Significance of Chaitra Navratri and Goddess Durga
‘Navratri’
meaning the nine nights and ten days whence Goddess Durga emerged victorious
against the forces of evil, the Buffalo Demon Mahisasur.
She was able to defeat
the demon and restore back peace on the ninth day as mythology states. Here are
some interesting and significant points pertaining towards one of Hinduisms
highest celebrations.
A
nine day festival
Devotees worship
the goddess for nine days by fasting and offering their prayers/homage to the nine
different avatars of the Goddess. Every other day is associated with a
particular color as well as a planetary body. The several manifestations/avatar
of the Goddess is what makes the nine day period more significant.
Linked
with the Ramayana
Being one of the
most glorious Hindu festivals, Navratri also has a relation with the Ramayana.
Mythology states that on Dashami, which is the day following Navratri’s end, Lord
Rama defeated Ravana in his own quest to win back his lost wife Sita.
It is also believed
that Lord Rama worshipped the Goddess in all her nine forms in order to obtain
her mighty powers. He worshipped with sheer devotion in order to march
victorious against the powerful and evil Ravana, the one who abducted Rama’s
wife.
Chaitra
and Sharad
Although there
are four seasonal phases when this mighty festival is observed, two are widely
renowned and celebrated amongst the Hindu community. One is the Chaitra
Navratri, which is celebrated somewhere between March and April.
The other one,
namely Sharad Navratri gets celebrated during September or October. The autumn
season is basically the correct time when such festivities are observed in its
grandest splendor.
How
is Chaitra Navratri different?
Firstly, Chaitra
Navratri is commonly observed in the Northern and Western parts of India. This
celebration marks the beginning of the Hindu calendar in accordance to the lunar
planetary cycle.
Sharad is
commonly celebrated across the whole country with absolute devotion and grand festivities.
It also goes by the name Durga Puja in North-Eastern and Western parts.
Avatars/Manifestations
Day 1 celebrates the form
Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas and one who is as powerful as
Brahma’s divine trinity.
Day 2 belongs to Brahmacharini,
the one who blesses everyone with happiness and peace.
Day 3 worships
Chandraghanta, the manifestation of bravery and strength.
Day 4 worships Kushmanda,
also known as the creator of the universe.
Day 5 observes the faith
towards Skanda. She was chosen as the leader who led the Gods in the fierce
battle against the demons.
Day 6 is dedicated to
Katyayni, the manifestation of courage.
Day 7 observes worship
towards Kalratri, the one responsible for protecting her devotees from the
forces of evil.
Maha Gauri is
celebrated on the 8th day. She is the form who grants tranquility
and spiritual peace to her devotees.
Finally on the 9th
day Siddhidatri is worshipped. She is the four armed Goddess claiming
incredible healing powers. It is believed that she can heal and grant good
health to her devotees.
So, all such
forms are worshipped during one of Hinduisms grandest festivals, Navratri. The country gets illuminated with
decorations, idols are worshipped all over, people travel to places, fast
throughout the nine days, pray with complete faith and altogether create a
spiritually fulfilling environment that certainly grants peace, power and
celebrates a victory that will still be cherished for the ages to come.
Comments
Post a Comment