DURGA PUJA OR NAVRATRI

DURGA PUJA OR NAVRATRI

Durga, who sxists in all beings in the form of intelligence, mercy, beauty, who is the consort of lord shiva, who creates, sustains and destroys the universe.

This festival is observed twice a year,once in the month of chaitra and then in aswayuja. It lasts for nine days in honour of the nine manifestation of durga. During Navratri ( the word literally means “nine nights”)devotees of durga observe a fast. Brahmins are fed and prayers are offered for the protection of health and property.

The beginning of summer and the beginning of winter are two very important junctions of climatic and solar influence. These two periods are taken as sacred opportunities for the worship of the divine mother. They are indicated respectively by the rama-navaratri in chaitra (april-may) and the durga navaratri in aswayuja(September-october). The bodies and minds of people undergo a considerable change on account of the changes in nature. Sri rama is worshipped during ramnavmi, and mother durga during navaratri.

The durga puja is celebrated in various parts of india in different styles. But the one basic aim of this celebration is tto propitiate shakti, the goddess in her aspect as power, to bestow upon man all wealth, auspiciousness, prosperity, knowledge (both sacred and secular), and all other potent powers. Whatever be the particular or special request that everyone may put before the goddess, whatever boon may be asked of her, the one thing behind all these in propitiation, worship and linking oneself with her. There is no other aim. This is being effected consciously or unconsciously. Everyone is blessed with her loving mercy and is protected by her.