Thus, I suggest you join your parents-Family in worshipping "Ma Durga" during the Navaratri. She will bestow on you wealth, auspiciousness, prosperity, knowledge, and other potent powers to cross every hurdle of life. Remember, everyone in this world worships power, I.e., Durga, because there is no one who does not love and long for power in some form or the other!
Nava– that also means ‘new’ – denotes ‘nine’ the number to which sages attach special significance. Hence, we have Nava-ratri (9 nights), Nava-patrika (9 leaves / herbs / plants), Nava-graha (9 planets), and Nava-Durga (9 appelle-tions). Here’re the 9 manifestations of Goddess Durga. Each goddess has a different form and a special signifi-cance. Nava Durga, if worshipped with religious fervor, it is believed, lift the divine spirit in us and fill us with renewed happiness.
What’s the Significance of Navratri?
During Navaratri, we invoke the energy aspect of God in the form of the universal mother, commonly referred to as “Durga,” which literally means the remover of mis-eries of life. She is also referred to as “Devi” (goddess) or “Shakti” (energy or power). It is this energy, which helps God to proceed with the work of creation, pres-ervation and destruction. In other words, you can say
That God is motionless, absolutely changeless, and the Divine Mother Durga, does everything. Truly speaking, our worship of Shakti re-confirms the scientific theory that energy is imperishable. It cannot be created or destroyed. It is always there.
Why Worship the Mother Goddess?
This energy is a form of the Divine Mother, who is the mother of all, and all of us are her children. “Why mother; why not father?”, you may ask. Let me just say that we believe that God’s glory, his cosmic energy, his greatness and supremacy can best be depicted as the motherhood aspect of God. Just as a child finds all these qualities in his or her mother, similarly, all of us look upon God as moth-ER. In fact, Hinduism is the only religion in the world, which gives so much importance to the mother aspect of God because we believe that mother is the creative aspect of the absolute.
Why Twice a Year?
Every year the beginning of summer and the beginning of winter are two very important junctures of climatic change and solar influence. These two junctions have been chosen as the sacred opportunities for the worship of the divine power because:
(1) We believe that it is the divine power that provides energy for the earth to move around the sun, causing the changes in the outer nature and that this divine power must be thanked for maintaining the correct balance of the universe.
(2) Due to the changes in the nature, the bodies and minds of people undergo a considerable change, and hence, we worship the divine power to bestow upon all of us enough potent powers to maintain our physical and mental balance. Why Nine Nights & Days?
Navaratri is divided into sets of three days to adore different aspects of the supreme goddess. On the first three days, the Mother is invoked as powerful force called Durga in order to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects. The next three days, the Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees the inexhaustible wealth. The final set of three days is spent in worshipping the mother as the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order have all-round success in life, we need the blessings of all three aspects of the divine mother; hence, the worship for nine nights. Navaratri: the 9 Divine NightsNavaratri: the 9 Divine Nights
RitualsThe Navratri commences on the first day (pratipada) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitree&Ashwin. The festival is celebrated for nine nights once every year during the beginning of March-April and October, although as the dates of the festival are determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar, the festival may be held for a day more or a day less.
Navratri is divided into sets of three days to adore three different aspects of the supreme goddess or goddesses.
First three days
The goddess is invoked as a spiritual force called Durga-Kali in order to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects.
Second three days
The Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees inexhaustible wealth.
Final three days
The final set of three days is spent in worshipping as the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order to have all-round success in life, believers seek the blessings of all three aspects of the divine femininity, hence the nine nights of worship.
During Navratri, some devotees of Durga observe a fast and prayers are offered for the protection of health and property. A period of introspection and purification, Navratri is traditionally an auspicious time for starting new ventures.During this vowed religious observance, a pot is installed (ghatasthapana) in a sanctified place at home. A lamp is kept lit in the pot for nine days. The pot symbolizes the universe. The uninterrupted lit lamp is the medium through which we worship the effulgent Adishakti, i.e. Sree Durgadevi. DuringNavratri, the principle of Sree Durgadevi is more active in the atmosphere.
On the tenth day of Navratri in October - the holiday of Dussehra, an effigy of Ravana is burnt to celebrate the victory of good (Rama) over evil.
Navratri is celebrated in a large number of Indian and Nepalese communities. The mother goddess is said to appear in 9 forms, and each one is worshipped for a day. These nine forms signify various traits that the goddess influences us with. The Devi Mahatmya and other texts invoking the Goddess who vanquished demons are cited.
Durga(Ambaa-Ambika) in the Hindu tradition
According to the narrative from the Devi Mahatmya of the Markandeya Purana, the form of Durga was created as a warrior goddess to fight a demon. The demon's father Rambha, king of the demons, once fell in love with a water buffalo, and Mahishasur was born out of this union. He is therefore able to change between human and buffalo form at will (mahishameans "buffalo"). Through intense prayers to Brahma, Mahishasura had the boon that he could not be defeated by any man or god. He unleashed a reign of terror on earth, heaven and the nether worlds.
Eventually, since only a woman could kill him, the trinity bestowed a dazzling beam of energy upon the Goddess Trinity (Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati), transforming her into the goddess, Durga. Her form was blindingly beautiful with three lotus-like eyes, eight powerful hands, lush black hair with beautiful curls, a red-golden glow from her skin and a quarter moon on her forehead. She wore a shiny oceanic blue attire emitting fierce rays. Her ornaments were carved beautifully of gold, with ocean pearls and precious stones embedded in it. Her face was sculpted by Shiva, torso by Indra, breasts by Chandra (the moon), teeth by Brahma, bottom by the Earth, thighs and knees by Varuna (water), and her three eyes by Agni (fire). Each god also gave her their own most powerful weapons, Rudra's trident, Vishnu's discus, Indra's thunderbolt, Brahma's kamandal, Kuber's gada, etc. Himalayas gifted her a fierce whitish golden lion. On the end of the 8th and beginning of the 9th day of waxing moon, Chanda and Munda came to fight the goddess. She turned blue with anger and goddess Chamunda leaped out of her third eye. Her form was the most powerful one with 3 red eyes, blood-filled tongue and dark skin; who finally killed the twin demons with her sword. This form of the divine goddess is worshipped during thesandhikshan of Durga Puja festival, as sandhi/chandi puja. Finally on the tenth day of waxing moon, goddess Durga killed Mahishasura with her trident.
The word Shakti, meaning strength, reflects the warrior aspect of the goddess, embodying a traditional male role. She is also strikingly beautiful, and initially Mahishasura tries to marry her. Other incarnations include Annapurna and Karunamayi (karuna = kindness).
The Nava Durgas
SHAILAPUTRI The embodiment of the power of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, she rides a bull and carries a trident and a lotus in her two hands.
BRAHMACHARINI She is the one who practices devout austerity. Filled with bliss and happiness, she is the way to eman-cipation - Moksha.
CHANDRAGHANTA She is the apostle of bravery; she rides a lion, and has ten arms. She drives away all evildoers and demoniac incarnation.
KUSUMANDA Seated on a lion, she has a magnanimous presence, and possesses eight arms. Her abode is the Solar region.
SKANDAMATA She is the Goddess of Fire. She has four arms and three eyes. She rides a lion.
KATYAYANI The chosen goddess of Vrindavan, she is alluring in her golden form. She has four arms and three eyes, she is seated on a lion.
KAALRATRI This four-armed form rides an ass. She dissipates darkness from amidst her devotees, and bestows freedom from fear and adversity.
MAHA GAURI She is like an eight-year-old girl. She is intelligent and peaceful, possesses three eyes and four arms, and uses the bull as her vehicle.
SIDDHIDATRI The bestower of accomplishments, this manifestation is worshipped as one blessed with glory. Seated on a lotus, she has four arms.
Durga Puja
To gain the grace of Mother Divine and receive Her blessings to remove ignorance, provide protection from adversity and eliminate suffering on an individual and cosmic level. Durga Pujas can be of various lengths, from two hours to six hours or more, and may be performed on a single day, or on consecutive days. The recitation of selections from the Durga Saptashati, a collection of beautiful hymns to Mother Divine, is an especially enjoyable part of this Puja.
Maa-Chandi Homa
This is a more elaborate Yayga(Havan) that is understood to have powerful effects on the cosmic, global and individual levels. It is traditionally performed to alleviate the adverse affects of the planets, liberate man from all troubles, restore friendships, gain blessings of wealth and beautiful children, and to overcome enemies and evil planetary influences. Performance of the Chandi Homa includes Puja two to three hours long and a Homa (fire ceremony) that lasts approximately fours hours. It includes the recitation of all 700 verses of Durga Saptashati, a collection of beautiful hymns to
Mother Divine. How to fast for Navaratri?
Strict fast is observed in Navaratri only Fruit and Liquids are allowed. No Grain or Flour is allowed. One meal should be taken.
If for health reasons you are unable to fast in the above manner than you can have one meal but try to avoid grains. Puja
1. Commence worship and fast on the first day of Navaratri (morning and evening).
2. An Akanda deep should be kepted burning all the time throught the whole Navaratri.
3. Puja should be done as follows. Prayer when lighting the lamp
Subham Karoti Kalyanam ,Arogyam Dhana Sampadah
Shatru Buddhi Vinashaya ,Dipa Jyotir Namostute
Translation: I salute the One who is the lamplight that brings auspiciousness; prosperity, good health, abundance of wealth, and the destruction of the intellect’s enemy.
Recite the following mantra:
Aum Namo Bhagvaty Maha Durgaye Namha./Om Dum Durgayee Namha:
(Puja to be done on a mutie or in front of a picture of Mother Durga.
1. Offer water thrice.
2. Offer pancha Amrit six times
3. Offer water twice
4. Cleanse murtie or sprinkle wateron the picture
5. Offer Kum Kum (red) rice and Flowers Agarbatti Prasad (Fruit) all should be done reciting the following mantra.
6. Conduct Aarti using wicks dipped in Ghee
Jap Mantra AUM AIM HRIM KLEEM CHAMUNDAYE VICHCHEY NAMHA:
This mantra should be recited 108 time to gain the greatest Benefit from the Fast.
Mantra to offer Dhaar
Aun Jayanti Mangala Kali Badra Kali Kapalini Durga Kshama Shiva Dhatri Swaha Swadha Namostute namha:
On the tenth day Vijay Dhashmi/ Day of Victory Visarjan to mother Durga is done and the fast is complete and salt can be eaten.
The above fast is based on the scriptures and should be followed according to your means and capabilities.
Saraswati
Saraswati is the embodiment of Mother Divine that is responsible for the enlivenment and spread of Pure Knowledge, as well as progress in areas of study and of the arts. By honoring Saraswati, the qualities of wisdom, intelligence and good memory are enhanced in the individual and the environment. Wpeship for Saraswati help gain blessings and support of Mother Divine in the areas of spiritual study, other educational activities, or in the arts, including writing, public speaking, visual arts and music.
Saraswati mantra
Yaa Kundendu tushaara haaradhavalaa, Yaa shubhravastraavritha|
Yaa veenavara dandamanditakara, Yaa shwetha padmaasana||
Yaa brahmaachyutha shankara prabhritibhir Devaisadaa Vanditha|
Saa Maam Paatu Saraswatee Bhagavatee Nihshesha jaadyaapahaa||
OM SHRI SARSWATYEE NAMHA: / OM SHRI VIDYA DEVYEE NAMHA:/ OM SHRI SHARDAAYEE NAMHA:(Best For Study-Carrier-Educations difficulty go away)
Translation
“May Goddess Saraswati, who is fair like the jasmine-colored moon, and whose pure white garland is like frosty dew drops; who is adorned in radiant white attire, on whose beautiful arm rests the veena, and whose throne is a white lotus; who is surrounded and respected by the Gods, protect me. May you fully remove my lethargy, sluggishness, and ignorance.”
Whoever will recite this garland of the names of Durga the reliever of difficulties, for me, will be freed from every type of fear without a doubt.
Why do we ring the bell in a temple?
Is it to wake up the Lord? But the Lord never sleeps. Is it to let the Lord know we have come? He does not need to be told, as He is all knowing. Is it a form of seeking permission to enter His precinct? It is a homecoming and therefore entry needs no permission. The Lord welcomes us at all times. Then why do we ring the bell?
The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious sound. It produces the sound Om, the universal name of the Lord. There should be auspiciousness within and without, to gain the vision of the Lord who is all-auspiciousness. Even while doing the ritualistic aarati, we ring the bell. It is sometimes accompanied by the auspicious sounds of the conch and other mu-
sical instruments. An added significance of ringing the bell, conch and other instruments is that they help drowned any inauspicious or irrelevant noises and comments that might disturb or distract the orshippers in their devotional ardour, concentration and inner peace. As we start the daily ritualistic worship (pooja) we ring the bell, chanting:
Aagamaarthamtu devaanaam,gamanaarthamtu rakshasaam
Kurve ghantaaravam tatra ,devataahvaahna lakshanam
I ring this bell indicating the invocation of divinity, So that virtuous and noble forces enter (my home and heart); and the demonic and evil forces from within and without, depart.
Jaikara’s
Jai MataJi
• Saanche Darbar Ki Jai -NavDurgaa mat Ki jai/Adhya Shakti Ambee Maa Ki Jai
• Sachiyan Jotan Vaali Mata Teri Sadaa Hee Jai
• Unche Pahado wali Mata Teri Sadaa Hee Jai
• Bol Saanchey Darbar Ki Jai
• Garb jun waliMata Teri Sadaa Hee Jai
• Sarvatra Da Bhalaa Karan Vaali Mata Teri Sadaa Hee Jai
• Sare Sansaar Vich Shanti Deyn Vaali Mata Teri Sada Hee Jai
Durga Chalisa
Namo Namo Durge Sukh karani, Namo Namo ambe Dukh harani.
Nirakar hai jyoti tumhari, Tihun lok pheli ujayari.
Shashi lalat mukh mahavishala, Netra lal bhrikutee vikarala.
Roop Matu ko adhika suhave, Daras karat jan ati sukh pave.
Tum sansar shakti laya kina, Palan hetu anna dhan dina.
Annapurna hui jag pala, Tumhi adi sundari Bala.
Pralaya kala sab nashan hari, Tum gauri Shiv-Shankar pyari.
Shiv yogi tumhre guna gaven, Brahma Vishnu tumhen nit dhyaven.
Roop Saraswati ko tum dhara, De subuddhi rishi munina ubara.
Dharyo roop Narsimha ko amba, Pragat bhayin phar kar khamba.
Raksha kari Prahlaad bachayo, Hiranakush ko swarga pathayo.
Lakshmi roop dharo jag mahin, Shree Narayan anga samihahin.
Ksheer sindhu men karat vilasa,Daya Sindhu, deeje man asa.
Hingalaja men tumhin Bhavani, Mahima amit na jet bakhani.
Matangi Dhoomavati Mata, Bhuvneshwari bagala sukhdata.
Shree Bhairav lara jog tarani, Chhinna Bhala bhav dukh nivarani.
Kehari Vahan soh Bhavani, Langur Veer Chalat agavani.
Kar men khappar khadag viraje, Jako dekh kal dan bhaje.
Sohe astra aur trishoola, Jase uthata shatru hiya shoola.
Nagarkot men tumhi virajat,Tihun lok men danka bajat.
Shumbhu Nishumbhu Danuja tum mare,Rakta-beeja shankhan samhare.
Mahishasur nripa ati abhimani, Jehi agha bhar mahi akulani.
Roop karal Kalika dhara, Sen Sahita tum tin samhara.
Pan garha Santan par jab jab, Bhayi sahaya Matu tum tab tab.
Amarpuni aru basava loka,Tava Mahirna sab rahen asoka.
Jwala men hai jyoti tumhari, Tumhen sada poojen nar nari.
Prem bhakti se Jo yash gave,Dukh-daridra nikat nahin ave.
Dhyave tumhen jo nar man laee,Janam-maran tako chuti jaee.
Jogi sur-muni kahat pukari,Jog na ho bin shakti tumhari.
Shankar Aacharaj tap keenhon,Kam, krodha jeet sab leenhon.
Nisidin dhyan dharo Shankar ko,Kahu kal nahini sumiro tum ko.
Shakti roop ko maran na payo,Shakti gayi tab man pachitayo.
Sharnagat hui keerti bakhani,Jai jai jai Jagdamba Bhavani.
Bhayi prasanna Aadi Jagdamba,Dayi shakti nahin keen vilamba.
Mokon Matu kashta ati ghero,Tum bin kaun hare dukh mero.
Aasha trishna nipat sataven,Moh madadik sab binsaven.
Shatru nash keeje Maharani,Sumiron ekachita tumhen Bhavani.
Karo kripa Hey Matu dayala,Riddhi-Siddhi de karahu nihala.
Jab lagi jiyoon daya phal paoon, Tumhro yash men sada sunaoon.
Durga Chalisa jo gave,Sab sukh bhog parampad pave.
Dev das shran nije jane karhookripa jadamba bvani
Translation of Durga Chalisa
I bow to You O Goddess Durga, the bestower of happiness! I bow to You O Goddess Amba, who Ends all miseries.
The radiance of your light is limitless and all pervading and all the three realms (Earth, Heaven And the Nether
World) are enlightened by Thee. Your face is like the moon and mouth very huge.Your eyes shine with a red glow and You have a Frightening
frown.O Mother! Your look is enchanting, the very sight of which ensures welfare of the devout.
All the powers of the World repose in Thee and it is You who provide food and wealth for the World’s survival.
Like the feeding Mother Annapoorna, You nurture the whole universe and You are the one Who appear like thetimeless Bala Sundari (young girl of extreme beauty).
At the time of dissolution, it is You, O Mother, who destroys everything. You are the beloved Consort of LordShiva, Gauri (Parvati).Lord Shiva and all yogis always chant your praise
Brahma, Vishnu and all other Gods ever meditate on You.You appear in the form of Goddess Saraswati too, to grant wisdom to the sages and thus ensure their
Welfare. O Mother Amba! It was You who appeared in the form of Narsimha, sundering the pillar. Thus You saved Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap also went to
Heaven as he was killed by your Hands. In the form of Goddess Lakshmi, O Mother, you appear in this world and repose by the side of Shree Narayan.
Dwelling in the ocean of milk, O Goddess, with Lord Vishnu, please fulfill my desires. O Bhavani, the famous Goddess of Hingalaja is no one
else but You Yourself. Illimitable is your Glory, defying description.
You are yourself Matangi and Dhoomavati Mata. It is You who appear as Bhuvaneshwari and Bagalamukhi Devi to bestow happiness to all.
It is You who redeem the wolrd, appearing in the form of Shree Bhairavi, Taradevi and Chhinnamasta Devi, and end its sorrows.
Reposing gracefully uopn your vehicle, O Goddess Bhavani, You are welcome by the brave Langour (Lord Hanuman).
When You appear in the form of Goddess Kali, with sword in one hand and a cupel in the other, Even Time flees in panic.
Beholding You, well armed, with a Trident in your hand, the enemy’s heart aches with the sting Of fear.
You also repose in the form of Devi at Nagarkot inKangara. Thus all the three realms shudder in the might of your glory.
You slayed the demons like Shumbh & Nishumb and massacred the thousand forms of the dreaded Demon Raktabeej.
When the earth was severely distressed bearing the load of the sinsof the arrogant Mahishasur.
You assumed the dreadful form of Goddess Kali and massacred him along with his army. Thus, whenever the noble saints were distressed,
it is You O Mother, who came to their rescue. All the realms including the Amarpuri (divine realm)remain sorrow-less and happy by Your Grace. O God-dess!
It is the symbol of Your glory that is burning brightly at Shree JwalaJi. All me and women Ever worship You, O Mother!
He who sings Your glory with devotion, love, and sin-cerity remains beyond the reach of grief And poverty.
He who meditates upon Your form with concentration goes beyond the cycle of births and deaths.
All the yogis, gods and sages openly declare that without your favour one can’t establish communion with God.
Shankaracharya had performed once a special pen-ance called Aacharaj and by virtue of which he had subdued his anger and desire.
He ever worshipped Lord Shankar and never for a moment concentrated his mind on You. Since He did not realise your immense glory, all His powers waned and then He repented hitherto.
Then He sought refuge in You, chanted Your glory and ‘victory, victory, victory to Thee, O Jagadamba Bhavani’.
Then, O Primal Goddess Jagadamba Ji, You were propitiated and in no time You bestowed Him with his lost powers.
O Mother! Severe afflictions distress me and no one except Your Honoured Self can provide relief please
end my afflictions. Hopes and longings ever torture me. All sorts of passions and lust ever torment my heart.
O Goddess Bhavani! I meditate only upon you Please kill my enemies O Queen!
O Merciful Mother! Show me your favour and make me feel happy by bestowing me with all sorts of riches and powers.
O Mother! May I be receptable of Your grace as long as I live, ever recounting the feats of Your Glory to all.
This way, whoever sings this Durga Chalisa shall ever enjoy all sorts of pleasures and shall attain the high-est state in the end.
32 Names of Mother Durga
1. Durga The Reliever of Difficulties
2. Durgatirsamini Who puts difficulties at peace
3. Durgapadvinivarin Dispeller of difficult adversities
4. Durgamacchedini Who cuts down difficulty
5. DurgasadhiniThe performer of Discipline to expel difficulties
6. Durganasini The Destroyer of Difficulty
7. Durgatoddharin Who holds the whip of difficulties
8. Durgenihantri Who sends difficulties to Ruin
9. Durgamapaha Who measures difficulties
10. Durgamajanada Who makes difficulties unconscious
11. Durgadaityalokadavanala Who destroys the world of difficult thoughts
12. Durgama The mother of difficulties
13. Durgamaloka The perception of difficulties
14. Durgamatmasvarupin The Intrinsic Nature of the soul of difficulties
15. Durgamargaprada Who searches through the difficulties
16. Durgamavidya The knowledge of difficulties
17. Durgamasrita The Extrication from difficulties
18. Durgamajanasamsthana The continued existence of difficulties
19. Durgamadhyanabhasini Whose meditation remains brilliant when in difficulties
20. Durgamoha Who deludes difficulties
21. Durgamaga Who resolves difficulties
22. Durgamarthasvarupin Who is the intrinsic nature of the object of difficulties
23. Durgamasurasanhantri The annihilator of the egotism of difficulties
24. Durgamayudhadharin Bearer of the weapon against difficulties
25. Durgamangi The refinery of difficulties
26. Durgamata Who is beyond difficulties
27. Durgamya This present difficulty
28. Durgamesvari The empress of difficulties
29. Durgabhima Who is terrible to difficulties
30. Durgabhama The lady to difficulties
31. Durgabha The illuminator of difficulties
32. Durgadarin Who cuts off difficulties
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