Navratra

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Reproduced from: The Spiritual Club at http://www.voy.com/140535/

 

For countless centuries, twice a year, in the fortnight of Chaitra

(March-April) and Ashwin (September-October), the universal form of

the Goddess, the Devi has been worshipped, in accordance with Vedic

tradition.

 

Though the fascinations of technology are drawing more people to seek

happiness through material possessions, the drive for modernity has

not weakened the popularity of the nine consecutive nights of

worship, known as Navratra. On the contrary, the present day

experiences are slowly leading many to realise that real happiness

and contentment is an inner attainment, not an outer achievement.

 

This year, Vasant Navratra is being observed from April 2-11. Each

day or night the story of the Devi's glorious victory over the great

demons is recounted through Chandi Path or Durga Saptah Shati.

 

Composed by the great Rishi Markendeya, it is a symbolic account of

great battles between the universal Devi and the terrible demons who

had conquered the three worlds. The entire story is a metaphor for

the inner battles between the forces of good and evil, positive and

negative, light and dark and provides a way for human beings to

conquer inner limitations and achieve their true potential, their

life's purpose.

 

During Navratra, the Goddess is worshipped in three different

aspects, which are all facets of her one divine nature. The first

three nights are devoted to the worship of her as Durga, the fierce

one who uses her power to root out and destroy destructive tendencies

such as anger, desire, ignorance and selfishness. The second three

nights are dedicated to Lakshmi, the bestower of abundance and

prosperity, whose energy brings riches, positivity and joy. The last

three nights are devoted to Saraswati, the personification of divine

knowledge whose grace bestows supreme inner wisdom and knowledge of

one's divine nature. The finale celebrates the conclusion of the

inner battle and the new beginning.

 

The purpose of all these poojas, rituals and mantras is to give us

the feeling of the Goddess energy within, the direct experience.

 

Navratra is a rich pageant of ritual worship and mantra whose

evocation of the divine feminine, powerful manifestation of the

sacred mysteries, and living expression of spiritual reality

continues to bring about efficacious changes in peoples' lives.