Navratri

What is Navratri and why is it celebrated ?

Navaratri: Process of Evolution for Divine Future, Grand Fortune, Glorious Destiny, Dispels Darkness, Ignorance, Bestows Qualities Need for Successful Life

Auspicious “Navratri” denotes two words, one is “Nava” which means “Nine”, and “Ratri”, which means “meaningful new night”. These nine new nights devotees observe fast, offer prayers to nine forms of “Goddess Durga”, in different forms of creation, who is none other than Adi Parashakti, is the primordial form of Goddess Parvati, who is also called as Goddess Bhadrakali, Goddess Jagadamba, Goddess Annapurna, Goddess Sarvamangala, Goddess Bhairavi, Goddess Chandika, Goddess Lalita, Goddess Bhavani and Goddess Mookambika.

Worshiping nine unique forms in these nine days as first three days is Goddess Durga with her consort Lord Shiva, second three days as Goddess Lakshmi with her consort Lord Vishnu, and third three days as Goddess Saraswathi with her consort Lord Brahma bless devotees with supreme forms of celestial energy, governs the universe with reality, blissful boundless joy, absolute consciousness, creative power, blissful self-awareness.

Why Navaratri Is Celebrated

Once, there lives a iniquitous demon called Mahishasura who got the boon of immortality and because of that boasted of his powers in the three worlds. He conquered the three worlds, harassed the demigods and mortals and assumed that he’s indestructible. But according to the blessing he could be killed only by a virgin.

The demon’s harassment grew day by day and the gods approached Lord Shiva who in turn created Mother Shakthi or Durga or the Warrior Goddess.  When the mighty demon saw this beautiful maiden he got bewitched with her beauty and wanted to marry her. She agreed to marry him but on the condition that he win her over in a battle. He readily agreed. The fight continued for nine nights and on the last day the goddess beheaded him. The tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadasami to mark the victory of good over evil.

In many households in the south, an artistic display of dolls of various deities in set up on platforms erected for the purpose. These platforms are usually in odd numbers of three, five, seven, nine, eleven etc. the Bommai Kolu, as it is called, is decorated with colourful lights and festoons and pujas performed with prasadam offerings during the day and night. The offerings are mainly ‘nava danya’ or nine types of grams that are offered in the form of ‘sundal’. Sometimes even kheers or payasams are presented as offerings.

In some regions of the north, the festival is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. It is said that the lord prayed goddess Durga in her nine aspects so that he could garner enough power to kill Ravana.

Benefits of Worship Goddess Durga on Navratri Festival

Clear all ill-effects of evil eye, Remove black-magic, witchcraft

Nullify misfortunes, Bestow harmony, peace of mind

Overcome obstacles, troubles in Life, Bless success, positivity and happiness

Invoke positive approach to achieve life goals, win over challenges

Remove all Dosha’s of Birth Chart, Bless Abundance of wealth and prosperity

Overcome Enmity, Bless manifold Success in all endeavors

Significance Of Celebrating Festivals Like Durga Puja

In general, festivals purify the soul making it free from evil that corrupts our mind. That’s exactly why they are organised to bring in tranquillity and positivity to life. Worshipping gods and goddesses is said to be of prime importance because religious rituals provide the perfect platform for unity and brotherhood.