सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके ।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Navratri is celebrated over 9 nights and 10 days to honor the nine divine aspects of devi, the Nava Durgas. The festival of Navaratri begins on the 1st day of the 'Ashwin' month. Each day is dedicated to the 9 incarnations of Goddess Durga. During Navratri, the devotees has to follow a specific color on each day and offer 9 different kinds of prasadam to Durga Devi.
In some states ‘Navratri Bommai Golu’ is also placed in some houses, like a display of some dolls in an artistic way. During these days married girls and children will come and sing devotional songs of devi and spread the positive vibes and get blessings from Goddess Durga.
Nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped during Navratri. Let’s see the 9 forms one by one:
1.Shailaputri
The first day of navratri is dedicated to Shailaputri ,the highest peak of any experience. The meaning of 'shaila' is extraordinary, one to reach great heights or a mountain high. On this day, the color yellow is worn for celebration and joy and to get rid of evil thoughts.
शैलपुत्री देवी Mantra-
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
वृषारुढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥
Chanting this mantra keeps one out of danger is the main benefit.
2.Brahmacharini
On day 2,devotees worship Goddess Brahmacharini, one who focuses on the higher aspects of life. As 'Brahma' means divine consciousness, (which means behavior) this day becomes significantly sacred to meditate. The color for this day is the color of nature and prosperity – green. With this, one can evoke blessings for spiritual knowledge, growth and peace.
ब्रह्मचारिणी देवी Mantra-
दधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमालाकमण्डलू।
देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा॥
Chanting of this mantra bestows upon one the beauty and kindness of the soul and the body.
3.Chandraghanta
Goddess Chandraghanta presides on day three of Navratri. The one who is equanimous in the face of good and bad experience. 'Chandra' stands for the moon, which represents the mind. Wearing gray on this day will enable worshippers to stay rooted.
चन्द्रघण्टा देवी Mantra-
पिण्डज प्रवरारूढ़ा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।
प्रसीदम तनुते महयं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता।।
Reciting this mantra dispels from within and wards off all negative forces.
4.Kushmanda
On the fourth day, worshippers invoke the blessings of Goddess Kushmanda, one who is supremely creative and radiates energy. She showers worshippers with energy to grow. The bright color orange is for this day, to generate the feeling of warmth and exuberance among worshippers.
कुष्माण्डा देवी Mantra-
सुरासंपूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे ॥
Recitation of this mantra brings prosperity and abundance into one’s life and keeps away poverty.
5.Skandmata
This day signifies the worshiping of the goddess's motherly form – Goddess Skandamata, one who has the skill and knowledge to deal with everything. Worshipping the goddess in this form is said to bring wisdom, wealth, power and prosperity. The color of serenity and peace is worn on this day to worship the goddess and achieve inner peace.
स्कन्द माता Mantra-
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया ।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी ।।
Chanting this mantra in the name of Skandmata, bestows one with the peace of mind and heart and keeps his loved ones close and secure.
6.Katyayani
The sixth form of the Mother Divine is Katyayani, one who is a benevolent and uplifting force. Her name comes from the sage Katyayan, in whose ashram she resided to do penance. The vibrant red symbolizing infinite courage, intense passion and love is the color for this day.
कात्यायनी देवी Mantra-
चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहन ।
कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद्देवी दानवघातिनी ॥
Invoking Devi Katyayani through this Mantra gives one the strength to remove all evil and negativity from one’s life.
7.Kalaratri
This day is for worshiping the fiercer form of the goddess, one which represents the dark night – Kalaratri, one who has the power to bestow knowledge and dispassion. Royal blue that stands for elegance is the color for this day.
कालरात्रि देवी Mantra-
ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः॥
एकवेणी जपाकर्णपूर नग्ना खरस्थिता
लम्बौष्ठी कर्णिकाकर्णी तैलाभ्यक्तशरीरिणी ॥
वामपादोल्लसल्लोहलताकण्टकभूषणा
वर्धनमूर्ध्वजा कृष्णा कालरात्रिर्भयङ्करी ॥
Meditating on this form of Kalratri removes all obstacles as well as removes all negative supernatural effects created by others.
8.Mahagauri
The eighth night honors Mahagauri, one who is the epitome of inner and outer beauty. The sublime pink symbolizing affection and feminine charm is worn on this day for harmony and kindness.
महागौरी Mantra-
श्वेते वृषे समारुढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः |
महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेवप्रमोददा ||
Happiness and enlightenment is showered upon the one who recites this mantra.
9.Siddhidatri
The final night or ninth form of devi shakti is Siddhidatri, one who bestows you with extraordinary capabilities. It is said she makes the impossible, possible. The vibrant purple is the color of this day, and for stability and richness.
सिद्धिदात्री देवी Mantra-
सिद्धगन्धर्व-यक्षाद्यैरसुरैरमरैरपि।
सेव्यमाना सदा भूयात् सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी।।
For prosperity, good health and abundant wealth, chanting of this mantra is helpful.
During the nine nights of navratri, each goddess worshiped in unique aspects with devotion and strength, which guide us with the divine qualities.
After nine nights, the 10th day is celebrated as ’Vijayadashami'. It is believed that the war between Ram and Ravana went on during these 10 days and Ravana was killed by the hands of Ram on the tenth day. On this day, wearing peacock green color signifies individuality and intelligence. Vijayadashami is also called Dussehra and is celebrated as the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
As we meditate on each aspect, we can enrich our lives and deepen our connection to the essence of the positive energy-Goddess Durga.
Nine days of celebration and a lifetime of devotion.
Shubh Navratri!
Gayatri
