NAVRATRI - Come & Celebrate - Let's Play GARBA - Page 2

Maa Durga is worshiped as Maa Mahagauri on eighth Navratri. Mahagauri is the eight form of Goddess Shakti. Her color is white. Whiteners is shown by shell, moon etc. Mahagauri means one clean and bright like a ray of lightning.

This is the form of Goddess Parvati when she did penance to get Lord Shiva as her husband. It is believed that due to the intense Tapas performed by her without moving caused soil and dust to collect on her body. Lord Shiva cleaned her with water from Ganga that's why she get whiteners as shine & got the name as Maha Gauri.Purity is depicted in this form of Durga.

The Goddess is in the form of eight-year old child with complexion as fair as a conch, moon and jasmine. Her clothes and ornaments are white and pure. She has three eyes and four arms. Her right upper hand is in the pose of allaying fear and right lower hand holds a trident in it. The left upper hand holds a tambourine and the lower one is in the pose of blessing. All sins of devotees are washed away due to her worship. Her power is unfailing and instantly fruitful.

The eighth day of Navratri Pooja has much importance. Durga Ashtami Puja is held in many parts of India. If human worship after fast he/she gets fruits immediately. In front of Portrait of Goddess Mother as in front of Parvati Mata in Lord Shiva temple one can worship Maa MahaGauri. She appeared in the form of Maa Ambaji, Maa Kalika, Maa Bahucharaji etc.

Thanks Nandini

Navratri begins from the first day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin which usually coincides with the end of the rainy season . It is one of the most celebrated festivals of Hindu calendar, it holds special significance for Gujratis , Bengalis & South Indians and one can see it in the zeal and fervor of the people with which they indulge in the festive activities of the season.

One of the greatest Hindu festivals is called Navratri, Navratras, Navrathri or Durga Puja are the different names, different idols, and different manner of celebration, but the underlying theme remains the same. It is the celebration of Good over Evil; of the greatness and valour of Devi Durga; the Giver of Peace, Prosperity and Well being of the mortals.

The word Navaratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit . During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped. The 10th day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or Dashera.. Navaratri represents celebration of Goddess Durga, the manifestation of Deity in form of Shakti [Energy or Power]. The Navaratri festival or 'Nine Nights festival' becomes 'ten days festival' with the addition of the last day, Vijayadashami which is its culmination. On all these ten days, the various forms of Mother Mahisasura-mardini (Durga) are worshiped with fervor and devotion.

Word Dashahara is derived from Sanskrit words "Dasha" & "hara" meaning removing the ten (10). This is the most auspicious festival in the Dakshinaayana or in the Southern hemisphere motion of the Sun. In Sanskrit, 'Vijaya' means Victory and 'Dashami' means 10th day. 'Thus Vijaya Dashami' means victory on the 10th day.

Dussehra is also known as Navaratri, as in the first nine days the Divine Mother Goddess Durga is worshipped and invoked in different manifestations of her Shakti. The 10th day is in honor of Durga Devi. The basic purpose behind this festival is to worship feminine principle of the Universe in the form of the divine mother to remind the teachings of the Taitareeya Upanishad, "Matru Devo Bhava." Essence of the Navaratri celebration at social level is to remind & respect all the women, who are the guardians of the family, culture, and national integrity, to take lead in times of crisis to guide the humanity towards the path of social justice, righteousness, equality, love, and divinity.

As per Hindu Religion, Dussehra is considered auspicious day (Shubha Muhurta). t is proven over years and years that any new venture started on this day is bound to be successful. Hence in most parts of India Dussehra is selected for starting a new businesses, construction activities (house, building, hospital), taking possession of new house, buying new vehicle, buying gold, booking the first order for the business etc'

On Dussehra farmers start their new crop season & the work in the field, manufacturers worship their machines,arms & ammunition are also worshiped , traders worship their books of account, intellectuals worship their Pen, Calculators, Computers and children worship their school books, notebooks, drawing material etc...

On Vijayadashami, the traditional Dussehra procession (locally known as Jumboo Savari) is held on the streets of Mysore city. The main attraction of this procession is the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari which is placed on a golden mantapa on the top of a decorated elephant. This idol is worshiped by the royal couple and other invitees before it is taken around in the procession. Colourful tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels form a part of the procession which starts from the Mysore Palace and culminates at a place called Bannimantapwhere the banni tree (Prosopis spicigera) is worshiped.

DUSSEHRA SHOWERS UPON US...!

1. SHANTI 2. SHAKTI 3. SAIYAM 4. SAMMAAN

5. SARALTA 6. SAFALTA 7. SAMRIDHI

8. SANSKAAR 9. SWAASTHYA.