Fortune

Remain healthy by worshipping Navadurga and Dashamahavidya

What is Navratri?

Navratri is an ancient religious occasion observed by the Hindus. Since antiquity, this festival has remained significant for the masses. The Navratri vrata is vividly mentioned in the ‘Shreemad-devi-bhaagwat’. In it, Maharshi Vyas has revealed the rituals of this vrata to Janmejaya. The great saint stated that in both Spring and Autumn seasons, most of the people fall prey to deadly diseases and many lose their lives. Both these seasons are hence named as ‘Yama-danshtra’. Therefore, people seek blessings from goddess Durga who is known to be the destroyer of all sufferings, a protector from all negatives and a healer who provides peace, happiness and good health. In Mahanirvan Tantra, it is stated that everyone should observe the Navratri vrata to be blessed with a peaceful and blissful family life. The virtues of all the other vratas in the year can be attained only by observing the Navratri vrata devotedly.

The four Navratris

Navratri arrives four times a year- 1. Chaitra 2. Ashwin 3. Aashadh 4. Maagh. The Navratri is of two types- one that happens in Shayan Chaitra and the other that happens in Bodhan Ashwin. In all the four navratris, the worship of Devi Durga holds importance.

Ashwin or Shardiya Navratri

The nine day long festivity and worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms during the winter season is known as Shardiya Navratri. It is during this season when nature emerges with the creative, exuberant and spirited form of the divinity; full of life and spreading joyous colours all around. It is one of the best periods to access the powerful feminine divine energy in order to make positive transformations in life. It is also the most suitable time to purify one’s thoughts and actions through right deliberation and to infuse the spirit of beauty, joy and enthusiasm in life.

This year Shardiya Navratri begins from Thursday 7th October 2021 and ends on Friday, 15th October 2021. Navratri is of 8 days this year as Tritiya and Chaturthi Tithi has fallen on the same day ie; on Saturday as per the Hindu Calender year. Vijay Dashami or Dasehera will be celebrated on Friday, the 15th October 2021. 

A festival for all and sundry

In Bhavishyottar, the significance of this vrata has been described. It is said that all the people, irrespective of caste, class or creed have the right to observe this vrata. It is believed that people who along with the daily pooja rituals, also observe Navratri vrata in the winter season are showered with the blessings of Maha-maya. All the hurdles of life are removed and their life is filled with joy and splendor.

Nine forms of energy

Navratri embodies nine energetic powers; each shakti is venerated on each tithi. Devi Durga manifested several forms for the welfare of her devotees. The nine forms are as follows-

1.             Shail Putri

2.             Brahma Charini

3.             Chandra Ghanta

4.             Kushmanda

5.             Skanda Mata

6.             Katyayani

7.             Kaal Ratri

8.             Maha Gauri

9.             Siddhi Dhatri

1.  Shailputri- The king of the mountains, ‘Giriraj Himalaya’ had observed a strict penance and was blessed with a daughter who was none other than  goddess Durga herself. Pleased by Himalaya’s devotion, Sati had incarnated as Parvati in his house. Being the daughter of the mountain, the goddess came to be known as Shail putri. Sailputrid katha is described in Koorma Puran.

2.  Brahma Charini- The goddess who is liberated and enables one to attain the Para-brahma is the one who is known as Brahma Charini.

3.  Chandra Ghanta- The goddess who wears a crescent moon on her forehead and provides serenity, knowledge and bliss is the goddess Chandraghanta. This description is as per Rahasya Arnav.

4.   Kushmanda- The spiritual form of the goddess who destroys all evils is known by the name of Kushmanda.

5.   Skanda Mata- Sanat kumar is also known by the name of Skanda and being his mother, the goddess is known by this name. this is as per Chhandgyopnashad.

6.   Katyayani- Once when the gods faced severe trouble, Rishi Katyayan began a strict spiritual practice (tapa) for the blessings of Goddess Durga. The goddess was pleased with his devotion and was born as his daughter. Thus, the goddess came to be known as Katyayani.

7.   Kaal Ratri- Being the vanquisher of kaal, the devi is known by this name. She embodies the destructive force against darkness and ignorance.

8.   Maha Gauri- In ‘Kali puran’, it is stated that Parvati had a dark complexion and Lord Shiva used to tease her due to her dark looks. One day, she got furious and took the most fairest and radiant forms and came to be known as Maha Gauri. This is as per Kali Puran.

9.  Siddhida- The goddess whose blessings liberates a soul of all earthly ties is known as Siddhida. She is also known as Siddha mata and Siddhi mata.

These nine Durga forms are worshipped in Navratri to attain siddhi or complete accomplishment. By worshipping these nine forms in sequence, one attains all the four results- dharma, artha, kama and moksha.

 Rituals of Navratri Puja

An idol of Devi Durga should be installed on a bed of mud covered by silk cloth. Instead of an idol, one can also place Shree Durga yantra or a picture of Shree Durga. A mangal kalash or pot filled with holy water with a coin inside it should then be installed. Fresh mango leaves and a coconut wrapped in red cloth should be placed on top of it. All the offerings as per ritual should be made and the devotee should invoke Ma Durga with all dedication. 

A vrata observer should eat a meal cooked by a family member once in a day and lead a life of celibacy during the Navratri festival. Prayers should be offered thrice in a day. The devotee should chant the Saptashathi-stotra as per the rules defined in the scriptures. However, in today’s fast-paced world, almost everyone is hard pressed for time and find it difficult to observe strict and long vrata rituals. Hence, people who wish to offer prayers to Ma Durga but cannot participate in the nine day long worship can perform a one day special Navratri puja. On the particular day, along with recitation of Durga Saptashati, the related Dashamahavidya should be venerated by them to gain optimum results of the puja.

Given below are the details of Dashamahavidya and Navadurga forms to be venerated by natives of different moon signs (rashis)

Kumari Puja- the soul of Navratri

Kumari puja is the life of Navratri; without it all spiritual practices (japa and tapa) remain futile. From Pratipada to Navami, little girls of different ages are worshipped in a sense of worshipping the Divine mother, Durga. The kumaris are worshipped and offered flowers, clothes and jewellery. After the pooja rituals, a variety of food is served to them in a pure manner. After food, cardamom, betel nut and betel leaf are donated to them. The two year old kumari is worshipped as Kumari, three year old as Tri-murti, four year old as Kalyani, five year old as Rohini, six year old as Kaalika, seven year old as Chandika, eight year old as Shambhavi, nine year old as Durga and 10 year old is worshipped as Subhadra.

While performing Kumari pooja, along with Lord Ganesh and Batuk (a young boy) 7, 5, 3 or 1 kumari must be worshipped. A little boy should be chosen for the worship of Lord Ganesha. The boys should be made to sit on an aasan (mat) and should be worshipped first in the sense of offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and Batuk. After this ritual, is the time to worship the Kumaris.

The different offerings for Ma Durga 

The following chart based on ‘Shreemada-devi-bhaagwat’ gives us a view of the offerings to be made to goddess Durga as per tithi and day of Navratri.

Offerings to the goddess (Devi naivedya) on the different days

Offerings to the goddess (Devi Naivedya) based on Tithi

We all need power and positive energy

Navratri is the worship of Shakti- the imperishable, glorious and the most supreme motherhood aspect of the divine power. By invoking Ma Durga, we are bestowed with infinite energy, wealth, success, prosperity, health and auspiciousness. We all seek power and positivity in life and Shardiya Navratri is an excellent opportunity to be showered upon with absolute power and ultimate positivity.

Read on to know about some special ways and holy mantras which promise you a life filled with peace, prosperity, wealth and happiness.

1.  To get rid of all difficulties in life- If you face difficulties and hurdles in whatever you try to do, then practice these rituals to overcome all problems:

Bathe early on Pratipada of Navratri. After you are ready, spread a red cloth on a chowki (small wooden platform) and place a copper plate on it. Make a swastika sign on the plate and then install Ganesh yantra( made of paper or copper) on it. Thereafter, place a betel nut on a coin and tie it with a sacred thread. Make five such betel nuts tied with sacred threads and place them in a row next to the yantra. Light a lamp, incense sticks and offer red flowers. Then chant the mantra:

“Om Gang Ganapataye Namah”

After reciting the mantra feed a Brahmin or an unmarried girl and give dakshina and clothes. Then place the yantra in your pooja room or office room. Offer the betel nuts at any Ganesh temple nearby. 

2.   To get rid of financial problems and gain riches- Following these simple rituals help you to gain wealth and comforts:

 Wake up early on the day of Navratri and place a yellow cloth on a chowki (small wooden platform). Place a copper plate on it.  Write ‘shree’ on the plate using saffron. Offer flowers and then install dhanada yantra (made of paper or copper) on the plate. Then smear 11 shells (koudi) with saffron and place them on the plate. After this, fill a dakshinavarti conchshell with saffron water and worship the yantra and the shells. Chant the following mantra;

“Dugre Smrita Harsi Bhitimasheshjanto

Swasthaye Smrita Mativativ Shubhang Dadasi

Daridraya Dukh Bhayaharini Katwadanya Sarvopakarkarnaya Sadadrarchita”

Repeat the whole process on all the nine days of Navratri. On Dashami, fold all the puja items in the yellow cloth and place it in your locker or iron safe. By following this ritual, Ma Lakshmi’s blessings will be showered upon you and your economical position will surely be strengthened.

JAI MAA

Dr. Surendra Kappor | Renowned Vedic Astrologer & Vastu Expert