As
we partake in Navarathri celebrations this week, let us take some
time to look back on the origins of this festival and the
significance it holds for us.
What
is Navarathri?
Navarathri
is a nine-day festival where the goddess Durga is worshipped in her
various forms. The word Navarathri literally means “nine nights”
in Sanskrit.During the festival, the three forms of the goddess
-Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi are invoked. The nine days of
festivities culminate in Dussera or Vijayadasami where the triumph of
the good over evil is celebrated.
When
and how did Navarathri originate?
There
are plural narratives on the history and origins of Navarathri that
vary according to various regions in India.
The
Legend of Mahishasura
The
legend in North India goes that Mahishasura, the mighty demon,
worshipped Lord Shiva and obtained the power of eternity. Soon, he
started killing and harassing innocent people and set out to win all
the three lokas. The gods in swargaloka appealed to Lord Shiva, to
find a way to get rid of the demon.To protect the world from the
atrocities of Mahishasura, the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva
united their powers and created a divine female warrior, known as
Goddess Durga. Mahishasura got mesmerized when he saw the divine
beauty of Goddess Durga.
Fascinated
by Goddess Durga's beauty, Mahishasura approached her with the
intention of marriage. The goddess agreed to marry him on the
condition that would have to win over her in a battle. Mahishasura,
proud as he was, agreed immediately.The battle continued for 9 nights
and at the end of the ninth night, Goddess Durga beheaded
Mahishasura. The nine nights came to be known as Navarathri, while
the tenth day was called Vijayadashmi where the triumph of good over
evil was witnessed.
The
legend of Rama and Ravana
Another
legend of Navarathri relates to the Hindu epic Ramayana. It goes that
Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga in nine aspects, for nine days, in
order to gather the strength and power to kill Ravana. He wanted to
release Sita from the clutches of powerful demon king Ravana, who had
abducted her. Those nine nights became to be known as Navarathri and
the tenth day, on which Lord Rama killed Ravana, came to be called
Vijayadashmi or Dusshera, signifying Rama's (good) triumph over
Ravana (evil)
When
is Navarathri celebrated?
Navarathri
usually happens in late September/early October each year. The dates
of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar. In
2016, Navarathri dates are October 1-10.
Why
celebrate Navarathri? (Significance)
The
nine days of festivities serve as a reminder of the divine qualities
of the Mother Divine. She is viewed as our first Guru who guides us
on the path of righteousness; she is the provider of nourishment for
her children, protector of her family and upholder of dharma and
traditions. We honour and worship these principles and rededicate
ourselves to honour and uphold these principles and human values and
to spread joy, peace, love and happiness to those around us.
The
Devi Durga, in Her form as Mahishasuramardhini, is
the destroyer of Mahisha. The
word Mahisha means
buffalo which is a symbol of laziness, lethargy, and inertia. These
are the qualities which impede the spiritual and material progress of
an individual. The Devi is a storehouse of positive energy and any
trace of laziness or inertia dissolves in Her very presence.
The
second set of three days honor the Devi as Lakshmi. Lakshmi is
goddess of wealth and prosperity. Wealth is a vital ingredient
bestowed upon us for the maintenance and progress in our life. It is
much more than just having money. It means abundance in knowledge,
skills and talents. Lakshmi is the energy that manifests as the
complete spiritual and material well-being of a person.
The
final three days are dedicated to Saraswati. Saraswati is the goddess
of knowledge- the one who gives the essence (sara) of
the Self (swa). She is
often depicted as being seated on a rock. Knowledge, like a rock, is
a steadfast support. It stays with us at all times. She plays the
veena, a musical instrument whose mellifluous notes bring harmony and
peace to the mind. Similarly, spiritual knowledge brings relaxation
and celebration into ones’ life.Goddess Saraswati is the ocean of
understanding and the consciousness which vibrates with different
types of learning. She is the source of spiritual light, remover of
all ignorance and the source of knowledge.
In
a nutshell, Navarathri is
a time for us to soak in this blessing and feel grateful for the
abundance and beauty in our lives.
How
is Navarathri celebrated?
Navarathri
holds different significance in various parts of India that
determines the manner in which celebrations take place. Though the
ways differ, the common thread that runs through the celebrations in
various regions would be the spirit of zest, fervour and devotion
that makes it a festival in the calendar year that everyone looks
forward to.
Bengal
During
Navarathri, Bengalis in India worship huge idols of the Goddess,
perform devotional songs and dances and finally take out grand
processions on the tenth day, when the idols are immersed in water.
The last four days of the festival are most important for them.
People worship pre-pubescent young girls, known as 'kanyas', as the
embodiments of Goddess Durga. 'Ayudha Puja' is performed on the ninth
day, where one worships the tools, implements of their livelihood and
places it on the altar of the Goddess for her blessings of success
and prosperity. Even children place their study books and writing
tools on the altar and the families spend whole day in contemplation
of the Goddess. On the tenth day of Dussehra, devotees perform
'Saraswati Puja' for blessings of knowledge and mental peace. During
Navarathri, thousands of devotees visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple in
Kolkota, West Bengal.
Gujarat
In
Gujarat, Navarathri is a community event, where people perform
devotional songs and dances that are popular by the names of 'Dandiya
Raas' and 'Garba Raas', and observe Jaagran (waking through the
night), to please the Goddess. Amba Mata Temple at Junagarh, Gujarat,
is a favorite pilgrim for devotees, during Navarathri. Here, painted
earthen pots are used to represent the Goddess and Garba dances are
performed by the Gujarati women around those pots, in circles. The
pots are valued as the abode of the Goddess. The Rasa has its origin
in the life scenes of Lord Krishna and is associated with the
agricultural rites, while Garba is performed only by men and is
related with the agricultural fertility.
Maharashtra
In
Maharashtra, Goddess Durga is worshipped continuously for nine days
of Navarathri. On the tenth day, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped and
on this day, school-going children worship the tantrik symbol of the
goddess for her blessing in their studies. This day is also
considered auspicious to begin any new thing or to buy new ornaments.
Puja is performed on each day of Navarathri and devotees offer the
flower garland to the idol or image of the goddess Durga. In Mumbai,
people visit various temples including the Ayyappa Temple at
Goregaon.
Kashmir
In
Kashmir, Hindu minorities of Kashmiri Pandits celebrate Navarathri.
People generally observe fast for nine days and stay on water and
fruits or eat the food specifically made for the fast, only in the
evening. They usually visit the temple of their guardian goddess
Kheer Bhawani, on all nine days of Navarathri. Aarti is held on the
last day of Navarathri at the temple and it is only after which,
people break their fast. Many devotees also go to the mountain cave
of the Vaishno Devi Temple, during Navarathri.
Kerala
In
Kerala, there is a tradition of beginning of formal education for
every child aged 3-5 years on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja.
On Ashtami, according to the custom, tools are not used and are
worshiped on this day. Goddess Saraswati is honored by worshiping the
books and records at home, on Navarathri. Thousands of devotees visit
Saraswati temple at Kottayam during Navarathri, to take a dip in the
mysterious holy pond. People also visit the famous temples at
Thekkegram (Palghat).
Mysore,
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh
In
Mysore, Chamundi, the royal deity of the Mysore royalty is worshipped
during Navarathri, with pomp and pageantry. There is a magnificent
procession of elephants, horses, chariots and costumed attendants on
the tenth day, when Maharaja goes to worship the hilltop temple of
the goddess. In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, women
arrange 'Bommai Kolu', a special placing of dolls decorated with
flowers and ornaments on specially prepared steps. Nine young
'kanyas' or virgins are offered new clothes and sweets. The married
women share flowers, kumkum and snacks among themselves.
As
can be seen in some of the types of celebrations,devotional songs
and dance are an integral part of the nine-day festivities as they
serve as a means to invoke the various forms of Devi. In this spirit,
we present a variety of music and dance pieces performed in praise of
Devi. Do look out for them on our Youtube channel and social media
platforms!
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