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.

Find here Durga Images in all forms and have a blissful day. 50+ beautiful images. Please share with all

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