Navaratri
Navaratri is a festival dedicated to the female form of the supreme power and epitomises the respect and reverence that our ancient culture had for women and her innate strength, courage and resilience.
As the name suggests, Navaratri is the festival of nine nights when the Mother Goddess is worshipped in different forms. On the first three nights of the festival, Durga who embodies courage is worshipped. On the following three nights, Lakshmi the harbinger of prosperity and fortune is worshipped, and Saraswathi the bearer of wisdom and knowledge is worshipped on the last three nights.
Navratri also embodies the colours, gaiety and fanfare that are part of our everyday life and gives us a chance to celebrate all that is good and noble while vanquishing the evil and darkness in our soul and surroundings.
Certain communities indulge in a ritual display of dolls on an odd number of tiers called Golu and celebrate the nine days with daily prayers and visits from family and friends.
Still others believe in community prayer and install deities with elaborate decorations where daily prayers are offered and festivities are conducted with much aplomb.
The Goddess of knowledge is invoked on the 7th day by placing all the books and materials used for education. Many people formally start the education for their children on the same day.
The 9th day is celebrated as Ayudha Pooja and is a special occasion for workplaces and office establishments where all the tools and machinery of the trade are venerated while vehicles and home appliances are worshipped at home. ,
The following tenth day is called Vijayadasami. Vijaya means “victory” and refers to the victory over one’s ego and negative thoughts that can only be accomplished by invoking the reserves of wealth, courage and wisdom that exist within us all. Those who have displayed the traditional doll arrangement in their homes mark the end of Navratri by removing any one doll and symbolically putting it to sleep while removing the kalasha.
The festival also marks the time for introspection and meditation to emerge rejuvenated and empowered to take on new challenges and opportunities.
The Three Gunas & Navaratri
The Divine Mother is the symbolization of the creation, and the entire creation is made up of five elements.
Goddess - Shylaputri
The first day is dedicated to the Goddess 'Shylaputri', the daughter of the Himalayas. She is a form of Shakti, the companion of Lord Shiva.
Goddess - Brahmacharini
The second day is dedicated to the Goddess 'Brahmacharini'. The name is derivative of the word 'Brahma', which means 'Tapa' or penace.
Goddess - Chandraghanta
The third day is dedicated to the goddess 'Chandraghanta', the symbolic representation of beauty and bravery.
Goddess - Kushmanda
The fourth day is dedicated to the goddess 'Kushmanda', the creator of the entire Universe.
Goddess - Skanda Mata
The fifth day is dedicated to the Goddess 'Skanda Mata', the mother of the chief warrior of the Gods army, the Skanda.
Goddess - Katyayani
The sixth day is dedicated to the goddess 'Katyayani' with three eyes and four hands.
Goddess - Kala Ratri
The seventh day is dedicated to the Goddess 'Kala Ratri', meant to make the devotees fearless.
Goddess - Maha Gauri
The eight day is dedicated to the Mata Rani or 'Maha Gauri' representing calmness and exhibits wisdom.
Goddess - Siddhidatri
The ninth day is dedicated to Durga also referred as 'Siddhidatri'. It is believed that she has all the eight siddhis and is worshipped by all the Rishis and Yogis.
Navaratri Rituals
The Divine Mother is the symbolization of the creation, and the entire creation is made up of five elements.
