The prominent story associated with Navratri is the battle that took place between goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura, who represents egotism. All the nine days of the festival are dedicated to each distinct avatar of the goddess; and each of these days has a significant colour attached to it, which devotees are expected to wear while taking part in the festivities. So, we’ve tried to break it down in easier terms for you:
The nine avatars of Durga and the colours of each avatar:
Day 1: SHAILPUTRI
She is the embodiment of the collective power of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. It is in this form that the goddess was worshipped as the consort of Shiva. The colour of the first day is red–it depicts action and vigour.
Day 2: BRAHMCHARINI
The one who practices devout austerity. She is blissful and endows happiness, peace, prosperity and grace upon all devotees who worship her. Filled with bliss and happiness, she is the way to emancipation or moksha. The colour of the second day is royal blue, since it’s synonymous with a calm-yet-powerful energy.
Day 3: CHANDRAGHANTA
She represents beauty and grace and is worshipped on the third day for peace, tranquillity and prosperity in life. She is the apostle of bravery and possesses great strength. The colour of the day is yellow.
Day 4: KUSHMUNDA
She is considered the creator of the universe. It is believed that Kushmunda created the universe through a bout of laughter and made it verdant with vegetation. Hence, the colour of the day is green.
Day 5: SKAND MATA
She is the mother of Skanda, or Karthikeya, who was chosen by the gods as their commander-in-chief in the war against the demons. She is accompanied by Skanda in his infant form. The colour of the day is grey, as it indicates the vulnerability of a mother who can turn into a storm cloud when the need arises to protect her child.
Day 6: KATYAYANI
Katyayani was born to the great sage, Kata, as an avatar of Durga. Dressed in orange, she exhibits immense courage. Hence, the colour of the day is orange.
Day 7: KALRATRI
She has a dark complexion, dishevelled hair and a fearless posture. She has three eyes that shine bright, with flames emanating from her breath. She is black like the goddess Kali. She is the most fierce form of goddess Durga, and she is dressed in white, a colour that represents peace and prayer. Thus, the colour of the day is white.
Day 8: MAHA GAURI
Maha Gauri is intelligent, peaceful and calm. It is said that due to her long austerities in the deep forests of the Himalayas, her colour transformed from white to back. However, later, when Shiva cleaned her with the waters of the Ganga, her body regained its beauty and she came to be known as Maha Gauri, which means extremely white. The colour of the day is pink, denoting hope and a fresh start.
Day 9: SIDDHIDATRI
She has supernatural healing powers. She has four arms and is always in a happy state of mind. She blesses all gods, saints, yogis, tantriks and all devotees as a manifestation of the mother goddess. The goddess is shown to be in a blissful state, just like the sky on a clear day. Thus, the colour of the day is sky blue, representing wonderment about the beauty of nature.
Celebrated twice a year, the first Navratri that falls in the month of March or April is known as Chaitra Navratri. Most devotees of goddess Durga observe a fast for nine days, though some observe it for only two days. During the fast, one is meant to abstain from everyday grains like wheat, but can consume fruits, milk, tea, coffee, potatoes and one meal of sago food preparations–such as kuttu (singhada) atta and special rice. Instead of regular table salt, sendha (sea) salt is used for cooking.
Why is it celebrated?
There are various reasons why Navratri is celebrated, and each has its own significance in different parts of India. Let’s discuss two of these.
- Killing of Mahishasura
One of the fiercest daemons, Mahishasura undertook severe penance to obtain a boon that he cannot be killed by a male, underestimating at his own cost the power of the female form, and started creating havoc everywhere. To stop him, Shakti took a very beautiful form of Durga and told him that she would marry him if he defeats her in a battle. It is believed that they battled for 9 days, and on the 10th day, Durga killed Mahishasura. Therefore the 10th day is called Vijayadashmi, day of the victory. One of the most famous idols that you see in temples depicts this scene where Mahishasura, in the form of a half bull, is being slayed by Mother Durga.
- Lord Rama praying to Goddess Durga
Another legend has it that Lord Rama fasted and prayed for 9 days to seek Goddess’ blessings to kill Ravana. He kills him on the 10th day, and this day is called Dusshera, the day when the 10-headed Ravana was killed.
During the 9 days, there is a feeling of festivity in the air. Many people fast during the entire period, there are different forms of prayers and lots and lots of varieties of sweets are prepared. Different parts of India celebrate navratri in different styles, the thing that is common is its grandeur and auspiciousness. The two most famous styles are below:
In Gujarat, people do dandiya and garba, a beautiful folk dance, wearing colorful dresses.
In West Bengal, navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja and large scale prayers are organized in the praise of Durga.
- Goddess Sati & Lord Shiva
There is another legend behing the celebration of Navratri, the legend of Goddess Sati. It is believed that the daughter of King Daksha, Uma, got married to Lord Shiva against the wishes of her father. One day King Daksha held a big yagna and for this event every God had been invited, except for Lord Shiva. Uma’s father spoke ill about Lord Shiva when she visited them for the Yagna and since she was not able to bear the insults directed at her husband, she jumped into the fire of the agnikund. This is the reason behind her name, Sati. Sati was then reborn and married to Lord Shiva, she also pacified her parents. The nine days for which Sati stayed at her parents’ home are known as Navratri.
Food Eaten During Navratri:
- Fried or boiled potatoes
- Kadhi prepared with Kuttu Atta and Sendha salt
- Aloo tikki
- Banana chips
- Makhane ki sabzi
- Fruits and fruit juices
- Sabudana kheer
- Curd
- Lassi
- Kuttu atta roti with Kaddu sabzi or aloo sabzi
नवरात्रि कथा
इसी अच्छाई और सच्चाई को दर्शाता है नवरात्रि का पर्व। महिषासुर बहुत ताकतवर था, नौ दिन तक मां दुर्गा से लड़ता रहा, लेकिन अंत में जीत मां दुर्गा की ही हुई और बुराई को हरना पड़ा। चलिये आपको बताते हैं महिषासुर मर्दिनी मां की कथा।
कथा
एक बार एक दानवराज था रम्भासुर उसकी एक महिषी यानि भैंस के साथ संयोग हुआ और उनका पुत्र हुआ महिषासुर। महिषासुर अपनी इच्छा के अनुसार भैंस और इंसान का रुप धर सकता था। महिषासुर ने ब्रह्मा जी की घनघोर तपस्या की। कई साल तपस्या में लीन रहे। ब्रह्मा जी उसकी अखंड तपस्या से खुश हुए और वरदान मांगने को कहा। महिषासुर ने कहा कि मैं अमर हो जाऊं, लेकिन ब्रह्मा जी ने कहा कि जो भी इस दुनिया में आया है उसे तो वापस जाना ही है इसलिये कोई और वर मांगो। तब महिषासुर ने काफी सोचा और कहा कि मुझे ना तो कोई देवता, ना असुर और ना कोई पुरुष मार पाए। महिलाएं कोमल और नाजुक होती हैं। वो मुझे क्या मार पाएंगी ऐसा सोच कर महिषासुर ने कहा कि मैं सिर्फ स्त्री के हाथों ही मारा जाऊं। ब्रह्माजी ने तथास्तु करके उसे वर दे दिया। वरदान पाकर महिषासुर ने सभी पर आक्रमण कर दिया और जल्द ही असुरों का राजा बन गया। देखते ही देखते उसने धरती और स्वर्ग लोक भी जीत लिये। वो तीनों लोकों का अधिपति बन गया।
जब सभी देव भगवान विष्णु के पास अपनी समस्या लेकर पहुंचे तो उन्होंने कहा कि आप भगवती महाशक्ति की आराधना करें। सभी देवताओं ने आराधना की। तब भगवती का जन्म हुआ। इन देवी की उत्पत्ति महिषासुर के अंत के लिए हुई थी, इसलिए इन्हें ‘महिषासुर मर्दिनी’ कहा गया। भगवान शिव ने देवी को त्रिशूल दिया। भगवान विष्णु ने देवी को चक्र प्रदान किया। इसी तरह, सभी देवी–देवताओं ने अनेक प्रकार के अस्त्र–शस्त्र देवी के हाथों में सजा दिए। इंद्र ने अपना वज्र और ऐरावत हाथी से उतारकर एक घंटा देवी को दिया। सूर्य ने अपने रोम कूपों और किरणों का तेज भरकर ढाल, तलवार और दिव्य सिंह यानि शेर को सवारी के लिए उस देवी को अर्पित कर दिया। विश्वकर्मा ने कई अभेद्य कवच और अस्त्र देकर महिषासुर मर्दिनी को सभी प्रकार के बड़े–छोटे अस्त्रों से शोभित किया।
अब बारी थी युद्ध की। थोड़ी देर बाद महिषासुर ने देखा कि एक विशालकाय रूपवान स्त्री अनेक भुजाओं वाली और अस्त्र शस्त्र से सज्जित होकर शेर पर बैठ उसकी ओर आ रही है। 60 हजार राक्षसों की सेना ने युद्ध कर दिया। रणचंडिका देवी ने तलवार से सैकड़ों असुरों को एक ही झटके में मौत के घाट उतार दिया। बाद में नौ दिन की लड़ाई के पश्चात महिषासुर का भी वध कर दिया।
Navratri Puja Vidhi
Navratri puja is one of the most popular pujas done by Hindu households. Navratri puja is dedicated worshiping Maa Durga and is said to confer great merits and prosperity to the observers. Here is an easy to do Chaitra Navratri puja vidhi for those who wish to perform it in their homes.
General rules for Navratri puja
Navratri puja is a great occasion to connect with the most merciful Maa Durga, the embodiment of all powers, wisdom, compassion, and glory. Therefore take the puja very seriously and exhibit full devotion, concentration and love. Keep the puja place very clean and serene. Purity of the mind and body is very important during the puja.
Since the Navratri puja stretches over nine days, it is advised that on all the nine days of the Navratri puja, follow the same time schedule and do the puja once in the morning and once in the evening.
Materials required for Navratri Puja
- Picture or Idol of Goddess Durga in the Pooja room
- A dupatta or sari to offer to the deity
- Durga Saptshati book
- Ganga water or plain water in Kalash (pitcher)
- Fresh and washed mango leaves
- Fresh grass
- Sandalwood
- One coconut
- Roli, red sacred powder for tilak
- Moli, red sacred thread
- Rice
- Supari (Areca nuts)
- Paan (Betel leaves)
- Cloves
- Cardamom
- Kumkum (vermilion)
- Gulal
Preparations for Navratri Puja
Set up the altar, spread the red cloth on it, place the idol or picture of Maa Durga. In a few plates, spread all the puja items and keep ready. Near the altar, place the clay pot with soil and sprinkle water. Sow the barley seeds in it. The Ghat sthapana must be done during the right Muhurat consulting the panchaang.
Ghat Sthapana
Fill the Kalash with Gangal jal or clean drinking water. On the mouth of the Ghat, place the bunch of mango leaves. Wrap the coconut the red cloth and tie moil around it. Place it on the lid of the kalash. Depending on the custom in your locality, the Ghat can be placed on or near the clay pot.
Invocation for Navratri Puja
Light the lamp and incense sticks. Do the invocation of all the sacred rivers in the Ghat and ask them to purify the palce of puja, the Ghat and be installed in the Ghat for the nine days during the puja. Pray all the gods to be installed in the place of worship. Offer Panchopachaar to the deities invoked (this means worshipping with five materials including scent, flower, incense smoke, camphor light and dishes cooked.
Maa Durga invocation
Install the picture of Maa Durga on the red cloth spread on the altar. Tie moil around the picture. Chant Maa Durga Mantras and invite her presence in the altar and request her to stay with you accepting the puja over the nine days. Repeat the Panchoopachaar (five offerings) to Maa Durga.
Maa Durga Gayatri
Kaatyaayanaaya Vidmahe Kanya Kumari Dheemahi —- Tanno Durgi Prachaodayaat… After offering the five things, stand up in the place and perform Maa Durga aarati with camphor flame. Wave the aarati to Maa Durga, Ghat and the deities present in the ghat.
Navratri Fasting Rules
If you prefer, you can observe fasting over the nine days of Navratri in the prescribed manner. the specific food eaten once a day in the evening alone by those observing the nine day fast is called as Saagaar.
Ninth day Navratri puja
The ninth day of Navratri, popularly known as ‘Mahanavami’ is the final day of Navratri celebrations. The celebration of ‘Mahanavami’ varies from state to state in India.
People of different states celebrate Mahanavami in their own way. People from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Punjab do ‘Kanya Puja’ on the last day. On the concluding day, nine young girls are invited in the house and feasted with delicious food. These nine young girls are treated as the nine forms of the Goddess. They are welcomed by washing their feet and putting tilak on their forehead.
The people of Kerala celebrate Saraswati Pooja on ‘Ashtami’, the eighth day or the day before Mahanavami. The concluding day is treated as the resting day. People do not begin with any new work and even children do not study this day.
Navratri celebrations end on ‘Ashtami’ instead of Mahanavami in some parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Kashmir and Maharashtra.
The people of West Bengal celebrate Durga Pooja with great enthusiasm and devotion. Huge ‘Pandal’ (tent) is set up and a huge idol of Goddess Durga is installed in the ‘Pandal’ and worshipped. On Mahanavami, the idol of Goddess Durga is bid adieu and immersed in the sea or river or any flowing source of water.
The festival of Navratri is divided into the sets of three days. These sets are formulated to worship the different forms of the Goddess. On the first three days, Goddess Durga is revered and worshipped. She is known to be the master of power and eliminates all the evil and fear from the mind and life of the devotees. The next three days are devoted to the Goddess of wealth- Lakshmi. She showers the blessings of never-ending wealth upon her devotees. The final set of three days is devoted for worshipping the Goddess of wisdom- Saraswati. She is responsible for spiritual enlightenment and success in life.
The Goddesses are worshipped under nine different names and in nine different characters during the nine prosperous days. The first form of Goddess Durga is ‘Shailputri’ meaning the ‘Goddess of Himalayas’ is worshipped on the first day. The second form of Goddess Durga is ‘Brahmacharini’, worshipped on the second day. Her name is derived from the word ‘Brahma’. On the third day, the Goddess is worshipped as ‘Chandraghanta’. She symbolizes beauty and bravery.
The Goddess ‘Kushmanda’ is worshipped on the fourth day. She is believed to be the creator of the universe. On the fifth day, ‘Skanda Mata’ is worshipped. She is the mother of the chief warrior of the God’s Army, Skand. The sixth day is devoted for the Goddess ‘Katyayani’, who has three eyes and four hands.
The Goddess ‘Kalratri’ is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri. She is as black as the night and takes away all the fears from the devotees. The Goddess ‘Maha Gauri’ is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri. She is the epitome of beauty and as white as the snow. She represents calmness and wisdom. The ninth day, also known as ‘Mahanavami’, is the concluding day of Navratri. Goddess ‘Siddhidatri’ is worshipped on the last day of Navratri.
Navratri is a festival of sentiments, positive thoughts, peace and prosperity. Every year it is welcomed with great respect and love. People refrain from wrong deeds and indulge in pure devotion. Wish you a Happy Navratri!
Ghat visarjan on Navratri
After the nine days puja is over, the visarjan or conclusion is done on the tenth day. On the tenth day, clean yourself and be seated in the puja place. Take some flowers and raw rice in your hands and chant the following prayer:
“Oh, respected and beloved gods, we thank you for accepting our humble invitation to visit our home, stay over the nine days and bless the puja. We dedicate the nine days puja to you with full devotion and love. Now you may please leave for your divine abodes and visit us when we pray you again.” Offer the flowers and raw rice to the deities. Slightly move the ghat as a mark of conclusion.
Thank Maa Durga
Now follow the same procedure to thank Maa Durga for visiting your home and accepting the puja using the same format of the mantra given above. Remove the picture or idol of Maa Durga from the altar and place it back in the original permanent place.
Settling the offerings and puja materials
Gather all the offerings found on the altar. Distribute them as Prasad or use them as you please. Collect the raw rice on the lid of the ghat and give it to birds. The Ganga jal in the sacred pot can be sprinkled on the heads of all the family members and in all places of the household. Take out the coins and keep them along with your other money.
Settling the offerings and puja materials
It is usually a customary practice to observe the growth of the barley in the clay pot. If the barley seeds have sprouted and grown in fresh green color in abundance, it is a sure sign that your household will be blessed with prosperity and happiness. Luck some sprouts and offer it to Maa Durga. Place the clay pot near a peepal tree. Use the ghat for any purpose you want.
Chaitra Navratri Puja benefits
Navratri puja is a simple but highly significant and beneficial puja to be performed by the households with devotion year on year. You can do the puja in the same manner for Shard Navratri as well as Chaitra Navratri. Households doing the puja sincerely will be blessed with abundance, wealth, health, happiness and peace.