Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhutessu Shakti-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||
Nine nights of honoring the divine feminine!
Nine nights of celebrating womanhood!
Navratri is celebrated for 9 nights during the Hindu month of Ashvin (September/October). It ends with Dussehra or Vijayadasami on the 10th day. Though there are 4 similar festivals also known as Navratri, the festival celebrated during the Autumn is called Sharada Navratri is most popular and important. Sharada Navratri commences on the first day or Pratipada of the lunar month of Ashvin. Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati are worshipped during Navratri along with other Gods like Kartikeya, Ganesha, etc.
Story of Navratri
There was a demon named Mahishasura. After doing deep penance, he gained a boon from Lord Brahma that no man or animal can kill him. He fought several battles against the Devas and defeated them. He believed that no woman is strong enough to kill him hence he is immortal. He even attacked the Trilok (Heaven, Hell, and Earth) and Indralok or the kingdom of Lord Indra.
The Gods approached Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu decided to create a divine female form to defeat the demon. Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, and all other Gods combined their powers together and created a strong divine feminine form Goddess Durga. Goddess Durga is the incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Goddess Durga then fought with Mahishasura over a period of 15 days during which he kept changing his shape to become different animals and misled her. Finally, when he transformed himself into a buffalo, Goddess Durga killed him with her Trishul or Trident on the day of Mahalaya. Hence this day is also called Durga Pooja. She’s also known as Mahishasura Mardini or the slayer of Mahishasura.
During these 9 days, Goddess Durga and her 8 avatars or Navadurga are worshipped. Each day is dedicated to each form of Durga.
1. Shailaputri- The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri (Daughter of Mountain). This form of Durga is worshipped as the wife of Lord Shiva. Grey is the color code of the day.
2. Brahmacharini- The second day is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini. The yogini form of Goddess Parvati is worshipped on this day. The color code of the day is Blue.
3. Chandraghanta-The name Chandraghanta is derived from the fact that after marrying Shiva, Parvati adorned her forehead with a half-moon or Ardha-Chandra. She is the symbol of bravery and embodiment of beauty. White is the color of the day.
4. Kusumanda- Goddess Kusumanda is associated with the vegetation on the earth hence the color of the day is Red. She is believed to be the creative power of the universe.
5. Skandamata- Skandamata is the mother of Skanda or Kartikeya. She symbolizes the mother who protects her child in danger. Royal blue is the color code of the day.
6. Katyayani- She is the warrior Goddess. Born to sage Katyayana, she exhibits courage. Yellow is the color that symbolizes her.
7. Kaalaratri- Considered as the most ferocious form of Durga, Kaalaratri is revered on the 7th day. It is believed that Goddess Parvati removed her fair skin to kill the demons Shumbh and Nishumbh. Green is the color of the day.
8. Mahagauri- It is believed that when Kaalratri took bath in the river Ganga, she became extremely fair again. Mahagauri symbolizes intelligence and peace. The peacock green color is associated with this color.
9. Siddhidatri- On the last day of Navaratri, Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped. It is believed that one form of Lord Shiva is that of Goddess Siddhidatri. The purple color is associated with this day.
Navratri is not just a festival to worship Goddess Durga. It symbolizes the strength and power of women. If a woman can be calm and composed like Parvati and spread goodness, she can also be brave and fearless like Durga and destroy every wrongdoing. There's a Parvati and there's a Durga in every woman.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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