Exquisite aroma is ready to escape the crevices of the kitchen and tickle our nostrils to kindle our taste buds as Navratra is on the threshold. The term “Navratra” is a fusion of two words, “Nava” meaning nine and “Ratra” stands for nights. So, literally Navratra means nine nights. We are mortals and our skin clads various destructive vices and negativity inside. The festival of Navratra is a refined essence of the entire Vedas which emphasizes the elimination of malignance thereby promoting sanctification of the soul. Navratra is an enormously significant festival which is celebrated with devoutness and zealousness everywhere.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
The hustle bustle of the present era has consumed our being to such an extent that the meaning of festivals has shriveled as ‘a few days celebration’ without knowing a trace of its historical significance, which forms the foundation of them. The various legends associated with Navratra are:
The legend of Mahishasura:
The union of Rambha (king of demons) and Shyamala gave birth to Mahishasura who earned a benefaction from Lord Shiva after a series of hard and long reparation. Dazzled by the intensity of his devotedness Lord Shiva granted him his wish which stated that the power of no man or lord can put him to death. Been granted with this good omen fueled his audacity and he triggered wrecking havoc while completely overlooking the power of a female. Drunk in his arrogance, he attacked the Indralok (the abode of gods) and conquered it. His vessel of vice overflowed to which the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva decided and amalgamated their powers which led to the creation of a beautiful woman emblematizing the female power or Devi Shakti or Maa Durga. She crushed Mahishasura in a battle that went on for nine days followed by his beheading on the tenth day which is also referred to as Vijaya Dashmi.
The legend of Lord Rama:
Before commencing his battle with Ravana, Lord Rama is believed to have fasted and drowned himself in devotion for nine days to seek the blessings of the goddess. After nine days he went on to the battlefield and defeated Ravana on the tenth day due to which this day is also referred to as Dusshera.
The legend of Lord Shiva:
Uma, a devotee of Lord Shiva was the daughter of Daksha (king of Himalayas) and Menaka. She worshipped Lord Shiva as her husband and owing to her devotion Lord Shiva went ahead to marry her. But her father had a strong repulsion for Lord Shiva and strongly disapproved of him as a groom wrapped in tiger skin and traces of dirt all over his body. The reprehensions of his father posed no impediment for her and she married Shiva. Flushed with shame when his father arranged ‘yagna’ for everyone except Shiva, Uma committed Sati. Consumed with rage over the death of his beloved, Lord Shiva lifted the body of Uma and began dancing with rage, commonly referred to as tandav which brought the entire universe on the brink of destruction. Lord Vishnu came to the rescue and used his chakra to cut the body of Uma . The fifty two pieces fell in different parts of the world and those places are known as ‘Shakti Piths’ and lord Vishnu revived Uma hence restoring peace. It is believed that Uma with her children visits her parental home every year when Durga Puja is celebrated.
The festival of Navratra aims to cultivate spiritual wisdom and cut down all the negativity. During the nine days of Navratra, nine forms of goddess Durga are glorified and worshipped. The nine forms of Durga are:
- Shailaputri: She is the first form of goddess Durga often referred as the daughter of mountains and is the epitome of the energy of the trident Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva brought together.
- Brahmacharini: Brahmacharini is the second form of goddess Durga and brings peace and prosperity on the family that worships her.
- Chandraghanta: She is worshipped on the third day of Navratra and is believe to bless her devotees with strength to endure problems and courage.
- Kushmanda: She is the creator of universe and is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratra. She endows her devotees with health and wealth.
- Skandamata: Skandamata is worshipped on the fifth day. She blesses her devotees with prosperity and wisdom.
- Katyayani: Katyayani is the sixth form of Navadurga and is a warrior goddess. She is believed to bless with the power to fight evil and strength.
- Kaalratri: The seventh day of Navratra is dedicated to goddess Kaalratri. She is believed to be the most ferocious and boisterous form of goddess Durga. Her worship wipes away all the demonic spirits and negative energy from the home.
- Maha Gauri: She is the eighth manifestation of goddess Durga and is believed to eradicate the sufferings.
- Siddhidatri: Siddhidatri is worshipped on the ninth day of Navratra. She showers spiritual strength and fulfills all the desires of the devotees.
In western India, a colorful folk dance is done by people to celebrate this auspicious occasion whereas in eastern India, Durga Puja is organized where large multitude of people participate and channelize their devotion. In northern India, the festival of Ramlila is organized which celebrates the triumph of lord Rama over the Demon Ravana while in southern India, it is celebrated as Golu, a festival where idols of goddesses are assembled and worshipped.
Navratra is celebrated differently in various parts of the country based on the traditions and culture of thy land but the faith they share is congruent. The temples are decorated, the idols of goddesses are adorned and the fragrance of the burning incense sticks soaked with the incantation of hymns and prayers evokes a strong sense of spirituality.
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