When it comes to festivals and occasions, India leads the pack. The mojo which sparkles in every festival illuminates as an epitome of tradition and cheerfulness. Most of the Festivals in India are wrapped in a special ribbon of tradition. Be it the mythology or the entomology every aspect of a festival emits flares of excitement and devotion.
Navratri holds a major significance in the Hindu Religion as it is a festival which represents prosperity, luck and joy. It is believed that in the time frame of Navratri commencement of new projects and avenues brings in a lot of good luck and wealth.
Goddess Durga is depicted as a goddess riding lion with multiple arms carrying weapons which depicts strength and valour. The mythology of the Goddess revolves around defeating demonic evil forces that are a threat to peace and prosperity.
The three principal forms of Durga worshiped are Maha Durga, Chandika and Aparajita.
Chandika has two forms called Chandi and of Chamunda who is a form of Kali created by the goddess for killing demons Chanda and Munda. Maha Durga has three forms: Ugrachanda, Bhadrakali and Katyayani.
Durga is also worshiped in the form of her nine epithets called NavDurga.
- The first manifestation of Durga is Goddess Shailputri. According to the mythology, she holds a trishul and a lotus in her hands, riding on a bull called Nandi. Goddess Shailputri in her previous birth was born to Daksha Prajapati. Deeply devoted to Lord Shiva ever since her childhood, Sati meditated earnestly to beget Lord Shiva as her partner. Lord Shiva bestowed upon her the desired boon and accepted her as her partner. The union was not accepted well by Sati’s father Daksha Prajapati, who insulted Shiva by not inviting him in one of his special gatherings. Infuriated upon the humiliation meted out to her husband, Sati immolated herself and sacrificed her life in honour of her husband. In her next birth Sati was born as a daughter to Himalaya, the Lord of Mountains and thus, was called Shailputri. Shailputri is also worshiped as Parvati.
- The second day is devoted to Goddess Bhramacharini. Her meditative stance represents self-punishment undertaken by Parvati and Sati to attain Lord Shiva. Goddess Bhramacharini, is a lover of simple offerings and food. Devotees offer a bhog of sugar and fruits to the Goddess.
- The third manifestation of Durga is Goddess Chandraghanta. She is depicted as a fierce 10-armed Goddess, roaring in anger, further depicting valour and strength. Chandraghanta is worshiped on the third day of Navratri. She has a golden complexion and on her forehead she wears a crescent moon. According to mythology during a great battle between gods and the demons, the sound vibrations produced by her ghanta (bell) took the lives of many wicked enemies, as the demons could not withstand the sound of bells. She rides on a lion and is believed to destroy all evil and wicked. The ferocious Goddess is pleased by offering milk, sweets or kheer.
- The fourth day is devoted to Goddess KushmandaAccording to the Hindu mythology the universe was a dark space and Goddess Kushmanda produced the cosmic egg with her smile. Thus on the fourth day devotees worship the Goddess by observing a fast and offering bhog.
- On the fifth day Goddess Skandamata is worshipped Goddess Skandamata is depicted as a four-armed deity, who carries a lotus in two of her arms with a Kamandalu and a bell. She is also seen carrying little Kartikay on her lap. Kartikay is also known as Skanda, hence giving the goddess the name of Skandamata. Her posture is calm. A bhog of bananas is offered to the goddess and it is said to keep the devotees in the pink of their health.
- On the sixth day Goddess Katyayani is worshipped. Devotees offer honey as bhog to Goddess Katyayani. Her blessings fill their lives with sweetness and help them get rid of bitter troubles.
- On the seventh day of Navratris Goddess Kaalratri is worshiped She breathes flames of fire and rays emits from her. Fierce on the outside, Kaalratri bestows her true devotees’ protection from evil-powers and spirits. Devotees offer jaggery or sweets made with jaggery.
- The eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess MahagauriGoddess Mahagauri is offered coconut as bhog by devotees. It is widely believed that donating coconuts to the Brahmans on Ashtami, blesses a childless couple with a child.
- Worshiped on the ninth day, Goddess Siddhidhatri is projected as a four-armed deity sitting calmly on a lotus. This form of Shakti signifies the ushering of knowledge and wisdom over ignorance and darkness. Goddess Siddhidhatri signifies perfection. On the ninth day of Navrartris, devotees observe a fast and offer til or sesame seeds as bhog. This is believed to protect the devotee and his family from unfortunate events.
Apart from this there are some more significance of these nine days or nine goddesses as per Ayurveda. It is also believed that Nav durga are also presented as nine medicinal herb. These herbs are very powerful and productive at the same time. Some of them are as follows:
- Shailputri is also depicted as herb named Harad (Terminalia Chebula) which is used for many health benefits.
- Bhramacharini which as per Ayurveda is depicted as Brahmi. It sweetens voice, destroys blood disorders and enhances age and memory as well. It is also known as Saraswati which a goddess of music, art and culture. A person worshipping Bhramacharini is less prone to diseases like blood disorders, gas, and urinary problems.
- Chandraghanta is depicted as Chamsoor or Chandusur. This medicine helps to increase strength, cure heart diseases and to help in obesity. This herb is quiet similar to coriander plant.
- Kushmanda is has her healing and powerful qualities in Kumhada or petha. It is used to make many sweets. It gives a sweet texture to it. It is also helpful for mentally weak people and for heart diseases as well.
- Skandamata is also known as Parvati and Uma. It is in a form of Linseed (Alsi) as a medicine which is beneficial for diseases like vata and bile.
- Katyayani having a medicinal name called Amba or Ambika. Also known as Machika. It destroys phlegm, bile, excess disorders and diseases of the throat. The patient suffering from this should worship it and worship Katyayani.
- Kaalratri which is also known as Mahayoginim or Mahayogeshwari. The medicine name it has is known as Naagdaun. Generally it is a medicine for several use. It helps in many diseases related to mind or brain. It is a medicine which destroys poison. The goddess should be worshiped by everyone.
- Mahagauri has a familiar medicine name as Tulsi. This is something which we can find at almost every house. This really helps in cleansing our blood and cure heart diseases.
- Siddhidhatri is also known as Narayani or Shatavari. It is the best medicine for semen or wisdom. This also helps in blood disorders and vata pitta. Consumption of shatavari helps in keeping the body fit.
These are some ways of healing the human body. It’s a kind of blessing to their devotees’ in the form of medicines. Consumption of these while worshipping them is a helpful way to stay healthy and positive. It shows that even in this era these goddesses are helping who worship them indirectly.
There is lot to study about the Navratri or Durga Puja. Lots of books are there where we can find each and every bit of it. All we need is to have that craving for knowledge. Studying our old traditions and culture not only helps us to know them better, but it even helps us spiritually alongwith scientific basis. Jai Mata Di…..