Why we celebrate Navratri?
Navratri is a nine-night devotional service dedicated to the worship of Durga Mata (Nav Ratri literally means 9 nights). Durga Mata, like Sati Mata and Parvati Mata, is a manifestation of the divine, Adi Shakti the wife of God Shiva. Other names for this form of divine energy are Devi and Mata. God is presented in Hinduism as a combination of two aspects: The transcendental aspect is presented as the masculine principle and the dynamic aspect is presented as the feminine principle. The transcendent side of God is static, the dynamic side is mobile and consists of energy. Shakti is the executive force. The force that sets creation in motion. The transcendent is pure consciousness. Durga Mata is considered the "Goddess of war".
Durga Mata has fought an intense battle with the invincible demon Mahishasura for 9 days. On a ninth day, she beheaded the demon, so that peace reigned. Navratri is celebrated twice a year, the first period is in the month of March / April and the second period is in the month of September / October. These dates differ per year because they are determined by the Lunar calendar. During the nine nights of devotional service, the nine manifestations of Durga Mata are honoured. Day 1 On the first day, Durga Mata is worshipped in the form of Shailputri. In the world we find ourselves in, materialism and success are at the centre. This ultimately also leads to fear of failure and frustration. Shailputri therefore also creates a sense of satisfaction. Day 2 The second day is dedicated to Devi Brahmacharini, this destroys the ignorance of the devout and promotes spiritual wisdom. In other words, the inner is stabilized. Day 3 On the third day, Chandraghanta is honoured to come to self-understanding; this is an important part of being able to banish the negative in yourself. Day 4 The fourth day is devoted to Kushmanda; through her blessing, it is possible to grow spiritually. Day 5 The fifth day is dedicated to the worship of Skanda Mata. It destroys pain and suffering in the devout. The suffering is caused by our attachment to the earthiest existence. Day 6 On the sixth day, Devi Katyayani is revered, by receiving her blessing, the domestic happiness will greatly increase and the happiness between the devout and his / her neighbours. Solidarity and generosity are thus strongly developed. Day 7 The seventh day is a day on which Ma Kali is worshipped, She destroys the negative, including demons and the like in the world and in the universe. Day 8 On this eighth day, Devi Maha Gauri is worshipped, she embodies the Vedas and other sacred scriptures. Receiving her blessing makes it possible to apply the essentials of the sacred scriptures in our lives. This allows one to do the right thing. Day 9 Siddhidatri is worshipped on the last day of Navratri; on this day Adi Shakti will bless her devotees with higher wisdom and awareness. In recent days, Adi Shakti has been worshipped in various manifestations. As soon as we enter the higher consciousness, It transcends into its transcendent form, the pure consciousness. So during Navratri people actually worship Adi Shakti, the source of all energy. By worshipping Her, we pray that She would purify our lives and bring us health, joy, peace and well-being. The worship of the Devis during the nine days consists of singing bhajans, songs of praise to the Devis, offering prasad, chanting mantras, meditating and praying for personal wishes. All this is to purify the mind of the devotee and thereby prepare him for spiritual growth.
