Why we celebrate Navratri?
Every Indian festival has a reason and significance behind its celebration. It is not only celebrated for fun and enjoyment.
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. Due to the changes in the nature, the bodies and minds of people undergo a considerable change.
Due to climate change & solar influence, the energy level of the body goes up & down. If energy level is up, Satwa increases, positivity increases. On the result of it, human becomes dynamic, enthusiastic, creative & happier. When energy level is down, Tamas increases, negativity increases. So all types of negativity like greed, jealousy, hatred develops in human’s body.
In the month of Vadraba, there is lowest energy. Our saints are so clever. They thought about it & want to do something to keep our energy level up. So they performed Ganapati Puja for first 10 days of Vadraba. We worship the divine power to bestow upon all of us enough potent powers to maintain our physical and mental balance. Then they keep Shradha to remember our ancestors. So we can remember the beautiful memory those we have spent with our grandfather, grandmother & others. When we think about those happy moments, our Satwa goes up, so our energy level goes up.
Then on the first day of Ashvin, they put 9 days of worship to the mother, the source of energy. There is no rakhyas like Mahisasura. The real rakhyasas are our ego, sorrow, greed, jealousy etc which should be killed from ourselves. The 10 days (including Vijaya Dasami) refers to 10 evils.
1) Kaam (Lost)
2) Krodh (Anger)
3) Lobh (Greed)
4) Moh (Attachment)
5) Ahankar (Ego)
6) Darr (Fear)
7) Irsha (Jealousy)
8) Jadta (Inertia)
9) Nafrat (Hate)
10) Paschataap (Guilty)
Each day we take commitment to destroy one evil from our selves. On the tenth day, we celebrate Vijaya Dasami, i.e. win over all these negativity.
Reason for doing Religious Works at Night
The saints have given more importance to night. Understanding it scientifically; night is peaceful and quite, tantra-mantra and other supernatural things are in strong position. It is easy to concentrate in the night. Chanting Mantra in a peaceful environment yields auspicious results. Many obstacles of nature are removed. This time may be used for gaining mental power and Yogic powers.
Scientifically, performing things during the day increases the chances of problems in concentrating; just the way radio signals face problems during day time but improve in the night. The sound of the bells and conch kills Germs up-to far-away places. This period is used for Siddhi for fulfilling wishes.
The four important ratri (night)
There are four nights which are special meant for worship.
What is Navratri?
Navratri is a combination of two words. 'Nav' means nine while 'ratri' means night. Therefore, this celebration is literally translated as 'nine nights'.
Navarathri is celebrated five times a year. They are Vasanta Navaratri, Ashadha Navaratri, the Sharada Navaratri, and the Paush/MaghaNavaratri. Of these, the Sharada Navaratri of the month of Puratashi and the Vasanta Navaratri of the Vasanta kala are very important.
But popularly Navratra is celebrated twice a year. First Navratra is from Pratipada of Chaitra month to Navami and the second is exactly after six months in Pratipada of Ashwin Shukla Paksha to a day before Vijayadashami. In the two Navratras Sharada Navratra is given more importance. The celebrations begin on the first day of the month of Ashvin (i.e. Ashwin Shukla Paksha Pratipada) according to the Hindu calendar.
First three days
The goddess is separated as a spiritual force called Durga also known as Kali in order to destroy all our impurities.
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, as she is the goddess of wealth.
Final three days
The final set of three days is spent in worshiping 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.
We need the blessings of all three aspects of the divine mother; hence, the worship for nine nights.
Each of the nine days of Navratri has special significance. Each day is dedicated to a particular Goddess who is worshipped on that day.
First Day - Shailputri
The first day is dedicated to the Goddess 'Shailputri', the daughter of the Himalayas. She is a form of Shakti, the companion of Lord Shiva.
Shailaputri literally means the daughter (putri) of the mountains (shaila). Variously known as Sati Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati, the daughter of Hemavana - the king of the Himalayas, she is the first among Navadurgas. Her worship takes place on the first day of Navaratri – the nine divine nights. 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.
Second Day - Brahmacharini
She is worshipped on the second day of Navaratri and is the second form of Mother Goddess. The name is derivative of the word 'Brahma', which means 'Tapa' or penace. Bharmacharini means one who practices devout austerity. She enlightens us in the magnificent embodiment of Durga with great powers and divine grace. She holds a rosary in her right hand and a water utensil in her left hand. She is blissful and endows happiness, peace, prosperity and grace upon all devotees who worship her. Filled with bliss and happiness, she is the way to emancipation - Moksha.
Third Day - Chandraghanta
The third day is dedicated to the goddess 'Chandraghanta', the symbolic representation of beauty and bravery.
The third facet of Goddess Durga is ‘Chandraghanta’, who is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri, for peace, tranquility and prosperity in life. She has a ‘chandra’ or half-moon in her forehead in the shape of a ‘ghanta’ or bell. That is why she is called ‘Chandraghanta’. She is charming, has a golden bright complexion and rides a lion. She has ten hands, three eyes and holds weapons in her hands. She is the apostle of bravery and possesses great strength to fight in the battle against demons.
Fourth Day - Kushmanda
The fourth day is dedicated to the goddess 'Kushmanda', the creator of the entire Universe.
Kushmanda is the fourth form of the mother goddess and is worshipped on the fourth day of Navaratri. The meaning of the name ‘Ku-shm-anda’ is as follows: ‘Ku’ = a little; ‘ushma’ = ‘warmth’; ‘anda’ = ‘the cosmic egg’. So she is considered the creator of the universe. The universe was no more than a void full of darkness, until her light spreads in all directions like rays from the sun. Often she is depicted as having eight or ten hands. She holds weapons, glitter, rosary, etc., in her hands, and she rides a lion.
Fifth Day - Skand Mata
The fifth day is dedicated to the Goddess 'Skand Mata', the mother of the chief warrior of the Gods army, the Skanda.
The fifth aspect of the Mother Durga is known as ‘Skanda Mata’ - the mother of Skanda or Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen by gods as their commander in chief in the war against the demons. She is worshipped on the fifth day of Navaratri. She is accompanied by the Lord Skanda in his infant form. Skanda Mata has four arms and three eyes, holds the infant Skanda in her right upper arm and a lotus in her right hand which is slightly raised upwards. The left arm is in pose to grant boons with grace and in left lower hand which is raised also holds a lotus. She has a bright complexion and often depicted as seated on a lotus.
Sixth Day - Katyayani
The sixth day is dedicated to the goddess 'Katyayani' with three eyes and four hands.
The sixth form of Mother Durga is known as ‘Katyayani’, who is worshipped on the six day of Navaratri. The legend behind her name goes thus: Once upon a time, there was a great sage called Kata, who had a son named Katya. Kata was very famous and renowned in the lineage of saints. He underwent long austerities and penance in order to receive the grace of the Mother Goddess. He wished to have a daughter in the form of a goddess. According to his wish and desire the Mother Goddess granted his request. Katyayani was born to Kata as an avatar of Durga.
Seventh Day - Kaalratri
The seventh day is dedicated to the Goddess 'Kaalratri', meant to make the devotees fearless.
This is the seventh form of Mother Durga and is worshipped on the seventh day of Navaratri. She has a dark complexion, dishevelled hair and a fearlessness posture. A necklace flashing lightning adorns her neck. She has three eyes that shine bright and terrible flames emanate from her breath. Her vehicle is the donkey. Her raised right hand always seems to grant boons to all worshippers and all her right lower hand is in the pose of allaying fears. Her left upper hand holds a thorn-like weapon, made of iron and there is a dragger in the lower left hand. She is black like Goddess Kali and holds a sparkling sword in her right hand battle all evil. Her gesture of protection assures us of freedom from fear and troubles. So she is also known as ‘Shubhamkari’ – one who does good things.
Eighth Day - Maha Gauri
The eight day is dedicated to the Mata Rani or 'Maha Gauri' representing calmness and exhibits wisdom.
She is worshiped on the eighth day of Navaratri. Her power is unfailing and instantly fruitful. As a result of her worship, all sins of past, present and future get washed away and devotees get purified in all aspects of life. Maha Gauri is intelligent, peaceful and calm. Due to her long austerities in the deep forests of the Himalayas, she developed a dark complexion. When Lord Shiva cleaned her with the water of the Ganges, her body regained its beauty and she came to be known as Maha Gauri, which mean extremely white. She wears white clothes, has four arms, and rides on a bull. Her right hand is in the pose of allaying fear and her right lower hand holds a trident. The left upper hand holds a ‘damaru’ (a small rattle drum) and the lower one is in the pose of granting boons to her devotees.
Ninth Day - Siddhidatri
Siddhidatri is the ninth form of Goddess. She is worshipped on the ninth day of Navaratri. Siddhidatri has supernatural healing powers. She has four arms and she is always in a blissful happy enchanting pose. She rides on the lion as her vehicle. She blesses all Gods, saints, yogis, tantrics and all devotees as a manifestation of the Mother Goddess. In ‘Devi Bhagvata Purana’ it is mentioned that Lord Shiva worshipped her and was blessed with all Siddhis (supernatural powers). By her blessings his half body became female and other half body male in the avatar of Ardhnarishvara.
Tenth Day - Vijaya Dasami
Today is considered the Day of Victory, Vijaya Dashami, where the divine energy that is in all of us, the
power of the consciousness (devi shakti), is victorious over all the negative tendencies that sometimes
arise in the small mind and that prevent us from being happy, healthy and aware of our true nature (for
more details, also see the note I wrote on this page on the significance of the symbolism in Navaratri! :))
As is the custom the day, I wish all of you.
Other related posts:
Every Indian festival has a reason and significance behind its celebration. It is not only celebrated for fun and enjoyment.
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. Due to the changes in the nature, the bodies and minds of people undergo a considerable change.
Due to climate change & solar influence, the energy level of the body goes up & down. If energy level is up, Satwa increases, positivity increases. On the result of it, human becomes dynamic, enthusiastic, creative & happier. When energy level is down, Tamas increases, negativity increases. So all types of negativity like greed, jealousy, hatred develops in human’s body.
In the month of Vadraba, there is lowest energy. Our saints are so clever. They thought about it & want to do something to keep our energy level up. So they performed Ganapati Puja for first 10 days of Vadraba. We worship the divine power to bestow upon all of us enough potent powers to maintain our physical and mental balance. Then they keep Shradha to remember our ancestors. So we can remember the beautiful memory those we have spent with our grandfather, grandmother & others. When we think about those happy moments, our Satwa goes up, so our energy level goes up.
Then on the first day of Ashvin, they put 9 days of worship to the mother, the source of energy. There is no rakhyas like Mahisasura. The real rakhyasas are our ego, sorrow, greed, jealousy etc which should be killed from ourselves. The 10 days (including Vijaya Dasami) refers to 10 evils.
1) Kaam (Lost)
2) Krodh (Anger)
3) Lobh (Greed)
4) Moh (Attachment)
5) Ahankar (Ego)
6) Darr (Fear)
7) Irsha (Jealousy)
8) Jadta (Inertia)
9) Nafrat (Hate)
10) Paschataap (Guilty)
Each day we take commitment to destroy one evil from our selves. On the tenth day, we celebrate Vijaya Dasami, i.e. win over all these negativity.
Reason for doing Religious Works at Night
The saints have given more importance to night. Understanding it scientifically; night is peaceful and quite, tantra-mantra and other supernatural things are in strong position. It is easy to concentrate in the night. Chanting Mantra in a peaceful environment yields auspicious results. Many obstacles of nature are removed. This time may be used for gaining mental power and Yogic powers.
Scientifically, performing things during the day increases the chances of problems in concentrating; just the way radio signals face problems during day time but improve in the night. The sound of the bells and conch kills Germs up-to far-away places. This period is used for Siddhi for fulfilling wishes.
The four important ratri (night)
There are four nights which are special meant for worship.
- Navratri
- Maha ratri (Maha Shiv Ratri)
- Kaal ratri (Deewali)
- ......... (Couldn't remember)
What is Navratri?
Navratri is a combination of two words. 'Nav' means nine while 'ratri' means night. Therefore, this celebration is literally translated as 'nine nights'.
Navarathri is celebrated five times a year. They are Vasanta Navaratri, Ashadha Navaratri, the Sharada Navaratri, and the Paush/MaghaNavaratri. Of these, the Sharada Navaratri of the month of Puratashi and the Vasanta Navaratri of the Vasanta kala are very important.
- Basanta Navaratri: Basanta Navaratri, also known as Vasant Navaratri, is the festival of nine days dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti (Mother Goddess) in the spring season (March–April). It is also known as Chaitra Navaratri. The nine days of festival is also known as Raama Navratri.
- Gupta Navaratri: Gupta Navaratri, also referred as Ashadha or Gayatri or Shakambhari Navaratri, is nine days dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti (Mother Goddess) in the month of Ashadha (June–July). Gupta Navaratri is observed during the Ashadha Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon).
- Sharada Navaratri: This is the most important of the Navaratris. It is simply called Maha Navaratri (the Great Navratri) and is celebrated in the month of Ashvina. Also known as Sharad Navaratri, as it is celebrated during Sharad (beginning of winter, September–October).
- Paush Navaratri: Paush Navaratri is nine days dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti (Mother Goddess) in the month of Paush (December–January). Paush Navaratri is observed during the Paush Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon).
- Magha Navaratri: Magha Navaratri, also referred as Gupta Navaratri, is nine days dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti (Mother Goddess) in the month of Magha (January–February). Magha Navaratri is observed during the Magha Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon).
But popularly Navratra is celebrated twice a year. First Navratra is from Pratipada of Chaitra month to Navami and the second is exactly after six months in Pratipada of Ashwin Shukla Paksha to a day before Vijayadashami. In the two Navratras Sharada Navratra is given more importance. The celebrations begin on the first day of the month of Ashvin (i.e. Ashwin Shukla Paksha Pratipada) according to the Hindu calendar.
First three days
The goddess is separated as a spiritual force called Durga also known as Kali in order to destroy all our impurities.
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, as she is the goddess of wealth.
Final three days
The final set of three days is spent in worshiping 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.
We need the blessings of all three aspects of the divine mother; hence, the worship for nine nights.
Each of the nine days of Navratri has special significance. Each day is dedicated to a particular Goddess who is worshipped on that day.
First Day - Shailputri
The first day is dedicated to the Goddess 'Shailputri', the daughter of the Himalayas. She is a form of Shakti, the companion of Lord Shiva.
Shailaputri literally means the daughter (putri) of the mountains (shaila). Variously known as Sati Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati, the daughter of Hemavana - the king of the Himalayas, she is the first among Navadurgas. Her worship takes place on the first day of Navaratri – the nine divine nights. 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.
Second Day - Brahmacharini
She is worshipped on the second day of Navaratri and is the second form of Mother Goddess. The name is derivative of the word 'Brahma', which means 'Tapa' or penace. Bharmacharini means one who practices devout austerity. She enlightens us in the magnificent embodiment of Durga with great powers and divine grace. She holds a rosary in her right hand and a water utensil in her left hand. She is blissful and endows happiness, peace, prosperity and grace upon all devotees who worship her. Filled with bliss and happiness, she is the way to emancipation - Moksha.
Third Day - Chandraghanta
The third day is dedicated to the goddess 'Chandraghanta', the symbolic representation of beauty and bravery.
The third facet of Goddess Durga is ‘Chandraghanta’, who is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri, for peace, tranquility and prosperity in life. She has a ‘chandra’ or half-moon in her forehead in the shape of a ‘ghanta’ or bell. That is why she is called ‘Chandraghanta’. She is charming, has a golden bright complexion and rides a lion. She has ten hands, three eyes and holds weapons in her hands. She is the apostle of bravery and possesses great strength to fight in the battle against demons.
Fourth Day - Kushmanda
The fourth day is dedicated to the goddess 'Kushmanda', the creator of the entire Universe.
Kushmanda is the fourth form of the mother goddess and is worshipped on the fourth day of Navaratri. The meaning of the name ‘Ku-shm-anda’ is as follows: ‘Ku’ = a little; ‘ushma’ = ‘warmth’; ‘anda’ = ‘the cosmic egg’. So she is considered the creator of the universe. The universe was no more than a void full of darkness, until her light spreads in all directions like rays from the sun. Often she is depicted as having eight or ten hands. She holds weapons, glitter, rosary, etc., in her hands, and she rides a lion.
Fifth Day - Skand Mata
The fifth day is dedicated to the Goddess 'Skand Mata', the mother of the chief warrior of the Gods army, the Skanda.
The fifth aspect of the Mother Durga is known as ‘Skanda Mata’ - the mother of Skanda or Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen by gods as their commander in chief in the war against the demons. She is worshipped on the fifth day of Navaratri. She is accompanied by the Lord Skanda in his infant form. Skanda Mata has four arms and three eyes, holds the infant Skanda in her right upper arm and a lotus in her right hand which is slightly raised upwards. The left arm is in pose to grant boons with grace and in left lower hand which is raised also holds a lotus. She has a bright complexion and often depicted as seated on a lotus.
Sixth Day - Katyayani
The sixth day is dedicated to the goddess 'Katyayani' with three eyes and four hands.
The sixth form of Mother Durga is known as ‘Katyayani’, who is worshipped on the six day of Navaratri. The legend behind her name goes thus: Once upon a time, there was a great sage called Kata, who had a son named Katya. Kata was very famous and renowned in the lineage of saints. He underwent long austerities and penance in order to receive the grace of the Mother Goddess. He wished to have a daughter in the form of a goddess. According to his wish and desire the Mother Goddess granted his request. Katyayani was born to Kata as an avatar of Durga.
Seventh Day - Kaalratri
The seventh day is dedicated to the Goddess 'Kaalratri', meant to make the devotees fearless.
This is the seventh form of Mother Durga and is worshipped on the seventh day of Navaratri. She has a dark complexion, dishevelled hair and a fearlessness posture. A necklace flashing lightning adorns her neck. She has three eyes that shine bright and terrible flames emanate from her breath. Her vehicle is the donkey. Her raised right hand always seems to grant boons to all worshippers and all her right lower hand is in the pose of allaying fears. Her left upper hand holds a thorn-like weapon, made of iron and there is a dragger in the lower left hand. She is black like Goddess Kali and holds a sparkling sword in her right hand battle all evil. Her gesture of protection assures us of freedom from fear and troubles. So she is also known as ‘Shubhamkari’ – one who does good things.
Eighth Day - Maha Gauri
The eight day is dedicated to the Mata Rani or 'Maha Gauri' representing calmness and exhibits wisdom.
She is worshiped on the eighth day of Navaratri. Her power is unfailing and instantly fruitful. As a result of her worship, all sins of past, present and future get washed away and devotees get purified in all aspects of life. Maha Gauri is intelligent, peaceful and calm. Due to her long austerities in the deep forests of the Himalayas, she developed a dark complexion. When Lord Shiva cleaned her with the water of the Ganges, her body regained its beauty and she came to be known as Maha Gauri, which mean extremely white. She wears white clothes, has four arms, and rides on a bull. Her right hand is in the pose of allaying fear and her right lower hand holds a trident. The left upper hand holds a ‘damaru’ (a small rattle drum) and the lower one is in the pose of granting boons to her devotees.
Ninth Day - Siddhidatri
Siddhidatri is the ninth form of Goddess. She is worshipped on the ninth day of Navaratri. Siddhidatri has supernatural healing powers. She has four arms and she is always in a blissful happy enchanting pose. She rides on the lion as her vehicle. She blesses all Gods, saints, yogis, tantrics and all devotees as a manifestation of the Mother Goddess. In ‘Devi Bhagvata Purana’ it is mentioned that Lord Shiva worshipped her and was blessed with all Siddhis (supernatural powers). By her blessings his half body became female and other half body male in the avatar of Ardhnarishvara.
Tenth Day - Vijaya Dasami
Today is considered the Day of Victory, Vijaya Dashami, where the divine energy that is in all of us, the
power of the consciousness (devi shakti), is victorious over all the negative tendencies that sometimes
arise in the small mind and that prevent us from being happy, healthy and aware of our true nature (for
more details, also see the note I wrote on this page on the significance of the symbolism in Navaratri! :))
As is the custom the day, I wish all of you.
Shantir Astu (may there be peace in your life),
Pushtir Astu (may there be abundance in your life)
Tushtir Astu (may there be contentment and fulfillment in your life)!
Other related posts:
Reasons for doing religious work at night is a wonderful explanation and I never saw this in any other explanations of Navratri importance, even though i came across several ones like link of this festival with health, climate, detoxification etc...
http://www.artoflivingsecrets.com/2012/10/fast-and-feast-this-navaratri-1.html