Some moments are so b e a u t i f u l, they have you awed. Some flashes are so magical, they have you hypnotized. Some celebrations are so t h r i l l i n g, they have you on a high. Perhaps e v e r y o n e has their own precious memories of those celebrations that leave you smiling, dancing and of course- eating for endless days. F e s t i v a l s are a prime example of this, they have the visible tendency of creating h a p p i n e s s and joy within the atmosphere.
On 25th September this year the festival begin, and boy is everyone excited. After all, the arrival of N a v r a t r i is like light to darkness.
For many Hindus, the festival of N a v r a t r i is that time of joy. The vibrant and magical vibe this festival brings is purely stunning. The festival is the celebration of the victory of good over evil, it symbolizes the win of purity over negativity. It is when Hindus all over the world celebrate this triumph. Navratri takes place at the beginning of October and is celebrated for nine days and nine nights. Navratri is also known as D u r g a P u j a. During this period, Devi Durga, Devi Lakshmi and Devi Saraswati are worshiped as three different manifestations of Shakti.
D e v i D u r g a i s t h e Mother Goddess- she is the representation of power.
Yet, all together during Navratri nine goddesses are worshiped, therefore the nine days of fasting. Every day is dedicated to celebrating, loving and worshiping nine goddesses that in some way have impacted every Hindu's spiritual belief.
Day 1: Durga Shailputri Mata (Daughter of Mountain) : "Shail" means mountains, "Putri" means daughter. Parvati, the daughter of the King of the Mountains Himavan, is called 'Shailputri". The first among nine Durgas and 1st night of Navratras is devoted to the Puja of Shailputri Mata. Her two hands display a trident and a lotus. Her mount is a bull.
Day 2: The second Durga Shakti is Brahamcharini Mata : Brahma, that is who observes penance (tapa) and good conduct. Here "Brahma" means "Tapa". The idol of this Goddess is very gorgeous. One hand holds a "Kumbha" or water pot, and the other holds a rosary. She personifies love and loyalty. Bhramcharini Mata is the storehouse of knowledge and wisdom. Rudraksha beads are Her most adored ornaments!
Day 3: The name of third Shakti is Chandraghanta Mata : There is a half-circular moon in her forehead. She is enchanting and bright. She is Golden in color, possesses ten hands and 3 eyes. Eight of her hands display weapons while the remaining two are respectively in the mudras or gestures of boon, giving and stopping harm. Chandra + Ghanta, meaning supreme bliss and knowledge, showering peace and serenity, like cool breeze in a moonlit night. This Durga Shakti rides a tiger. She is mainly worshiped in Tamil Nadu.
Day 4: With the fourth night begins the worship of Kushmanda Mata : Possessed with eight arms, holding a weapons and a mala (rosary), her mount is the tiger and She emanates a solar aura. "Kumbh Bhand" means to see the cosmic dance in the form of Pindi, the knowledge of cosmic intricacies in the human race. The abode of Kushmanda Mata is Bhimaparvat!
Day 5: Fifth name of Durga is "Skanda Mata": Riding a lion as Her chosen vehicle, She holds Her son skanda on her lap. She displays three eyes and four hands; two hands holds lotuses while the other two hand display defending and granting mudras, respectively. Its said, by the march of Skandmata, even the fool becomes an ocean of knowledge.
Day 6: The sixith day is dedicated to Katyayani Mata : Once upon a time, a great sage called Kata underwent long austerities and penance in order to receive the grace of the Mother Goddess. According to his wish and desire the Goddess granted his request. Katyayani Mata was born to Kata as an avatar of Devi Durga.
Day 7: Kaalratri Mata is the seventh goddess to be worshiped : Blackskin with bountiful hair and 4 hands, 2 clutching a cleaver and a torch, while the remaining 2 are in the mudras of "giving" and "protecting". Her vehicle is a faithful donkey. The destroyer of darkness and ignorance, Kaalratri Mata is the seventh form of Nav-Durga meaning scourer of darkness; enemy of darkness.
Day 8: The Eighth Durga is Maha Gauri Mata : She is as white as a conch, moon and Jasmine. She is of eight years old. With four arms and the fairest complexion of all the Durga Shaktis, Mahagauri Mata radiates peace and compassion. She is often dressed in a white or green sari. She holds a drum and a trident and is often depicted riding a bull.
Day 9: Ninth Durga is "Siddhidatri Mata" : There are eight Siddhis, they are- Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Iishitva & Vashitva. It is said in "Devipuran" that the Supreme God Shiv got all these Siddhis by worshiping Maha Shakti. With her gratitude the half body of Shiv had became of Goddess and therefore his name "Ardhanarishvar" has became famous. Usually shown ensconced a lotus with four arms, she is the grantor of 26 different wishes to Her Bhaktis.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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