Navratri has been celebrated in entire Bharat (present India) since ancient time. Devi is worshiped for nine days and some devotees (Bhakt) observe fast during these nine days. There are different rituals however in north, south, east and west regions of India. The words used to describe this occasion are different but the purpose is common - worship of the feminine power (Devi Shakti) and a celebration of the victory of the good or evil, victory of truth over false, of knowledge over ignorance and of Dharma (righteousness) over Adharma (unrighteousness)
The word “Navaratri” means “nine nights” when Mother Goddess 'Shakti' is worshiped in nine different forms mentioned and explained in this article.
(Also watch the videos at the end of this article)
This festival is observed twice a year, once in the beginning of summer (March/April) and again at the onset of winter (September/October)
Mother Goddess Shakti is worshiped in her various forms as Maha Durga, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. Each of the three deities give rise to three more forms representing the finer meaning of each form. Hence in all, these nine forms are known as Navdurga or MahaShakti.
The nine powers can also relates to the 7 virtues of soul and the 8 powers. In below nine forms discussion, Mamma relates to Mateshwari Jagadamba (World Mother)
SARASWATI
The Goddess of Knowledge - Mamma listened to the Knowledge (murli) from Shiv Baba and imbibed it and played the Sitar of Knowledge, and inspired everyone through her own inculcation (dharna), and brought realization to all.
JAGADAMBA
Goddess of Fullfilment - giving love and bestowing eternal blessing of peace and happiness. The one who fulfills everyone's wishes.
DURGA
Goddess of Shakti - who takes power from Shiva and removes all weaknesses (durgunn) within the self, and also helps to remove weaknesses of others.
KALI
Goddess of Fearlessness - who is fearless and courageous and destroys all negativity, evil and devilish personality traits.
GAYATRI
Goddess of Auspicious Omens - Mamma gave importance to the elevated versions spoken by Shiv Baba and used each version as a mantra and this is why there is importance of Gayatri mantra, which works like magic to remove all bad omens.
VAISHNAVI
Goddess of Purity - who radiates light of purity and empowers all to become divine through pure vision, pure thoughts, pure words and deeds.
UMA
Goddess of Enthusiasm (Umang) - who brings hope, zeal and enthusiasm (umang/utsaha).
SANTOSHI
Goddess of Contentment – The one who brings a feeling of deep contentment.
LAKSHMI
Goddess of Wealth – The one who bestows upon souls the unlimited Wealth of spiritual knowledge and virtues.
Also refer to our article on Navratri Message (2019)
- WATCH BELOW VIDEOS -
* Spiritual Significance of Navratri
Significance of Navratri (Hindi) - BK Suraj bhai
Spiritual Significance of Navratri - BK Anita Didi
Useful links
Shiv Shaktiya Aa Gayi - Song
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Video Gallery - Hindi & English
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