Symbolism behind Navaratri Celebration

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Navaratri (Festival of Nine Nights)

 

Navaratri is a joyous festival which is celebrated every year by

Hindus, during early fall season (occurs during late September and

early October). The Goddess in the form of the Universal Mother is

worshiped for nine nights and hence the name *nava-ratri.' On the

tenth day, the festival comes to an end with a special puja called

Vijaya Dasami. During the ten days of the Dasara festival (ten days

and nine nights), it is common for Hindus to read and recite slokas on

the greatness of Mother Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Mother Durga

symbolizes the power of purposeful action (Kriya Sakti). Lakshmi

represents the will power (Itchaa Sakti) and Saraswati stands for the

power of knowledge (Jnana Sakti).

 

Celebration in Different Parts of India

 

Open air stages are usually erected and a variety of entertainments

enliven the cool nights. In many parts of the country, notably Bengal,

Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, clay idols depicting Durga

finishing off the wicked demon Mahisha are installed. After the

celebrations are over on the 10th day, the idols are ceremonially

taken to the nearest river, beach or lake and immersed into the

waters. In the northern parts of India, people also read Ramayana

during this time because it is believed that on the Vijaya Dasami day,

Rama returned to Ayodhya Victorious after killing the evil king

Ravana. It is considered *auspicious to start new ventures especially

on education and other arts on Vijya Dasami day. It is also common in

India to see children start their first music or dance or other

educational ventures on Vijaya Dasami.

 

We the human beings are prone to exhibit rajasic qualities like anger

and hatred which are the menacing manifestations of Durga Devi to

destroy the evil. Our interest in music, arts and knowledge are the

pleasing vibrations produced by the power of Saraswathi Devi. The

pure qualities which include compassion, love, forbearance and

sympathy are derived from Laxmi Devi. When we worship Durga, Laxmi

and Saraswathi externally in pictures or icons, they are giving

physical forms to the subtle potencies that are within them. It is

unfortunate that we fail to recognize the importance of the symbolism

behind the festivals and celebrations. We are too quick to go after

the material aspects of the celebrations instead of focusing on the

spiritual message. We seem to look for remedies from outside instead

of looking for the answers inside.

 

We ignore the Divinity within and seek the external objects in search

of Divinity. There is no need to go in search of the Divinity outside.

We must develop firm faith in the Divinity within and turn our

attention inward to experience the True Human Nature. What is that we

should do during these days of the Navarathri festival? We direct our

Itchaa Sakti to direct our mind toward Divinity within. We apply our

Kriya Sakti to conduct Dharmic Actions - unselfish service to the

humanity. Finally, we turn our Jnaana Sakti to attain the Divine

Self. Hindu Festivals and Celebrations constantly remind us our True

Human Nature through symbolic messages. The purpose of the

celebrations is not for external pleasures but for inward peace and

tranquility.

 

Ram Chandran