Navaratri is celebrated to honour Durga’s victory over the defeat of Mahishasura, who was a threat to the universe. None of the Gods could overcome him. The Goddess, Durga was gifted strengths from all the Gods and she became omnipotent. Only the Cosmic mother could destroy him and she was Durga. In Navaratri, different forms of the Goddess are worshipped each day. Continue reading
Tag Archives: navaratri
Color my life
During the festival of Navratri, each day a different color is worn. The color represents its virtue and how it can influence one. I am adding a little more detail. Continue reading
Significance of Navratri and Dussehra
Dussehra signifies the triumph of good over evil. It commemorates the victory of the Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahisha asura and the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana, the Demon King. It is also believed that good will always prevail no matter how difficult the troubles are. Continue reading
Hail to the Divine Creatrix
Oh, Mother I entreat you to save the earth. Now is the time, when all of us are praying to you. Please end all the wars, discriminations and hatred.
Swami Sivananda, was a Devi Bhakta as all Gurus are. He addressed Devi as the Supreme Shakti of the Supreme Being. He gives his arguments for his faith and beliefs.
The 13 arguments
Be genuine and yourself
Be genuine and yourself to receive the blessings of the Cosmic Mother. The Cosmic Mother is the Durga Ma. Visualize Durga Ma with her eight arms, holding eight weapons. Her eight hands represent her power, versatility, and ability to protect her devotees. Continue reading
The meaning of Navratri
Day 1. Prathama: I will control my anger.
Day 2. Dwitiya: I will be nonjudgmental.
Day 3. Tritiya: I will be free of grudges.
Day 4. Chaturthi: I will forgive everyone.
Day 5. Panchmi: I will accept people as they are.
Day 6. Shashti: I will love unconditionally everyone.
Day 7. Saptami: I will be free of jealousy and guilt.
Day 8. Ashtami: I will be free of all my fears.
Day 9. Navami: I offer gratitude for what I have and what I will receive.
Day 10. Vijaydashmi: There is abundance in the universe for all and I will do my best to love, serve and give. Continue reading
See, hear and speak no evil
The three wise monkeys said, see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. This saying of the wise monkeys originated in Japan, during the Muromachi period (a time of turbulence). It is believed that they were influenced by the teachings of the Buddha. Their names were Mizaru who covered his eyes and saw no evil; Kikazaru, who covered his ears and heard no evil; Iwazaru, who covered his mouth and spoke no evil. Then there is the San Saru symbol, which says, “See the good, hear the good and speak the good.” The wise monkeys are also known as the three mystical monkeys. Continue reading
865 – Mantras to chant during Navratri
It is believed that during Navratri, the Goddess principle is very active. Chanting ‘Sri Durga Deviyai Namaha’ during this period will grant immense spiritual benefit. Continue reading
863 – A time of rejoicing and repentance
Chaitra Navaratri – 9th April till 17th April – is considered an auspicious time for spiritual renewal, cleansing and seeking the blessings of the divine. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. It is devoted to goddess Durga, whose nine forms are worshipped on nine days. The nine-day celebration observes Goddess Durga’s universe birth and all living things inside it. It is believed that Durga Ma visits her devotees during this period. Continue reading
714 – Be thankful
Dear ones, be thankful for what we are, what we have and what we can give. I came home after my surgery on Sunday, which was the beginning of Navratri. It is a joyous time as before that we had been observing Pitrapaksh. Seeking forgiveness for our ancestors. Before leaving the hospital, I was able to play my chants in my room. Continue reading
538 – Rejuvenate yourselves during Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri is a popular festival. It falls in the month of March or April. The first day of the Hindu Lunar calendar is known as Chaitra and therefore this time is known as Chaitra Navratri.
The Goddess Durga and her different incarnations are adored during this festival for eight days. The birthday of Rama falls on the ninth day and this day is known as Ram Navami. It celebrates Rama’s birth, the avatar of Vishnu. Rama was born to King Dasharatha and his wife, Queen Kaushalya. This festival is a part of Chaitra Navratri. Continue reading
384 – Earth and water elements
The universe is composed of five elements and so is our self. The five elements are ether, air, fire, water and earth. Why is there so much unhappiness in the cosmos?
Our first element is earth, and it is what composes us. Earth is our grounding and it is accompanied by the mooladhara chakra. The mooladhara chakra is the first chakra which is awakened in the fetus. It has a direct connection to the mother. After twelve weeks, it becomes independent of its mother’s prana. It is written in the ancient books that an expectant mother should be always happy and given whatever she asks for. Nobody should harm or distress her. Continue reading
379 – Nine forms of the Goddess worshipped during Navratri
- Shailputri is the daughter of the Himalayas. She is also worshipped as Parvati. Day one is dedicated to her. The offering is pure ghee offered on her foot. The prasad blesses the devotee with a life free of disease.
- Brahmacharini is a lover of simple food. Day two is dedicated to her. Devotees offers her a bhog (pudding) of sugar and fruits. She increases the longevity of the family members.
- Chandraghanta rides a lion and is believed to destroy all evil and wickedity. Day three is dedicated to her. She wears the half-moon on her head. She is pleased with an offering of milk (e.g., plant based), sweets and kheer.
- Kushmanda produced the cosmic egg with her smile, when the universe was plunged in darkness. Day four is dedicated to her. She is offered sweet fried bread (malpua) in syrup, and one fasts before the evening prayer.
- Skandamata is seated on a lotus, and she also has a lion as her ride. Day five is dedicated to her. She is offered bananas and she keeps her devotees in good health.
- Katyani is the daughter of the sage Katyana. Day six is dedicated to her. She is offered honey. Her blessings make the devotees free of bitterness.
- Kaalratri protects her disciples from evil powers and spirits. Day seven is dedicated to her. She is offered sweets made from jaggery.
- Mahagauri is offered coconut as prasad. Day eight is dedicated to her. It is also believed that if one offers coconuts to the Brahmins, then one will be blessed with a child.
- Siddhayatri protects the devotee’s family from any mishaps. Day nine is dedicated to her. She is offered sesame seeds and one fasts before the prayers.
The purification process
When we worship the goddess in her different avatars for nine days, we ourselves are going through a purification process. Also observe that none of the offerings are extravagant, they are simple foods, which most people can offer. The Goddess takes care of us as long we remain sincere in our devotion.
Aim Hrim Klim
Credits: hinduismnow.org
378 – Colors and their importance at Navratri
Navratri means nine nights of worship. Nine colors are worn on nine different days.
White is the first color and it stands for peace and serenity. The Goddess Brahmacharini represents peace and serenity. She is depicted with a rosary in her right hand and a water pot in her left hand. Jasmine and white lotus are offered to her. Continue reading
377 – What has Navratri got to do with breathing?
We all know that we breathe through both our nostrils and that sometimes one nostril is blocked. However, we do not attach too much importance to it. Our doctors say that it could be sinusitis or a deviated septum. Our body has a biorhythm. There is a dyad cycle of hot and cold and this also happens in our breathing. Continue reading











