09/23/2022
The beginning of Spring and Fall are the very important moments of solar and weather influences. These two periods are considered Sacred opportunities to adore the Divine Mother.
Navaratri represents the celebration of Shakti (Energy). The Divine Mother is the manifestation of Divine Consciousness known as Shakti.
Maha Navaratri (the big Navratilova) is celebrated in the month of Ashvina, also known as Sharadat Navaratri. It is celebrated during Sharad (at the beginning of Fall, September-October). It starts on the 1st and ends at the 10th day of the half brilliance of the lunar month Ashvina.
This festival is dedicated exclusively to the Mother Goddess, also known as Durga, Bhavani, Ambika, Chandika, Gauri, Kaali, Parvati, Lalitha, Tripurasundari, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Chamundi, Mahishasuramardini, and her many other manifestations.
Our Mother is our first guru that guides us to Justice. She provides food for her children, protects her family, and supports the Dharma and traditions. We dedicate ourselves to honor and respect these principles. We commit to spread joy, love, peace, and happiness in the world.
During this period of Navaratri, the Hindus follows 9 nights and 10 days of ceremonies, rituals, fasts, and party. All in honor of the Supreme Divine Mother. It starts with the Navratri fast, and ends with the festivities of Dusshera or Vijayadashami.
In this sacred time one pot (ghatasthapana) is installed in a sanctified place at home. One lamp is kept lit within the pot for nine days. The pot symbolizes the Universe. The continuous light of the lamp is how we adore Adishakti (the Divine mother), also known as Sree Durgadevi.
During Navaratri the principle of Sree Durgadevi is very active. Pots of water also known as Kalash are adored as the divine energy, and are absorbed by the water during the singing of mantras and yagnas that are performed to summon the divine energy during the period of Navaratri.
The next Navaratri will be next week during our retreat, on the 26th.
