Navratri 2023: Know Interesting Facts About Navratri, Its History & Importance

Navratri is a major Hindu festival according to Indian mythological and religious significance, which is celebrated every year in the months of Magh, Chaitra, Ashadh, Ashwin from Pratipada to Navami. The word Navratri means 'nine nights'. Nine forms of Shakti are worshiped during these nine nights and ten days. The tenth day is famous as Dussehra.

The festival of Navratri is mainly celebrated twice a year, one in Chaitra month and the other in Ashwin month. According to the calendar, Shardiya Navratri starts every year from Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month and continues till Navami Tithi. .

On the occasion of Navratri, Durga Maa Idol is installed, and Garba and Ramlila are also organized during Navratri at many places. On the first day of this great festival, Ghat is established in the form of Kalash Sthapna. During the nine days of Navratri, the nine forms of Maa Durga are worshiped with full rules and Maa Durga Aarti is performed, and fasting is also observed, and on Dashami Tithi, Durga Maa Murti ends with immersion.

This year, Shardiya Navratri will start on October 15, 2023, end on October 23, 2023 and Dussehra will be celebrated on October 24.

History of Shardiya Navratri

One day during the Lankan war, there was an atmosphere of worry in Ram ji's army, on the other hand, there was a wave of joy in Ravana's camp. At that time, seeing his commander worried, Jamwant ji asked Shri Ram, "Lord, the reason for your worry." What if one day Ravana gets the upper hand in the war? You have the same quiver and the same bow, maybe tomorrow we will have the upper hand in the war.

Then Shri Ram said that the reason for my worry is something else, I have seen Shakti fighting on behalf of Ravana and how can we be victorious if there is Shakti, maybe he has worshiped Shakti, then Jamwant ji said that you should also worship Shakti and should respond to worship with worship only.

Then Lakshman ji was made the commander for the next day's war and Shri Ram asked Hanuman ji to pluck 108 blue lotuses from the river and Ram sat in meditation.

When the ninth day of Ram ji's meditation came, Shakti thought of testing Ram ji to see how much attention Ram ji had towards his goal. On the ninth day, when Ram ji was about to offer the 108th lotus, he noticed that the last lotus was missing from the plate. Then Ram ji decided that he would not leave the puja incomplete. He said that in childhood my mother Kaushalya used to call me Rajeev Nayan.

Therefore, now I have two more lotuses, I will complete my puja by dedicating one of my eye, then as soon as Ram ji took out the arrow from the quiver, Shakti appeared and had held Ram ji's hand and gave him the boon that he would be victorious in this war. Then on the tenth day when there was a war between Shri Ram and Ravana, Ram ji killed Ravana and we celebrate that day as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.

Other Stories

According to another story related to this festival, on this day Maa Durga had killed Mahishasura. According to mythology, Mahishasura did penance from Brahma Ji and asked him for a boon that neither any human being, god nor any animal could kill him. After getting this boon, Mahishasura attacked heaven and within no time he conquered all three worlds and became the ruler of three worlds.

As a result, all the gods, troubled by the atrocities of Mahishasura, went to Lord Vishnu. Then Lord Vishnu advised him to pray to Mata Shakti. As a result of the prayer, Shakti appeared and then gods Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Indra, etc., offered their weapons to the Goddess, and then the Goddess killed Mahishasura.

Importance of Navratri

Navratri, famous as 9 special nights, the word 'Ratri' is considered a symbol of Siddhi. This time is considered to be the main occasion for worshiping the nine forms of Shakti. The nine forms of power are as follows:

1. Shailputri

2. Brahmacharini

3. Chandraghanta

4. Kushmanda

5. Skandamata

6. Katyayani

7. Kalaratri

8. Mahagauri

9. Siddhidatri

There are 4 Navratri in each year, in which Sage & monks have made the rule of worshiping during Navratri twice a year. Navratri is celebrated from the first day of Vikram Samvat, i.e. from Pratipada of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month to Navami, i.e. for 9 days. Exactly 6 months later, from Pratipada of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month till Mahanavami, i.e. a day before Vijayadashami, the Goddess is worshiped. This Navratri is considered more important from the point of view of accomplishment and sadhana. On this occasion, people observe various types of fasts, restraints, rules, yagyas, bhajans, pujas and yoga-sadhana etc. to increase their spiritual and mental strength.

Mainly, the worship of Shakti has been going on since ancient times. In fact, the account of Devasura Sangram in Shrimad Devi Bhagwat Mahapuran refers to the origin of Durga, the confluence of the powers of all the gods who gathered to save the divinity from the demonic powers, and it is called as durga puja.

There are three types of qualities pervaded within our consciousness – Satoguna, Rajoguna, and Tamoguna. Naturally, the celebration of this consciousness is called Navratri. During these 9 days, the Tamoguni nature is worshiped on the first three days, the Rajogun nature is worshiped on the second three days, and the Satoguni nature is worshiped on the last three days. On the last day, we celebrate Vijayotsava as we reach the Trigunatit state, beyond the three gunas, and celebrate victory by vanquishing lust, anger, pride, greed, and other demonic tendencies.

Some Interesting Facts Related to Navratri

1. Why is the Goddess Considered to Have Eight Arms?

Maa Durga has been described in the scriptures as having eight arms and at some places as having ten arms. There are eight important directions in Vastu Shastra, although at many places ten angles or ten directions are also mentioned. These directions are as follows: Prachi (East), Pratichi (West), Udichi (North), Avachi (South), Ishaan (North-East), Vayu (North-West), Agniya (South-East), Nairutya (South- West), Urdhva (towards the sky), and Adharasta (towards the underworld). At some places, the direction of sky and hell is not given the status of direction, and for this reason only eight directions are considered at some places. According to Hindu scriptures, Goddess Durga protects her devotees from all directions, and that is why she has eight arms.

2. Why Ride on a lion?

The goddess's vehicle is a lion. The lion is seen to be associated with incredible power, and it is believed that Goddess Durga riding on the lion brings an end to suffering and evil.

3. Why is Navratri Celebrated at the End of Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha is followed by purification of the house, and after this comes the arrival of Devi Paksha, called Navratri and also the beginning of all kinds of other festivals. It is believed that on the first day of Devi Paksha, Maa Durga starts traveling towards the earth.

4. Why is Kanya Pujan Done During Navratri?

In Hindu religion, Kanya Puja is organized on Durga Ashtami and Navami Tithi of Navratri festival. On this day, there is a tradition of inviting nine girls below 10 years of age to their home and serving them food. According to beliefs, worshiping Kanya and Batuk on the day of Kanya Pujan pleases Mother Bhagwati and bestows blessings of wealth and prosperity. It is said in scriptures that on this day, devotees get special benefits by feeding food to girls according to age.

5. Why Organize Garba Raas and Dandiya During Navratri?

In Navratri, Garba Raas and Dandiya are organized on the occasion of Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami. It symbolizes unity, respect, and joy in the society and it is a symbol of celebration as well as devotion to Goddess Durga.

Conclusion

From this article about Navratri, we learn that it is an important festival of Hindu religion which is celebrated every year in the month of Chaitra and Ashwin. Its importance is because at this time, nine forms of Maa Durga are worshiped by installing Durga Maa Statue or Photo and on the day of Vijayadashami, Ram's victory over Ravana is celebrated. Is. Through this festival people increase their spiritual and mental strength and achieve victory against evil forces. Along with this, we also get the unique importance of worshiping the goddess in her eight-armed form and the significant meaning of riding a lion. Through Kanya Puja, we honor young girls.

Organizing Garba Raas and Dandiya during Navratri is a sign of unity and joy. Through this festival we all remember the importance of Shakti and by worshiping their we welcome new power in our lives. Along with Navratri, we also remember the heritage of Indian culture and try to keep it alive in today's time. This festival is a symbol of unity, respect, and happiness and helps in moving our society towards prosperity. From our side, wish all of you a very Happy Navratri!