Significations of Navratri?

‘Navratri’ means ‘nine nights.’ ‘Nava’ means ‘nine,’ and ‘Ratri’ means ‘night.’

Navratri or the ‘nine nights’ during this auspicious period, we celebrate the nine divine forms of Durga, the embodiment of Shakti (divine feminine power). Each form represents a unique aspect of the Devi and offers specific blessings to devotees.

Fasting, prayers, and other spiritual practices performed during this period help bring about this deep rest. Even refraining from over-indulging in sense objects during this time aid the process of attaining deep rest.

Navratri holds a significant place in Hinduism and is celebrated for various reasons across different regions.

Religious Significance

• Victory of Good Over Evil: Primarily, Navratri celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of dharma (righteousness).
• Worship of the Divine Feminine: Each day of Navratri honors a specific form of Durga, representing different aspects of the divine feminine Shakti. These forms are worshipped for specific blessings like knowledge, strength, and prosperity.
• Spiritual Renewal: The nine nights are seen as an auspicious time for spiritual purification and introspection. Devotees may observe fasts, recite mantras, and perform puja rituals to cleanse their minds and bodies.

Cultural Significance:

• Harvest Festival: Coinciding with the post-monsoon harvest in some regions, Navratri signifies a time of thanksgiving and celebration for a bountiful crop.
• Community and Tradition: Navratri brings communities together through celebrations, performances, and sharing of festive delicacies. It serves as a way to connect with cultural heritage and traditions.
• Arts and Performances: The festival is a vibrant display of Indian art forms. Classical dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas are particularly associated with Navratri and showcase rich costumes and energetic choreography.

Personal Significance:

• Inner Strength and Peace: The nine forms of Durga represent various virtues like courage, knowledge, and serenity. By worshipping them, devotees seek to cultivate these qualities within themselves.
• Personal Growth: The period of Navratri can be a time for self-reflection and setting intentions for personal growth. Devotees may use this time to break bad habits, cultivate positive thoughts, and commit to personal goals.

Overall, Navratri is a multifaceted festival that resonates with people on religious, cultural, and personal levels. It's a time for celebration, spiritual growth, and reflection, all woven together in the rich tapestry of Hindu tradition.

Devi Puja and its Importance.

Devi Puja, also known as Durga Puja in some regions, is a worship ceremony dedicated to the divine feminine energy, Devi, often personified as various goddesses in Hinduism. It's a broad term encompassing different rituals and practices depending on the specific Devi being worshipped and regional traditions.

Devi, the embodiment of Shakti (divine feminine power), is worshipped in various forms like Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kali, etc., each representing unique aspects of the divine feminine.

Significance:

• Appeasement and Blessings: Devotees perform puja to appease the chosen Devi, seeking blessings for various aspects of life like prosperity, knowledge, strength, protection, and liberation.
• Spiritual Growth: The rituals and mantras chanted during Devi Puja act as a tool for spiritual purification, self-reflection, and connection with the divine feminine energy.
• Cultural Celebration: Devi Puja is often a vibrant community celebration with music, dance, and sharing of festive delicacies. It serves as a way to connect with cultural heritage and traditions.

Elements of Devi Puja:

• Murti or Yantra: An idol (murti) or a symbolic diagram (yantra) representing the chosen Devi is used as a focal point for worship.
• Offerings: Devotees offer various items like flowers, fruits, sweets, incense, and lamps to the Devi.
• Mantras and Prayers: Chanting specific mantras and reciting prayers dedicated to the Devi is a central part of the puja.
• Aarti: Aarti, a ritual of offering light to the deity, signifies reverence and concludes the puja ceremony.

Importance of Devi Puja:

Devi Puja celebrates the power and significance of the divine feminine in Hinduism. It's a time for spiritual growth, seeking blessings, and connecting with the Devi's grace for a fulfilling and prosperous life.

Navdurga and significance of each day of Navratri

Navratri translates to "nine nights," and during this auspicious period, we celebrate the nine divine forms of Durga, the embodiment of Shakti (divine feminine power). Each form represents a unique aspect of the Devi and offers specific blessings to devotees. Let's delve deeper into these nine manifestations:

Devi is worshipped in 9 forms known as Navadurga. The significance of each day of Navratri is attached to a form of the Mother Divine.

First Day - Shail Putri (Daughter of the Mountain)

On the first day of Navratri, we worship Shaila Putri (Daughter of the Mountain).

She represents, purity and Innocence Like the mountain, she symbolizes a strong foundation and a pure heart. She reminds us of our connection to nature and the importance of stability.

Devotees seek blessings from Shaila Putri for:

• Strength and Determination To face challenges with courage and overcome obstacles.
• Connection with Nature To appreciate the power and beauty of the natural world.
• Spiritual Grounding To find inner peace and a sense of stability in life.

Second Day – Brahmacharini (The Celibate One)

The second day of Navratri is dedicated to worshipping Brahmacharini (The Celibate One).

Symbolism:

Brahmacharini is often depicted holding a jap mala (prayer beads) and a kamandal (water pot), symbolizing dedication to spiritual practices and self-control and Her celibate form represents the importance of self-discipline and perseverance in achieving spiritual goals.

Blessings:

• Knowledge and Wisdom: Devotees seek blessings from Brahmacharini for enhanced learning, knowledge retention, and intellectual growth.
• Control Over Senses: She guides devotees towards mastering their senses and avoiding distractions on the path to enlightenment.
• Inner Strength: By following Brahmacharini's principles, one can cultivate inner strength, focus, and determination.

Significance: Brahmacharini reminds us that achieving spiritual growth requires commitment, self-control, and a dedication to knowledge.

Third Day Chandra ghanta (The One with the Moon-Shaped Bell)

The third day of Navratri ushers in the worship of Chandrakanta (The One with the Moon-Shaped Bell). Let's explore her significance and the blessings she bestows:

Symbolism:

Chandrakanta is adorned with a crescent moon on her forehead, symbolizing inner strength and the ability to overcome darkness, and The bell in her hand represents the power of sound to ward off negativity and evil influences.

Blessings:

• Protection from Evil: Devotees seek Chandrakanta’s blessings for protection from negativity, harmful energies, and internal conflicts.
• Inner Strength: She empowers devotees to face challenges with courage and overcome fear or self-doubt.
• Mental Clarity: Chandrakanta helps dispel confusion and brings mental clarity, allowing for better decision-making.

Significance: Ma Chandrakanta reminds us that true power lies not just in physical strength, but also in the courage to face our fears and the ability to dispel negativity within and around us.

Day 4: Kush Manda (The Creator of the Universe)

The fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to worshipping Kushmanda (The Creator of the Universe). Here's a breakdown of her significance:

Symbolism:

Kushmanda is depicted radiating golden light, symbolizing the source of all creation and the cosmic energy that sustains the universe. Her eight arms hold various objects, including a lotus, a mace, a discus, a conch shell, a water pot, and a jap mala, representing the tools of creation and the abundance of the universe.

Blessings:

• Good Health: Devotees seek blessings from Kushmanda for good health, vitality, and a radiant aura.
• Prosperity and Abundance: She is associated with bringing prosperity, success, and fulfilment in all endeavours.
• Attainment of Goals: Worshipping Kushmanda can empower individuals to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles with her radiant energy.

Significance: Kushmanda reminds us that within each of us lies the potential for creation and abundance. By connecting with her radiant energy, we can cultivate a positive outlook, achieve our goals, and contribute to the well-being of the universe.

Day 5: SkandaMata (The Mother of Skanda)

The fifth day of Navratri honours Skandamata (The Mother of Skanda). Let's delve into her symbolism and the blessings she bestows:

Symbolism:

Skandamata is depicted holding her son, Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), symbolizing the immense love, care, and strength a mother possesses.

• Devotion and Family Harmony: She embodies the importance of family, devotion, and the nurturing bond between a mother and child.

Blessings:

• Children and Family Well-being: Devotees seek blessings from Skandmata for a happy family life, healthy children, and a nurturing environment.
• Love and Compassion: She inspires devotees to cultivate love, empathy, and compassion not just for their families, but for all beings.
• Inner Strength and Determination: Like a mother fiercely protecting her children, Skandamata empowers devotees with inner strength and resilience.

Celebration:

• This day is often associated with the color grey, signifying purity, balance, and a foundation for growth.
• Devotees may wear grey clothing or offer bananas, a favorite food of Lord Skanda, to the Goddess.
• Mantras dedicated to Skandamata are chanted, seeking her blessings for a loving and nurturing family life.

Significance: Skandamata reminds us of the vital role mothers play in nurturing and shaping our lives. She also emphasizes the importance of fostering love, compassion, and a strong foundation within our families and communities.

Day 6: Katyayani (The Fierce Warrior)

The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to worshipping Katyayani (The Fierce Warrior). Here's a breakdown of her significance and the blessings she bestows:

Symbolism:

• Immense Power and Brilliance: Katyayani is often depicted riding a lion, wielding multiple weapons, and radiating a powerful aura. This signifies her immense power and brilliance in vanquishing evil.
• Destruction of Negativity: She represents the fierce aspect of Durga, destroying negativity, ignorance, and demonic forces that hinder spiritual progress.

Blessings:

• Victory Over Enemies: Devotees seek blessings from Katyayani for overcoming challenges, defeating internal demons, and achieving success over obstacles.
• Inner Strength and Determination: She empowers devotees with unwavering courage, mental fortitude, and the will to overcome anything they set their mind to.
• Spiritual Growth: By battling negativity, Katyayani paves the way for spiritual purification and growth.

Significance: Katyayani reminds us that within each of us lies the power to overcome challenges and conquer negativity. By embracing her fierce spirit, we can cultivate inner strength, achieve our goals, and pave the path for spiritual growth.

Day 7: Kalaratri (The Dark Night)

The seventh day of Navratri ushers in the worship of Kalaratri (The Dark Night). Let's explore her significance and the blessings she offers:

Symbolism:

• Fierce Aspect of Durga: Kalaratri is depicted with a dark complexion, riding a black donkey, and wielding various weapons. This fierce form represents the destructive power of Durga against ignorance and negativity.
• Dispelling Darkness: The darkness associated with Kalaratri signifies not physical darkness, but the darkness of ignorance, evil, and negativity that resides within us.

Blessings:

• Purification and Liberation: Devotees seek blessings from Kalaratri for the removal of negativity, purification of the mind and soul, and liberation from ignorance and fear.
• Protection from Evil: She offers protection from harmful energies, negative influences, and internal struggles.
• Overcoming Obstacles: By destroying darkness, Kalaratri empowers us to overcome obstacles and challenges that hinder our spiritual progress.

Significance: Kalaratri reminds us that true transformation requires facing our inner darkness, destroying negative thoughts and habits, and embracing the light of wisdom and knowledge.

Day 8: Mahagauri (The Radiant One)

The eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to worshipping Mahagauri (The Radiant One). Here's a breakdown of her significance and the blessings she bestows:

Symbolism:

• Peace and Serenity: Mahagauri is depicted with a fair complexion, signifying purity, peace, and spiritual enlightenment.
• Inner Beauty: Her radiant white attire symbolizes inner purity and the elimination of negativity from the soul.

Blessings:

• Peace and Harmony: Devotees seek blessings from Mahagauri for inner peace, tranquillity, and harmony in their lives.
• Forgiveness and Compassion: She inspires devotees to cultivate forgiveness, compassion, and a gentle disposition towards others.
• Marriage and Relationships: Mahagauri is also associated with blessings for a happy and successful marriage life.

Significance: Mahagauri reminds us that true beauty lies not just in the physical world, but also in the purity and serenity of our inner selves. By cultivating these qualities, we can achieve inner peace, forgiveness, and create harmonious relationships with others.

Day 9: Siddhidatri (The Bestower of Siddhis)

The grand finale of Navratri culminates in the worship of Siddhidatri (The Bestower of Siddhis). Here's a glimpse into her significance and the blessings she offers:

Symbolism:

• Ultimate Perfection: Siddhidatri is depicted as the embodiment of all spiritual powers (Siddhis) and represents the ultimate state of perfection attainable through spiritual practice.
• Four-Armed Power: She holds various objects in her four hands, symbolizing knowledge, prosperity, peace, and the power to grant wishes.

Blessings:

• Self-realization and Spiritual Growth: Devotees seek blessings from Siddhidatri for spiritual enlightenment, self-realization, and the attainment of their deepest desires.
• Attainment of Goals: She empowers devotees to achieve their goals with focus, determination, and the wisdom to navigate challenges.
• Fulfilment and Contentment: By attaining perfection in one's spiritual journey, Siddhidatri bestows a sense of fulfilment and inner contentment.

Significance: Siddhidatri marks the culmination of the nine-day journey of introspection and spiritual growth undertaken during Navratri. By worshipping her, devotees strive to achieve a state of perfection, not just in worldly pursuits, but also in their spiritual aspirations.

By worshipping these nine forms of Durga during Navratri, devotees seek blessings, cultivate inner qualities, and celebrate the divine feminine power that permeates the universe.

 

Questions and Answers.

1) What does Navratri signify?

The world we are living in is a fast-paced one with hardly any time for oneself. The nine days of Navratri are designed to melt down the year-long tiredness and restore mental cool. If one is a little heedful to follow a sattvic diet and meditate regularly there is the possibility of a deep body-mind detox in just a span of nine days. 

2) What Colour to wear on Navaratri?

The following are the recommended colours to follow for each day of Navratri. These colours are believed to enhance your positivity and harmony for the day:

First Day – Pratipada – Yellow
Second Day – Dwitiya – Green
Third-Day – Tritiya – Grey
Fourth Day – Chaturthi – Orange
Fifth Day – Panchami – White
Sixth Day  – Shashti – Red
Seventh Day – Saptami – Royal Blue
Eighth Day – Ashtami – Pink
Ninth Day – Navami – Purple

3) What is the story behind Navratri?

The legend behind Navratri is that once when the obnoxious rule of Mashishasura was getting to the nose of the devatas, they prayed for a force so invincible that it could slay down the immortal demon-ruler. The trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh) together concentrated their powers, and from an illuminating pillar of energy emerged a glorious Supreme Being, the source of power and strength, called Goddess Durga. But Mashishasura was sure of his victory as he believed he could beat her hands down. He underestimated the feminine power. Soon a fierce ravaging battle was instigated between the Devi and the demon and he couldn’t escape the blows from her trident. He started changing his form so he could trick her into losing but soon when he took the form of a buffalo, the Devi slewed him with her trident (trishul) and achieved victory.   Since then, this day is marked as a victory day and celebrated as Vijaya Dashami. The nine days of Navratri depict Devi’s spectacular skills in tackling the deadliest demons of that time. Navratri is hence, a significant time for devotees to fast, meditate, and pray to the Divine Mother for inner strength and skills to combat their own demons (or problems) of life.

4) What Happens during Navratri?

The nine nights of Navratri are said to be precious as there are subtle energies in the creation that are enriched at this time of the year. We honour and worship the omnipresent Devi energy during Navratri. Devi or the Divine Mother is the energy that has given birth to the entire universe including the celestial stars far away and the subtle mind and its emotions. Navratri is the time when this energy can be tapped. It’s time to feel your soul! When stress in the form of negative emotions is destroyed, we experience the deep rest of the transforming nine nights.