Navratri, the word is formed using two words ‘Nava’ and ‘Ratri’. Nava means nine and Ratri means nights hence Navratri literally means nine nights. During the festival of Navratri, Maa Durga is worshipped and revered in Her various forms for ten days and nine nights. Navratri is celebrated with much gusto in the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin which is around September-October as per the Gregorian calendar. Although Navratri is celebrated multiple times during the year but the Navratri celebrated on the onset of winter in the month of Ashwin is considered as most important one and auspicious to perform Navratri Puja.
This Navratri is also known as Maha-Navratri or Sharad Navratri. The onset of winter and the nine nights of Navratri are considered as most auspicious period to perform devotional sadhanas, worship Goddess Durga and perform Navratri Puja. The nine manifestations of Goddess Durga are worshipped each day of Navratri these incarnations are Goddess Shailputri, Brahmcharni, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. Worshipping the nine Goddess is the primary ritual of any Navratri Puja.
Rituals of Navratri Festival 2014
• First 3 days (1st – 3rd day of Navratri): The first three days of the nine days are dedicated to Goddess Durga, the Goddess of power, on the first day barley seeds are sown in a mud pot and the pot is kept on the Puja Altar.
• Second 3 days (4th – 6th day of Navratri): The second three days of the nine days are dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
• Third 3 days (7th – 9th day of Navratri): The next three days of the nine days are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge and learning.
Mahanavami : Navratri culminates with Mahanavami. Kanya Puja is performed on Mahanavami in which nine young girls (pre-puberty) representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped and fed.
During nine days of Navratri Festival Goddess Durga is worshipped for all nine days. It’s best to conduct the Puja at a particular time each day, sunrise is considered as the best time.
On the first day Sthapana of idol of Goddess Durga and the Kalash with mango leaves and coconut is done on the chowki. Also barley seeds are sown in the clay pot and watered. Offer the prayers to Maa Durga and conduct Aarti. To worship Goddess Durga one may recite the Durga Saptshati each day of the Navratri. On the ninth day of Navratri, Kanya Puja is done in which 9 girls (who haven’t attained puberty) symbolizing nine manifestations of Maa Durga are worshipped and fed.
Legends of Navratri Festival in India
There are different legends associated with Navratri in different parts of India :
• North India: In North India it is believed that once there was a mighty demon Mahishasura who performed penance for Lord Shiva and gained unlimited power. Drunk with power he started terrorizing heaven and earth, terrified Gods asked Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva asked all Gods to combine their powers and create a divine female warrior Goddess Durga. Goddess Durga fought demon Mahishasura for nine days and nights and at the end of the ninth night She beheaded the demon. Thus the tenth day of Navratri is also celebrated as Vijayadashami.
Another legend is that Lord Ram worshipped Maa Durga in Her nine manifestations for nine nights before the war with demon king Ravana. On the tenth day Lord Ram slayed the demon king Ravana. Thus the nine nights are celebrated as Navratri and the tenth day as Vijayadashami or Dusshera.
• East India: In East India it is believed that Maa Uma, the daughter of king Daksha, the king of the Himalayas was a devotee of Lord Shiva and wanted to marry Him. To win over Lord Shiva Maa Uma performed severe penance and managed to please Lord Shiva. But king Daksha wasn’t pleased with his daughter choice and once when he organized a Yajna he didn’t invite Lord Shiva. Angered with Her husband’s insult Maa Uma ended Her life by jumping into the agnikund of the Yagna. Thus Maa Uma came to be known as Goddess Sati, Maa Uma took re-birth and again won Lord Shiva as her groom. It is believed that during Navratri, Maa Uma comes down to earth every year with Ganesh, Kartik, Saraswati and Laxmi and two of her best friends Jaya and Bijaya.
Shailputri (Daughter of Mountain)
Goddess Shailputri is the first among the nine forms of Durga. Goddess Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. The word ‘Shail’ means mountains and ‘Putri’ means daughter, thus the name as Goddess Shailputri is the daughter of the King of the Mountains Himalaya.
Brahmacharini
Goddess Brahamcharini is the second among the nine forms of Durga. Goddess Brahamcharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri. The word Brahamcharini means the one who observes penance (tapa). Goddess Brahamcharini personifies love, loyalty, wisdom and knowledge. Rudraksha beads are Goddess Brahamcharini most adored ornaments.
Chandraghanta
Goddess Chandraghanta is the third among the nine forms of Durga. Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. The word Chandraghanta means knowledge, bliss, peace and serenity. Goddess Chandraghanta is depicted with a half-circular moon on her forehead.
Kushmanda
Goddess Kushmanda is the fourth among the nine forms of Durga. Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri. The abode of Goddess Kushmanda is the Bhimaparvat. Goddess Kushmanda is depicted with eight arms holding weapons and a mala (rosary).
Skanda Mata
Goddess Skanda Mata is the fifth among the nine forms of Durga. Goddess Skanda is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. Goddess Skanda Mata gets Her name as She is depicted holding Her son Skanda on her lap. It is believed that with blessings of Goddess Skanda Mata any individual can become an ocean of wisdom and knowledge.
Katyayani
Goddess Katyayani is the sixth among the nine forms of Durga. Goddess Katyayani is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. Legends go that once there was a sage named Kata; Sage Kata underwent hard penance and pleased Mother Goddess Durga. Goddess Durga granted the wish of Sage Kata and was born as Goddess Katyayani a daughter to Sage Kata.
Goddess Kaalratri
Goddess Kaalratri is the seventh among the nine forms of Durga. Goddess Kaalratri is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri. Goddess Kaalratri is the destroyer of darkness, enemies and ignorance. Goddess Kaalratri is depicted with black (or blue) skin with bountiful hair and 4 hands, Her vehicle is a faithful donkey.
Goddess Maha Gauri
Goddess Maha Gauri is the eighth among the nine forms of Durga. Goddess Maha Gauri is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri. Goddess Maha Gauri has the fairest complexion among all forms of Durga. Goddess Maha Gauri radiates peace and compassion and is often depicted riding a bull.
Goddess Siddhidatri
Goddess Siddhidatri is the ninth among the nine forms of Durga. Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri. Goddess Siddhidatri is the grantor of 26 different wishes and eight Siddhis to Her devotees. Goddess Siddhidatri is depicted with four arms, ensconced in a lotus.
Courtesy: www.rudraksha-ratna.com/navratri.htm
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