People from various sections of society irrespective of caste and creed celebrate this festival by visiting temples and offering pujas at the Mother’s feet. In some places, special puja samarohas are also held by setting the images of Mother Durga on beautifully decorated pandals.
Significance
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Worship of Goddess Durga: The festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms, known as Navadurga. Each day is devoted to a different form of the goddess, symbolizing various virtues and powers. The worship of these forms is believed to help devotees overcome their challenges and evils.
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Victory of Good Over Evil: The stories and myths associated with Navratri celebrate the victory of good over evil. One of the central legends is the battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura, where the goddess triumphs, symbolizing the victory of righteousness.
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Ram Navami: The festival concludes with Ram Navami, which celebrates the birth of Lord Rama. This adds another layer of significance, as Lord Rama is considered an epitome of virtue and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Rituals and Celebrations
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Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana):
- Timing: This marks the beginning of Navratri and is performed during an auspicious time, usually the first day of Navratri.
- Procedure: A pot (Kalash) symbolizing the universe is filled with water and covered with mango leaves. A coconut is placed on top, and it is placed on a bed of soil in which barley seeds are sown. This pot is kept for the entire nine days and symbolizes the presence of the goddess.
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Fasting:
- Types: Devotees observe different types of fasting. Some may consume only fruits and milk, while others might eat one meal a day without grains (known as "vrat ka khana").
- Purpose: Fasting is believed to purify the body and mind, and it is a form of penance and devotion to the goddess.
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Daily Puja (Worship):
- Altar Setup: An altar is set up with an image or idol of Goddess Durga. Flowers, incense, and lamps are offered.
- Chanting and Mantras: Devotees recite Durga Saptashati or other holy texts and sing bhajans (devotional songs).
- Offerings: Fresh flowers, fruits, sweets, and other offerings are made to the goddess.
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Kanya Puja:
- Significance: On the eighth (Ashtami) or ninth (Navami) day, nine young girls representing the nine forms of Durga are worshiped.
- Procedure: The girls are invited into homes, their feet are washed, they are offered new clothes, food, and gifts, symbolizing the reverence of the divine feminine.
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Homa (Havan):
- Purpose: A fire ritual performed to invoke the blessings of the goddess and purify the surroundings.
- Procedure: Offerings such as ghee, grains, and herbs are poured into the sacred fire while chanting mantras.
Cultural Aspects
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Seasonal Celebration: Chaitra Navratri marks the onset of spring, a time of renewal and rejuvenation. It aligns with the agricultural cycle, celebrating the sowing of new crops.
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Community Bonding: The festival is a time for families and communities to come together. It fosters a sense of unity and shared cultural heritage through collective prayers, feasting, and cultural performances.
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Rituals and Traditions: Various rituals and customs are observed during Navratri, such as fasting, Ghatasthapana (setting up a sacred pot), and nightly prayers. These practices reinforce discipline, spirituality, and devotion among the followers.
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Inner Cleansing: Fasting and prayer during Navratri are believed to purify the mind and body. It is a time for introspection, self-discipline, and spiritual growth.
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Renewal of Faith: The devotion and rituals performed during Navratri help in renewing faith and spiritual energy. It is a period for devotees to seek blessings, reflect on their lives, and reaffirm their faith.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें