March-April). It is primarily observed in Western India. It lasts for nine days and involves worshiping the nine forms of the goddess.
These are some of the major types of Navratri celebrated by Indian communities. This renowned festival holds religious, cultural, and social significance across the country.
Navratri : Why we celebrate?