Navratri is one of the major Hindu festivals celebrated in India and Nepal, and Bhutan. The festival takes us back to the era where the Trinity created the Adi Shakti or Durga as female power. The Goddess was created to destroy all demonic powers and demon kings from heaven and to establish peace in nature.
Maa Durga was particularly created for the demon Mahishasura. Mahishasura got a boon from Shiva after years of austerity that no man would be able to kill him. After getting the boon, Mahishasura became blind by his powers, that he started to consider him the most superior that no God could defeat him.
After seeing the chaos and upon Devas’ request, the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh created a female power. The power was a Goddess who was called “Durga.” Since Durga was the female power, only she could defeat and kill Mahishasura to end his cruel deeds.
When Maa Durga came in front of Mahishasura, the demon got mesmerized by her beauty. He proposed to Maa Durga to get married, and the Goddess put a condition. The Goddess said that only when he can defeat her in the war will she agree to marry.
The war started and went on for nine days. On the tenth day, Maa Durga set to triumph over Mahishasura, and she sliced him off to death. This tenth day of triumph is also called Vijayadashami, which people celebrate along with the nine days and nine nights of Navratri.
The Significance of Navratri in Human Life
Those who observe vrat and revere Maa Durga during these nine days get sanctified by her. The soul feels at peace and receives a clear mental understanding which helps him being decisive in life. A person starts feeling fearless as she gets the divine energy of the Goddess, with which he defeats all his enemies and paves his way to success.
Navratri is a serene yet vibrant festival. Each day is celebrated with a different color where color has its significance. Each day of Navratri depicts a different avatar of maa Durga, and by worshipping the Goddess all nine days, we get immense blessings from each of her avatars. The power of the Goddess also protects the soul from any negative energies and cruel intentions of others. Devotees can even get their wish fulfilled if they observe fasting, bring self-discipline, and worship Maa Durga with a pure heart.
Other than revering Maa Durga during these nine days, Navratri colors is also celebrated to attain the Satvik Gunas. The observance of fast, bringing self-discipline, and using your mental and physical energy to worship Maa Durga clears all mental obstructions leading you to a Satvik state.
Hence a person gets rid of Tamasic tendencies such as eating non-vegetarian food, consuming liquor, having sexual and wrong thoughts, and over inclination toward worldly pleasure. We start to differentiate between right and wrong, and our desire for knowledge and wisdom increases. By worshipping Maa Durga in Navaratri, Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Saraswathi also give their grace, making us wealthy and wise.
The Nine Avatars of Maa Durga
In all nine days and nights, devotees worship nine different avatars of Maa Durga. These nine avatars are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Maha Gauri, and Siddhidatri. The same is mentioned in the “Durga Stotra” and “Chandipath,” all are sacred texts dedicated to Maa Durga.
Those who are on the path of spirituality receive a hundred times better effects when they meditate or do Sadhanas during Navaratri.
Let’s understand the nine avatars-
The first day is dedicated to Shailputri Devi, the daughter of the Himalayas. She is made from the power of the Trinity, and she signifies inspiration.
The second avatar is Brahmacharini Devi, who represents penance, and hence she blesses the devotees to progress in the spiritual path.
The third day is for Chandraghanta Devi wears Moon on her head. She is the idol of bravery and strength and infuses the same to her devotees.
Forth avatar is Kushmanda Devi, who brings laughter to life and repels darkness.
The fifth avatar is Skanda Mata Devi, who is the mother of Lord Skanda and represents divinity.
The sixth day is about Katyayani Devi, who fulfills devotees’ wishes.
The seventh form is Kalratri Devi, who is a fierce and dark avatar of Maa Durga. She protects devotees from evil eyes and negative power.
Eight avatar is Mahagauri Devi, who wears white cloth and has a fair complexion. She infuses people with peace and wisdom.
The ninth avatar is Siddhiratri Devi, who bestows us with all siddhis and the owner of supernatural powers.
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