- 1. History of Navratri
- 2. Importance of Navratri
- 3. Method of performing the vrat during Navratri
- 4. Performing the Lalita Pujan on the fifth
- 1. History of Navratri
- 2. Importance of Navratri
- 3. Method of performing the vrat during Navratri
- 4. Performing the Lalita Pujan on the fifth day of Navratri
- 5. Worshipping an idol of Goddess in standing posture on the eighth day of Navratri
- 6. Worship of Goddess Saraswati on the eighth and ninth day of Navratri
- 7. Ritual of Ghagar Phunkane performed on eighth day of Navratri
- 8. Playing Bhondala during Navratri
Sarva mangala mangalye shive sarvartha sadhike |
Sharanye trayambake gauri, Narayani namostute ||
Meaning: O Mother! You are the personification of all that is auspicious, You are the benevolent form of Lord Shiva, You bestow Divine energy and help people achieve Righteousness, wealth, fulfill desires and Liberation, You are worthy of being surrendered to. Three eyes adorn You. O Narayani Devi, I pay obeisance to You!
Navratri is a widely celebrated festival by Hindus across the world. This nine-day festival is celebrated by worshipping Shakti (Divine Energy). The festival of Navratri commences on the first day (Pratipada) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin. During this vowed religious observance, a clay pot is installed (Ghatasthapana) in a sanctified section of one’s home. A lamp is placed in the pot and it is kept lit for nine days. The pot symbolises the universe. The uninterrupted lit lamp is the medium through which we worship the brilliant primordial energy, Adi-shakti, i.e. Shri Durga Devi. During Navratri, the principle of Shri Durga Devi is more active in the atmosphere. When we understand the spiritual science behind the various rites that come under the worship of Shri Durga Devi, we become worthy of absorbing more of the Divine Energy principle, thereby acquiring more of Her grace.
This vrat (religious observances) was advocated by Sage Narad to Lord Ram, so that He could kill Ravan. After completion of this vrat, Lord Ram attacked Lanka and finally killed Ravan.
The Goddess fought with the demon Mahishasur for nine days from Pratipada to Navami and finally killed him on the Navami night. Since then, she came to be known as Mahishasurmardini, the annihilator of Mahishasur.
Whenever the tamasik, demoniacal and cruel people become powerful and start troubling the sattvik, righteous humans, the Goddess incarnates to reinstate Righteousness. This is the vrat of this Deity.
During Navratri, it is believed that the Goddess Principle is a thousand times more active than usual. To get the most spiritual benefit from this Principle, one should chant “Sri Durga Deviyai Namaha” as much as is possible during the period of Navratri.
In several families, this vrat is undertaken as a family tradition. This vrat begins on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada.
3 A. The ritual of Ghatasthapana
(Sprouting of seven food grains in a mud or copper pot [ghaṭ] filled with mud)
Video – The ritual of Ghatasthapana
A. In a sanctified place in the house, a vedi (sacrificial fireplace) is constructed and the Goddess with eight arms seated on a lion and the Navarna yantra are installed. Beside the yantra a pot (also known as ‘ghat’) is installed and puja of both the pot and the Goddess is performed.
B. As per the tradit