440--Q&A WITH SWAMIJI-- Questions on Navaratri

[Guest guest]

Question from Sankar and Rukku:

We have a protima of Maa AshtadasaBhuja Mahalakshmi Durga for which

Puja is done every day. During Navaratri is it necessary or

essential to do a Kumbha or Ghata sthapana in addition to this? Or

can we do the Puja and all Upacharams to the protima?

 

Swamiji's response:

Of what material is the murthi constructed? If it is clay, you will

want to make abhishek in a bowl in front of the deity. Or it may be

too messy to pour your baths over the murthi even if it is sculpted

from marble. That is why we establish a yantra every day in front of

the murthi, and make all the abhishekams to the yantra.

 

Question from Andrea:

It is my understanding that no grains, or salty food is to be eaten

during navaratri. It is a symbolic giving up for the goddess. Fruit,

and vegitables are

ok? To fast completely is for a greater tapas, and austerity. Is

this correct? And do we begin on Tues AM at sunrise?

 

Swamiji's response:

Actually our last solid food was on Sunday. The fasting gives forth

a number of benefits. We suggest that everyone observe the vow

according to their own capacity: the needs of the body, the

activities in which the body must engage during the vow, etc. Some

will give up grains and pulses, some will only take fruit and dairy,

some will only take water: each according to his or her own capacity.

 

Question from Surya:

How do we count Navratri? Sundown to Sundown? Sunrise to Sunrise?

Or Sunrise to Sundown? If we are fasting should we have started this

(Monday) morning or this evening?

 

Swamiji's response:

We use a Panchanga, an almanac timed according to the phases of the

moon.

 

Question from Rajan :

Does one fast for 9 days during Navraatri without food, only water?

I also want to Know which prayers would be good to recite during the

9 days and which day would be good to recite the lalita trishati

from guru gita and establish a shree yantra on my altar.What is the

system you and devi maa follow for prayers during Navraatri?

Finally, I dont always have time to draw the chandi yantra, can I

engrave it on a stainless steel plate or glass, which material would

be more auspicious?

 

Swamiji's response:

Some will fast on only water. We recite the entire Cosmic Puja and

Chandi Path every day.Our yantras are engraved on silver plates.