Navratri
Mahesh Bang|Published
There are nine magical days and nights for rejuvenation, when devotees seek physical, mental and spiritual strength. This period occurs during Navratri, which will be celebrated from October 11 to 19.
There are two Navratris observed annually. The first is known as Chaitra Navratri, which occurs during March or April, while the second falls in September or October and is known as Shardiya Navratri.
Astrologically, this is considered a period when one should fully utilise the cosmic energy believed to be available in abundance. Whatever your faith, I encourage everyone to become more devoted to Allah, Jesus or Buddha, according to their religion, in order to improve their fortunes during this auspicious period.
Those who follow Hinduism are encouraged to worship Mother Durga, Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman with greater devotion during this sacred time.
There are two main solar influences in astrology each year. The seasons are determined by the direction in which the sun appears to move.
One occurs when the sun crosses the equator and moves south, while the other occurs when it moves north, signalling the changing seasons.
The beginning of summer and winter are important junctions of climatic and solar influences. Our bodies and minds undergo considerable changes as a result of changes in nature.
According to Ayurveda, digestion is weakened during these periods. Fasting is therefore recommended for health, spiritual and material benefits.
These two main solar influences are considered sacred periods for worshipping Mother Durga, the Goddess Shakti, according to Hindu scriptures. It is recommended in the holy books to worship Goddess Shakti during this time.
This period generally lasts for nine days and nights, hence the name Navratri. Devotees believe it enables them to achieve significant results and maximum benefits in a relatively short period.
If one fasts during these auspicious days, it is believed to bring prosperity, power, progress and peace until the next Navratri.
Astrologically and spiritually, these days are considered particularly auspicious.
During Navratri, devotees invoke the Shakti, or energy, aspect of God in the form of the universe's divine mother, Durga Maa.
Durga in Sanskrit means "remover of miseries". Hindus believe she represents the female energy behind the creation, preservation and destruction of the universe. Each night of Navratri is dedicated to one form of Goddess Durga.
Her nine forms are Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmachaarini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmaanda, Maa Skanda, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri.
Customs and rituals
Recommended:
1. Read the Durga Saptshati daily, if you know the rules governing its recitation.
2. Read the Ramayana every day and complete it by the final day of Navratri. Hindu scriptures indicate that having the Ramayana recited at home is auspicious, at least once in a lifetime. It is believed to bring unity and love to the family.
According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama performed Chandi Puja to seek the divine blessings of Goddess Durga and ensure victory over Ravana.
During the Anushtan, a special form of prayer requiring strict rules and regulations, Rama needed to offer 108 lotus flowers to Mother Shakti. After offering 107 flowers, he realised that he was one flower short.
According to the story, Mother Durga was testing Rama's devotion and caused one flower to disappear. Rama then decided to offer one of his eyes, as the eyes of Lord Vishnu are considered lotus-like, at the Goddess's feet.
Mother Shakti, satisfied with the depth of Lord Rama's devotion, granted him her blessings.
3. Read the Sunderkand daily. It is one of the most beautiful chapters of the Ramayana. Devotees believe it can provide spiritual support to anyone experiencing poverty, obstacles, misery or a series of misfortunes. It is believed that reading it at an auspicious time can improve one's fortunes.
4. At the very least, fast and follow a strictly vegetarian diet. Chant mantras in honour of Goddess Shakti, sing religious hymns, pray and meditate.
5. In India, highly spiritual devotees may live on a liquid diet, while others follow a diet of fruit and vegetables without grains. Some eat grains only once a day during the nine days.
Devotees in South Africa can try to follow any one of these dietary practices. If this is not possible, they should at least follow a vegetarian diet during these nine sacred days.
6. On the final day, October 19, also known as Mahanavami, Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls who have not yet reached puberty are worshipped. Each girl symbolises one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
Their feet are washed to welcome the Goddess and show respect. The girls are then offered food and new clothes as gifts from devotees.
Devotees may offer halwa puri and coconut to Mother Durga. Some people offer prasad on Ashtami, the day before. This depends on individual traditions and varies from family to family.
7. People may buy property or cars, start new businesses, or begin or apply for jobs during this period, believing that doing so will bring greater success.
8. Some devotees of Mother Durga observe an Akhand Jyoti, in which a diya or lamp is kept burning throughout the nine days. Care must be taken to ensure there is sufficient ghee or oil in the diya at all times.
The diya should be kept in the temple or prayer area in a place where it is protected from strong draughts. This lamp is known as an Akhand Jyoti because it is kept burning throughout Navratri.
Devotees believe that the Akhand Jyoti destroys negative energy in the home. If the flame is accidentally extinguished, it can be lit again.
Astrologically, devotees believe that observing these rituals with full faith can build confidence and willpower and provide the strength to overcome life's problems. They also believe that increased spiritual energy and aura can help bring victory over enemies, good health and mental peace.
If you follow these practices sincerely and dedicate this time wholeheartedly to Mother Durga, devotees believe it can help pacify the planets, remove the evil eye (Nazar) and dispel negative vibrations.
Special note
In India, many celebrities, including Bollywood stars and politicians, are known to observe Navratri and seek its spiritual and astrological benefits.
It is believed to be easy to please Mother Durga through sincere devotion. Devotees are encouraged to engage in good karma by informing relatives and friends about the spiritual benefits of observing the Navratri fast.
"Jai Mata Di!"