Navratri, also known as Maha Navratri, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of virtue over evil. Goddess Durga fought and killed demonic king Mahishasura for nine days, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
On the celebration of Navratri, the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga, known colloquially as Navdurga, are honored. Each day of Navratri is devoted to a particular Maa Durga manifestation. Every day has a different hue that may be worn all through the event. These hues are considered auspicious and have a lot of meaning. Fasting in Navratri is also prevalent in all places of India. People worship the goddess in different ways and forms, following different cultures and traditions, resulting in various kinds of food and fasting, do’s and don’ts, etc.
The 9 Incarnations Of Godess Durga
1st Day- Devi Shailputri
The united might of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar is embodied in this incarnation. As Shiva’s wife, the divinity was worshiped in this form. The first day’s color is red, which represents strength.
Also Read – Chaitra Navratri Day 1 – History, Facts About Shailputri Devi & Her Temple
2nd Day- Maa Brahmacharini
A person who lives a thrifty lifestyle. She is happy and bestows joy, wealth, peace, and grace on every one of her worshippers. This is ostensibly the path to Moksha. The second day’s hue is royal blue, which is connected with a serene yet powerful soul.
Also Read – Chaitra Navratri Day 2 – Facts About Devi Brahmacharini & Her Temple
3rd Day- Maa Chandraghanta
Goddess Durga’s Chandraghanta incarnation is worshiped on this day. She embodies grace and respect to a tee. She is a powerful and strong woman. The color of the day is yellow.
Also Read – Chaitra Navratri Day 3 – History, Facts About Chandraghanta Maa & Her Temple
4th Day- Devi Kushmanda
Kushmanda is thought to be the creator of the universe. She is said to have made the cosmos and made everything rich with vegetation with her smile. As a result, today’s hue is Green, which represents the world and the flora.
Also Read – Chaitra Navratri Day 4 – History, Facts About Devi Kushmanda & Her Temple
5th Day- Skanda Mata
She was chosen commander in the Gods’ struggle against evil (Rakshasa). Skanda’s mother, Karthikeya, takes on the role of a mother. On day 5, the color gray is utilized to symbolize a mother’s worry when her kid is in danger. Her unwavering commitment to doing whatever it costs to keep her baby safe.
Also Read – Chaitra Navratri Day 5 – History, Facts About Skandamata & Her Temple
6th Day- Devi Katyayani
As a Maa Durga incarnation, Katyayani was born to the renowned sage Katayayan. She exudes enormous bravery while dressed in orange. As a result, orange is the day’s color, as it symbolizes boldness.
7th Day- Maa Kalaratri
Her complexion is black, her hair is untamed, and she has a bold demeanor. She has triple eyes and her breath creates flames. Goddess Kali has a resemblance to Kalratri. The most horrifying element about Goddess Durga is that she dresses in white, the color of serenity and tranquility. As a result, White is the color of the day.
8th Day- Maa Maha Gauri
Durga in her human form is wise and serene. After spending a lot of time in the thick Himalayan forests, her complexion was believed to have transformed from white to black. Her body recovered its beauty after Shiva washed her in Ganga waters, and she was given the title Maha Gauri, meaning “very white.” Pink is the hue of the day, symbolizing optimism and a new beginning.
9th Day- Maa Siddhidatri
She possesses extraordinary healing powers. She is four-armed and appears to be in a good mood. As an embodiment of the mother goddess, she benefits everyone, including gods, gurus, priests, tantriks, and followers. The deity is shown in a joyful condition as if she were a blue sky on a sunny day.
As a consequence, the day’s hue is Sky Blue, which represents astonishment at the beauty of nature. Here are some points to take care of while worshipping the goddess and fasting in navratri.
Some Do’s For Navratri!
- Maintain your chastity. Introspection, self-realization, self-discipline, self-control, and spiritual enlightenment are all ideal during Navratri. As a result, do meditation or austerities to uncover your secret abilities and self.
- Take a bath and dress clean/freshly in the morning (ideally during Brahma Muhurat (2 hours before dawn).
- Do Dhyan (meditation) and Sankalp (pledge) to ensure that the vrat is observed with dedication and commitment.
- The Durga Saptashati, a collection of hymns and mantras devoted to the Mother Goddess, should be read.
- Those who do fasting in Navratri by eating only one meal each day must only break their fast after sundown. Those on a fruit-and-milk diet can consume at regular intervals, as well.
- Only eat Sattvic foods while fasting in Navratri.
- Instead of conventional refined salt, use rock salt (Sendha Namak).
- Be empathetic and reach out to people who are in need.
- During these nine days, worship the nine various forms of Durga (Nav Durga).
- On all Navratri days until Dashmi, light an Akhanda Deep. If it is not possible for you to do so, you can conduct aarti every morning and evening till the festival is over.
- On all Navratri days, it is recommended that you do the Durga Chalisa and Durga Saptasati Paath.
- Present red flowers to all of Devi Maa’s incarnations. During puja, it is customary to dress in crimson. Every day, try offering Singar to Mata.
Also Read – Strange Navratri Rituals in India Which You Might Not Know
Some Don’ts for Navratri!
- Onions, garlic, beef, eggs, and other meat (non-vegetarian) foods should be avoided.
- Consume no alcohol or smoke. By your acts or words, do no harm or insult someone.
- During this time, avoid cutting your hair or nails. During Navratri, men must not trim or cut their beards.
- People who are fasting during Navratri must avoid wearing leather products.
- Someone should be there to ensure that the Akhand Deep is always illuminated.
- The homes where puja is being performed must not be left unoccupied.
- When fasting during Navratri, one should avoid resting in the afternoon, according to the Vishnu Puran. It is a prevalent idea that resting in the afternoon nullifies all of the positive karma gained through fasting.
- Fasting in Navratri is a widespread practice, however, it is not recommended for ‘everyone’ because it might be harmful to one’s health. It is best to eat modest meals throughout the day.
- Slicing lemon should be strictly avoided during Navratri. It is said to be unlucky.
- It is preferable to avoid consuming fried food throughout these days since it negates the goal of physical and spiritual cleansing.
- Do not sit with your back facing the idol in the temple room.
- Do not leave the reading/chanting of the stotras incomplete.
Also Read – Why We Celebrate 2 Navratris In A Year? Explained Scientifically
Conclusion
This was all about the 9 days of Navratri and things that you should and should not do during this period of time. These nine days are, auspiciously celebrated in various parts of India following all the rituals strictly. Devi Durga definitely blesses her devotees performing all the pujas with devotion and dedication and bestows them with peace and success!
For more related information, visit Discover – Trending Reader