Devi, as the divine feminine energy, is celebrated during Navaratri—a sacred period of nine days and
nights when the Divine Mother’s nine forms are worshipped and invoked through various external
and internal practices.
नमो देव्यै महादेव्यै शिवायै सततं नमः ।
नमः प्रकृत्यै भद्रायै नयताः प्रणताः स्म ताम्॥
In the most glorious description of the Devi, the sacred text Devi Mahatmyam, also known as Durga Saptashati, describes Goddess Durga as the essence of Shiva, the embodiment of auspiciousness, the primordial cause of creation, and the sustaining power of the universe.
This season, Navaratri will be observed from October 3rd to 11th, 2024, with the beginning of Ashwin, Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight) of the Hindu lunar month. It is a time of seasonal transition from autumn to winter, making it an ideal period for sadhana and cultivating positive habits.
नमो देव्यै महादेव्यै शिवायै सततं नमः ।
नमः प्रकृत्यै भद्रायै नयताः प्रणताः स्म ताम्॥
In the most glorious description of the Devi, the sacred text Devi Mahatmyam, also known as Durga Saptashati, describes Goddess Durga as the essence of Shiva, the embodiment of auspiciousness, the primordial cause of creation, and the sustaining power of the universe.
This season, Navaratri will be observed from October 3rd to 11th, 2024, with the beginning of Ashwin, Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight) of the Hindu lunar month. It is a time of seasonal transition from autumn to winter, making it an ideal period for sadhana and cultivating positive habits.
These nine days offer a special opportunity to deepen our connection with the Goddess and invoke
her presence in both our inner and outer realms of existence.
My earliest memory of deep devotion to Her comes from participating in Garba in Gujarat, where I grew up. In Gujarat, the Divine Mother is worshipped as Amba, and her glory is celebrated through singing and dancing during Garba, which means “womb.” The special chants and stutis (hymns of praise) dedicated to Devi drew me in with awe and curiosity. At home, the atmosphere during this time was vibrant, with a focus on cleanliness, fasting, and other auspicious practices.
The Devi Mahatmyam extols the glory of the Divine Mother through 700 mantras, which are found in the Markandeya Purana. The sacred text spans 13 chapters and is divided into three sections:
Spread across 13 chapters, this sacred text has three sections titled as prathama charitra – dedicated to goddess Maha-Kali, Madhyama charitra – dedicated to Goddess Maha-Lakshmi and Uttama charitra – dedicated to Goddess Maha-Saraswati.
My earliest memory of deep devotion to Her comes from participating in Garba in Gujarat, where I grew up. In Gujarat, the Divine Mother is worshipped as Amba, and her glory is celebrated through singing and dancing during Garba, which means “womb.” The special chants and stutis (hymns of praise) dedicated to Devi drew me in with awe and curiosity. At home, the atmosphere during this time was vibrant, with a focus on cleanliness, fasting, and other auspicious practices.
The Devi Mahatmyam extols the glory of the Divine Mother through 700 mantras, which are found in the Markandeya Purana. The sacred text spans 13 chapters and is divided into three sections:
Spread across 13 chapters, this sacred text has three sections titled as prathama charitra – dedicated to goddess Maha-Kali, Madhyama charitra – dedicated to Goddess Maha-Lakshmi and Uttama charitra – dedicated to Goddess Maha-Saraswati.
- Maha-Kali: The Goddess of transformation, and purification who helps us overcome fear signifying tamo guna. She slays the demons Raktabeeja, Chanda and Munda.
- Maha-Lakshmi: The Goddess of prosperity, auspicious and beauty; She grants fulfillment, enjoyment and comfort; signifying rajo guna.
- Maha-Saraswati: The Goddess of wisdom, learning and speech and brings art, music, dance and literature in our lives; She signifies sattva guna.
9 Ways to Invoke the Shakti Within:
May the blessings of the Divine Mother bring peace, purity and prosperity in your life!
Om.Om.Om.
- Cleansing: Shaucha is one of the personal observances in Yoga, to keep our bodies and environment clean. We have heard “cleanliness is next to Godliness”. A body and home that are unclean are not the place where Devi resides. Over-shopping and excessive accumulation lead to confusion and create energy blocks. Take the time to declutter, reduce your dependence on possessions, and organize your space both externally and internally.
- Fasting: Fasting is one of the best ways to cleanse the body of excess food accumulation, which often makes us lethargic and low on energy. The less food we consume, the more energetic we feel. Our honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, is known to fast for nine days, drinking only lemon water, while working 13 hours a day, even at the age of 74. Fasting is a quick and effective way to feel lighter and gain mental clarity, and it has been a part of religious and spiritual traditions in the world.
- A Sacred Space: Create in your home a sacred space, a temple of Devi and offer Her light, as a ghee or oil lamp, flowers, fruits and naivedya (sweet offering) with a devotional feeling. Decorating the main door, entrance with rangoli, flowers signify invitation to the Devi.
- Chanting: Chanting purifies the function of speech and brings clarity to the mind. If you feel inclined, chanting various Devi mantras and stotras can instill a sense of peace and inner strength. Lalita Sahasranama, Saundarya Lahari, and Durga Saptashati are some of the stotras and mantras dedicated to Devi that can be chanted.
- Abstinence: Voluntarily abstain from all forms of addictions and indulgences, such as meat, overeating, eating out, alcohol, and sexual activity. This is not an act of suppression but a conscious offering of yourself to attain a higher state of purity, cultivating self-control and discipline. Our addictions lead to a weakened willpower, but during this time, we turn to Devi Shakti to help us transcend these weaknesses.
- See Yourself As the Devi: Devi is the feminine principle of creation, nurturing and knowledge. Applying your creativity, nurturing yourself and others, and knowledge are ways to get in touch with the Devi-like qualities within. This shakti is within you!
- Meditate Meditate Meditate: These nine nights are charged with the energy of the Divine Mother. Give up distractions and take out time to meditate late nights or early mornings before sunrise.
- Kanya Pujan: On the Ashtami, the eighth day, the tradition is to feed young girls and offer them gifts; the young girls are worshipped as Mother Goddess herself.
- Love, Serve, Remember: When your heart is seated in Devi, every act, every word becomes an expression of Her in the form of love, service and constant remembrance of Her presence within. Remember to come back to your breath, slowing down the movement and feeling the awareness many times during your day.
May the blessings of the Divine Mother bring peace, purity and prosperity in your life!
Om.Om.Om.
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