Navratri, one of the most revered festivals in Hinduism, is a celebration of the divine feminine energy or Shakti. Spanning over nine nights and ten days, Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine different forms. The word Navratri comes from Sanskrit, meaning “Nine Nights” (Nav = Nine, Ratri = Nights), symbolizing a powerful period of devotion, fasting, prayers, and celebrations.
At Shree Raja Rajeshwar Devasthan, we honor this auspicious festival with great devotion and spiritual fervor, as we believe it symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness.
The festival of Navratri is celebrated to honor the Supreme Goddess Durga, who is believed to have descended on Earth to rid the world of negativity and evil forces. The nine days are a spiritual journey of invoking the energy of Shakti within us and seeking her divine protection and blessings. Here are the key reasons why Navratri is celebrated:
Navratri is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura was a powerful demon who received a boon that no man or god could kill him. With his newfound power, he caused chaos in all the worlds. To restore peace and righteousness, the gods prayed to Goddess Durga, who then took the form of Shakti and fought Mahishasura for nine days, ultimately slaying him on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. This victory is symbolic of the eternal triumph of good over evil.
Navratri is a celebration of the Divine Feminine Energy in the form of Goddess Durga and her nine forms, collectively known as Navadurga. Each of the nine days of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, each symbolizing a unique aspect of feminine power—strength, courage, compassion, love, wisdom, and protection. By worshipping the goddess, devotees seek to awaken these qualities within themselves and align with the cosmic energies that drive the universe.
Navratri is observed twice a year: Chaitra Navratri in the spring and Sharad Navratri in the autumn. Both of these times coincide with the change of seasons, signifying a period of transition. During these transitions, ancient sages believed that the energy of the Earth is at its highest, making it an ideal time for purification, spiritual practices, and setting new intentions.
Sharad Navratri, in particular, is considered a time for renewal—of both body and mind—as we prepare for the longer, colder nights ahead. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Durga during Navratri strengthens the body and soul, helping us move forward with clarity, strength, and positivity.
Navratri is a time for intense spiritual practice, meditation, and self-discipline. Many devotees observe fasts, meditate, and chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Durga, such as “Om Dum Durgayei Namah” or “Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu”, to invoke her divine protection and grace. Fasting during Navratri is seen as a way to purify both the body and mind, helping devotees focus on their spiritual growth and connect with their inner strength.
At Shree Raja Rajeshwar Devasthan, we believe that through fasting, prayers, and devotion during Navratri, we can cleanse ourselves of negative energies and open the door to spiritual renewal.
Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Navadurga, each embodying a different aspect of the Divine Feminine:
The daughter of the mountains, symbolizing strength and purity.
The goddess of penance and devotion, representing wisdom.
The goddess of peace and serenity, who destroys evil forces.
The creator of the universe, representing creativity and energy.
The mother of Kartikeya, symbolizing motherhood and divine grace.
The warrior goddess, representing courage and strength.
The fierce goddess who destroys ignorance and darkness.
The symbol of purity and cleanliness.
The goddess of perfection and accomplishments, who grants divine knowledge.
During Navratri, devotees perform various rituals and practices to honor the goddess and seek her blessings. Some common rituals include:
The installation of the Kalash (sacred pot) marks the beginning of the Navratri celebrations. The Kalash symbolizes the presence of the goddess, and it is worshipped throughout the festival.
Devotees often observe a fast, either consuming only fruits and water or avoiding grains, to purify the body and focus on spiritual practices.
Devotional songs and prayers are sung in praise of Goddess Durga to invoke her blessings.
In many parts of India, especially Gujarat, traditional dance forms like Garba and Dandiya are performed during the evenings, celebrating the energy of the goddess.
Navratri is more than just a festival—it is a time for spiritual awakening, inner transformation, and deep devotion. As we celebrate the nine forms of Goddess Durga, we are reminded of the infinite power of the Divine Feminine that resides within all of us. This sacred period is an opportunity to rid ourselves of negativity, embrace positivity, and connect deeply with our spiritual self.
At Shree Raja Rajeshwar Devasthan, we invite you to join us in celebrating Navratri with devotion and reverence. Let us come together to seek the blessings of Maa Durga and embark on a journey of inner strength, purity, and spiritual growth.
Shree Raja Rajeshwar Devasthan is a sacred haven nestled in the heart of maharashtra. Our temple stands as a beacon of spiritual enlightenment, welcoming devotees from far and wide to experience the divine presence of Lord Shiva and other deities.
Phone:
+91 98337 55687
mail: shiva@shreerajarajeshwardevasthan.org
ADDRESS:
NO/-52/8 MADHVADI TALUKA MURBAD THANE421401 MAHARASTRA
