Inner DarshanSharadiya Navratri: A Festival of Worship of Goddess Shakti
The festival of Navratri is a celebration of the worship of Goddess Shakti, Mother Durga. Navratri occurs five times a year, of which the Chaitra and Ashwin (Sharadiya) Navratris are considered the most prominent. Sharadiya Navratri is celebrated from Pratipada to Navami of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the month of Ashwin. It is called Sharadiya Navratri because of its arrival in the autumn season.
Mythological and Cultural Significance
According to scriptures, it was during Navratri that Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Shakti and killed the evil demon Ravana. This festival gives us the message that good always triumphs over evil. During the nine days of Navratri, devotees install Kalash in their homes and recite the Durga Saptashati. Fairs are held at Shakti Peethas across the country, and tableaux depicting various forms of Goddess Durga are displayed in temples.
Ritual for worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga during Navratri
Each day of Navratri, a specific form of Goddess Durga is worshipped. These forms are also related to astrology, and it is believed that worshipping them removes planetary ills.
- Day 1 - Goddess Shailputri: represents the Moon. Worshiping her eliminates the ill effects of the Moon.
- Day 2 - Goddess Brahmacharini: governs the planet Mars. Worshiping her reduces the negative effects of Mars.
- Day 3 - Maa Chandraghanta: Governs the planet Venus. Worshiping her reduces the negative effects of Venus.
- Day 4 - Maa Kushmanda: Guides the Sun. Worshiping her helps protect against the negative effects of the Sun.
- Day 5 - Maa Skandamata: Governs the planet Mercury. Worshiping her reduces the negative effects of Mercury.
- Day 6 - Maa Katyayani: Governs the planet Jupiter. Worshiping her reduces the negative effects of Jupiter.
- Day 7 - Maa Kaalratri: Governs the planet Saturn. Worshiping her reduces the negative effects of Saturn.
- Day 8 - Maa Mahagauri: Controls the planet Rahu. Worshiping her reduces the negative effects of Rahu.
- Day 9 - Maa Siddhidatri: Controls the planet Ketu. Worshiping her reduces the negative effects of Ketu.
Significance of the Nine Colors of Navratri
Each day of Navratri has a specific color, which is considered auspicious to wear.
- Pratipada: Yellow
- Dwitiya: Green
- Tritiya: Brown
- Chaturthi: Orange
- Panchami: White
- Shashthi: Red
- Saptami: Blue
- Ashtami: Pink
- Navami: Purple