Shardiya Navratri is considered as the most auspicious and significant of all Navratris, celebrated in a year. For this reason, Shardiya Navratri is also known as Maha Navratri. The name Shardiya Navratri has been taken from Sharad Ritu (autumn season) as it falls during lunar month Ashwin during Sharad Ritu.
During the nine days of Navratri, nine different forms of Goddess Durga – the holy goddess of peace and prosperity are worshipped. The nine manifestations of Goddess Durga that are worshipped during Shardiya Navratra are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri. These nine days of festivity is culminated on the tenth day in the form of Vijaya Dashmi or Dussehra.
A religious frenzy imbues the country to its hilt during these sacred days of Navratra. While fast, feast and worship of Goddess Durga continues for ten long days during shardiya Navratri, Durga Pooja or Durgotsava is largely celebrated with much gaiety and aplomb during last four days observed as Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navmi and Vijaya Dashmi.
The traditional Garba Dance and Dandiya Raas take place to commemorate the opportune occasion of Navratra in many parts of the country. Not many know of it but the sticks that are used for Dandiya Raas symbolize the swords used by Goddess Durga.
According to Hindu Mythology, listening to or chanting the powerful slokas or mantras of “Chandi Path” during these nine days of Shardiya Navratri bring immense mental peace and happiness. Manifestation of Goddess Durga in her purest form, Devi Chandi’s mantras help increase our vitality and make us victorious over all obstacles in our lives.
It is prudent that you gift yourself a Chandi Path Kit this Shardiya Navratri and seek the blessings of divine Goddess Durga.
Why celebrate Shardiya Navratri & Durga Pooja?Durga Pooja venerates Lord Rama’s prayer to the goddess Durga before embarking on a fearsome battle with the Demon King - Ravana. Hindu Mythology has it that Lord Rama first worshipped ‘Mahishasura Mardani’ by offering 108 blue lotuses and lighting 108 lamps during this time of the year and with her divine blessings, Lord Rama scored victory over Ravana and established Dharma.
On the tenth day, Vijaya Dashmi is celebrated to rejoice the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana. Keeping this in mind, on the tenth day, many devotees keep fast and worship Goddess Durga with true devotion and passion to achieve victory over all obstacles in their lives.
Worshipping Goddess Durga and fasting during Shardiya Navratra helps a person fight against negative vibes and evil spirits. Worshipping Goddess Durga with true devotion and dedication during Shardiya Navratra helps a person attain wealth and knowledge and hence become the purest soul separated from all sins of life.
