Navratri and the Nine Forms of Goddess Durga
September 20, 2023
Navrati is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated in India. There are total four Navratri in a year – Sharadiy Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Magh Navratri and Ashadh Navratri.
Sharadiy Navratri (શારદીય નવરાત્રી)2023 is scheduled from 15th October till 24th October 2023.
Navratri, a vibrant and spiritually significant Hindu festival, is celebrated with immense zeal and devotion across India. The word “Navratri” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Nav” meaning nine and “Ratri” meaning night.
Navratri is a time to celebrate the divine feminine energy and seek the blessings of Goddess Durga in her various forms. Each form represents a different facet of her power and grace. During these nine nights, devotees immerse themselves in prayer, fasting, and cultural festivities to connect with the divine and find inner strength.
The Divine Essence of Navratri:
Navratri signifies the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It commences on the first day of the bright half of the Hindu lunar month Ashwin, typically falling in September or October. The culmination of Navratri is celebrated as Dussehra, celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
The Sharadiy Navratri (શારદીય નવરાત્રી), celebrated around September-October, is the most widely observed. It marks the victory of good over evil and the onset of festive cheer.
प्रथमं शैलपुत्री च द्वितीयं ब्रह्मचारिणी।
तृतीयं चन्द्रघण्टेति कूष्माण्डेति चतुर्थकम् ।।
पंचमं स्कन्दमातेति षष्ठं कात्यायनीति च।
सप्तमं कालरात्रीति महागौरीति चाष्टमम् ।।
नवमं सिद्धिदात्री च नवदुर्गा: प्रकीर्तिता:।
उक्तान्येतानि नामानि ब्रह्मणैव महात्मना ।।
This is is a devotional song from Navdurga Stotram. It is a prayer to Navdurga or the nine forms of Goddess Durga. It expresses reverence to Goddess Durga, who embodies all forms, possesses all powers, and removes all fears.
The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga:
During Navratri, each day is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navadurga. Each form symbolizes different aspects of the divine feminine energy.
Shailputri (શૈલપુત્રી) – The Daughter of the Mountains
Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga, is associated with purity and the power of nature. She is depicted riding a bull and carrying a trident.
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
वृषारुढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥
Brahmacharini (બ્રહ્મચારિણી) – The Seeker of Brahman
Brahmacharini represents the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual wisdom. She is depicted walking barefoot, holding a rosary and a water pot.
दधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमालाकमण्डलु |
देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा ||
Chandraghanta (ચન્દ્રઘંટા) – The One with the Crescent Moon
Chandraghanta is the embodiment of bravery and courage. She is depicted with a third eye, riding a tiger, and adorned with a crescent moon on her forehead.
पिण्डजप्रवरारुढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता |
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता ||
Kushmanda (કૂષ્માંડા) – The Creator of the Universe
Kushmanda signifies the creative power of the universe. She is often depicted holding rosary beads, riding a lion, and emanating a divine glow.
सुरासंपूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च |
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे ||
Skandamata (સ્કન્દમાતા) – The Mother of Skanda (Lord Kartikeya)
Skandamata is the nurturing mother of Lord Kartikeya, who sits on her lap. She symbolizes motherly love and protection.
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया |
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी ||
Katyayani (કાત્યાયની) – The Warrior Goddess
Katyayani is the fierce warrior form of Goddess Durga, who fought against evil forces. She wields a sword and rides a lion.
चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहन |
कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद्देवी दानवघातिनी ||
Kalratri (કાલરાત્રિ) – The Dark and Fierce One
Kalratri symbolizes the destructive power of time. Her fierce form is depicted with a dark complexion and a fierce expression.
एकवेणी जपाकर्णपूरा नग्ना खरास्थिता |
लम्बोष्ठी कर्णिकाकर्णी तैलाभ्यक्तशरीरिणी ||
वामपादोल्लसल्लोहलताकण्टकभूषणा |
वर्धन्मूर्धध्वजा कृष्णा कालरात्रिर्भयन्करि ||
Mahagauri (મહાગૌરી) – The Radiant Goddess
Mahagauri represents purity and serenity. She is depicted in a white attire, symbolizing peace and devotion.
श्वेते वृषे समारुढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः |
महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेवप्रमोददा ||
Siddhidatri (સિદ્ધિદાત્રી) – The Granter of Boons
Siddhidatri is the bestower of spiritual and mystical powers. She blesses her devotees with wisdom and enlightenment.
सिद्धगन्धर्वयक्षाद्यैरसुरैरमरैरपि |
सेव्यमाना सदा भूयात् सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी ||
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Navratri is a celebration of devotion, spirituality, and the indomitable strength of the divine feminine. It reminds us of the eternal battle between good and evil and encourages us to embrace the virtues exemplified by the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
As we celebrate Navratri, let us remember the essence of each Navadurga and seek their blessings to overcome obstacles, attain wisdom, and find inner peace in our lives. May the divine light of Goddess Durga shine upon us all.
Karnavati University Garba Mahotsav (KUGM)
Karnavati University is celebrating its annual Navratri garba from 19th Oct. till 23rd Oct. 2023 at its campus in Uvarsad, Gandhinagar.
Karnavati University is strategically located at 5-minutes’ drive from the SG Highway and half hour drive from Ahmedabad.
Artists performing at KUGM
19 Oct., Thursday (પંચમી) – Arvind Vegda
20 Oct., Friday (ષષ્ઠી) – Aditya Gadhvi
21 Oct., Saturday (સપ્તમી) – Rajeev Avasthi
22 Oct., Sunday (અષ્ટમી) – Mirande Shah
23 Oct., Monday (નવમી) – Ishani Dave
BOOK TICKETS of Karnavati University Garba Mahotsav (KUGM)
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