The celebrations of Sharad (autumn) Navratri involve worshipping Goddess Durga and her nine forms. The fun-filled festival is celebrated in different ways across the country. This year, the festival will begin on Thursday (October 7) and will continue till October 15 (Friday)
Over the next nine days, devotees offer their prayers to Goddess Durga and observe fasts.
Also known as Sharad Navratri, the occasion is believed to mark Goddess Durga's victory over demon Mahishasura, signifying the victory of good over evil.
The 10th day of Sharad Navratri is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami.
Know about all the Navratris celebrated all year long-
Ashad Navratri- This Navratri, also known as Gupt Navratri (secret or unknown), is observed during the Shukla Paksha of Ashad month (June-July). It has great significance for Sadhaks (seekers) who practice Tantra Sadhana (practice). Sadhaks try to please the ten Mahavidyas (ten wisdom goddess) associated with the Tantra practice. It marks the beginning of the monsoon. It is also known as Gayatri or Shakambhari Navratri.
Sharad Navratri- Observed during the lunar month of Ashvin, it marks the beginning of winters (September-October). In Eastern India, is widely celebrated with much enthusiasm as Durga Puja. It celebrates the divine power of Durga who had slain the demon Mahishashura after a nine-day-long battle. Southern India worships Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Saraswati during this festival.
Another legend believes that Lord Rama worshipped Durga to gain her power during this period to defeat Ravana. On the tenth day, he rescued Sita, which is celebrated as Dusshera.
Magha Navratri- Observed during Pausha month of Shukla Paksha (December-January), it is popularly known as Vasant Panchami. It begins on Ashtami and ends on Purnima in Paush month. This Navratri is also known as Gupt Navratri, where devotees chant mantras in a closed room, and should not worship Goddess Durga in an open space.
Here are the mantras that the devotees can chant on this day:
* Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Kalaratri Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
* Prathamam Shailaputrii iti Dvitiiyam Brahmacaarinnii |
Trtiiyam Candraghanntte iti Kuussmaanndde iti Caturthakam ||
Pan.camam Skandamaate iti Ssassttham Kaatyaayanii Tathaa |
Saptamam Kaalaraatrish Ca Mahaagaurii iti Ca-Assttamam ||
Navamam Siddhidaatrii Ca Navadurgaah Prakiirtitaah ||
Uktaany Etaani Naamaani Brahmannai va Mahaatmanaa ||
