Shiva
and Shakti are supreme, primeval, and immutable. They are one and non-dual.
Shiva is matter and Shakti is the energy. Prasna Upanishad says matter and energy constitute the whole of creation.
Matter is the outward index of inward energy.
The energy that originates and sustains the universe is the Chitanya Shakti, the immutable Consciousness, which is Brahmn.
Shakti is the absolute power of Shiva, the Supreme Being. With Shakti everything emerges from Shiva.
Shakti activates Shiva’s desire to create, sustain and dissolve back to Shiva. Shakti is the energy aspect of Shiva, the supreme cause of existence, the cause of all causes. Without Shakti, the Supreme Being is impotent and without Supreme Being, Shakti is barren.
Shakti, as the active aspect of Shiva, embodies all forms of existential power and responsible for the eternal continuum of phenomenal existence. Shakti permeates our outer and inner consciousness, and encompasses, both positive or constructive and negative or destructive energies.
On positive and creative aspect, Shakti manifests in feminine form as Devi -Goddess. The absolute primeval form of Shakti is termed as Adi-Shakti from whom all Goddesses manifest as her immanent aspects. Thus, all Goddesses revered in Hinduism are the manifestations of one primeval absolute Adi-Shakti.
Shiva is matter and Shakti is the energy. Prasna Upanishad says matter and energy constitute the whole of creation.
Matter is the outward index of inward energy.
The energy that originates and sustains the universe is the Chitanya Shakti, the immutable Consciousness, which is Brahmn.
Shakti is the absolute power of Shiva, the Supreme Being. With Shakti everything emerges from Shiva.
Shakti activates Shiva’s desire to create, sustain and dissolve back to Shiva. Shakti is the energy aspect of Shiva, the supreme cause of existence, the cause of all causes. Without Shakti, the Supreme Being is impotent and without Supreme Being, Shakti is barren.
Shakti, as the active aspect of Shiva, embodies all forms of existential power and responsible for the eternal continuum of phenomenal existence. Shakti permeates our outer and inner consciousness, and encompasses, both positive or constructive and negative or destructive energies.
On positive and creative aspect, Shakti manifests in feminine form as Devi -Goddess. The absolute primeval form of Shakti is termed as Adi-Shakti from whom all Goddesses manifest as her immanent aspects. Thus, all Goddesses revered in Hinduism are the manifestations of one primeval absolute Adi-Shakti.
The essential natures of Shiva and Shakti have no forms. Shiva is omnipotent, impersonal and inactive, and Sakti is the embodiment of Shiva’s active power. Shiva is pure consciousness and Shakti is the power of it. Shakti is Sarwa Bhutesu –present in everything we see or imagine and inherently in us.
Shakti, as the creative aspect of the Absolute, is the Cosmic Energy that underlies all existence. In form, the five great elements: earth, fire, water, air and ether, and their combinations are Devi’s external manifestations. Pure consciousness, awareness, mindfulness, knowledge of Self, wisdom and willpower are Devi's internal manifestations. Humanity is her visible form. Service to humanity is her the worship.
Since the dawn of civilization, Shakti is worshiped as Devi, the Divine Mother, in her multiple manifestations as Goddesses. The Devi-Sukta of Rig Veda and Ratri-Sukta of Sam Veda bears testimony of worshiping Shakti since pre-Vedic Era.
In form, Shiva and Shakti are Mahadev and Parvati. Of all Goddesses of Hindu pantheon, Parvati is the complete incarnation of Adi-Shakti. In Parvati all other goddesses are present.
First Adi Shakti incarnated herself in form as Sati, as daughter of Daktsa Prajapati, responsible to worldly norms, tradition, and code of conduct and ethics.
Goddess Sati, also called Daktsayani, married with Mahadev, but ended her life by burning her body in the Yogic fire to destroy Daktsa Prajapati’s pride, anger, hatred, disrespect and discrimination towards Shiva.
Goddess Sati is the embodiment of Das Maha Vidya, ten great wisdoms.
Goddess Sati is revered not so much in her embodied human form as Sati but in her manifestations as Das Maha Vidyas which are in unison with the later manifestations as Goddess Durga.
The ten wisdom manifestations of Goddess Sati are:
1...Kali
Goddess
Kali represents time. She is both, the
creative and destructive aspects of Mother Nature.
Goddess Kali reflects the attitude, intention, and emotion of the person who approaches her.
If Goddess Kali is approached with motherly love, she assumes the form of Goddess Laxmi.
If Goddess Kali is approached as Guru, embodying knowledge and wisdom she assumes the form of Goddess Saraswati.
He who approaches Goddsess Kali with evil intention; she assumes the demons in him and eventually get himself destroyed.
Goddess Kali reflects the attitude, intention, and emotion of the person who approaches her.
If Goddess Kali is approached with motherly love, she assumes the form of Goddess Laxmi.
If Goddess Kali is approached as Guru, embodying knowledge and wisdom she assumes the form of Goddess Saraswati.
He who approaches Goddsess Kali with evil intention; she assumes the demons in him and eventually get himself destroyed.
2...Tara
Goddess
Tara is the embodiment of all protective qualities, loving kindness and compassion.
Literarily Tara means to ferry across. Goddess Tara is Tarini, the Samsar-tarini, who ferries her devotees cross the ocean of physical and psychological world –the Samsara.
Goddess Tara is benevolent illuminator of our attitude and behavior. She is the Goddess of liberation who removes ignorance that ties us to Samsara and obstacles that make us suffer.
Literarily Tara means to ferry across. Goddess Tara is Tarini, the Samsar-tarini, who ferries her devotees cross the ocean of physical and psychological world –the Samsara.
Goddess Tara is benevolent illuminator of our attitude and behavior. She is the Goddess of liberation who removes ignorance that ties us to Samsara and obstacles that make us suffer.
Goddess
Tara is the gentle saviouress whom we pray to overcome distress or when we are
at crossroads where we require guidance.
She guides us along the creative path as guiding star of our aspiration.
Goddess Tara protects her devotees from trio-miseries; the Daihieka –relating to body, Daivieka –relating to destiny and Bhautieka –relating to worldly affairs.
Goddess Tara protects her devotees from trio-miseries; the Daihieka –relating to body, Daivieka –relating to destiny and Bhautieka –relating to worldly affairs.
Goddess
Tara constantly liberates the distressed souls wandering in different Yonis
–life forms passing through the cycle of birth and death.
Goddess Tara is “Brahma Sukhati Taran Kurtri”, who saves humanity from Ugra –radical dangers and unforeseen miseries, and for this reason she is named as Ugra-Tara.
In her manifestation as Nila Saraswati, she imparts Jnana -knowledge. She is Ek-Jata, the one who unites the beings with absolute.
Goddess Tara is “Brahma Sukhati Taran Kurtri”, who saves humanity from Ugra –radical dangers and unforeseen miseries, and for this reason she is named as Ugra-Tara.
In her manifestation as Nila Saraswati, she imparts Jnana -knowledge. She is Ek-Jata, the one who unites the beings with absolute.
Whoever
takes refuse onto Goddess Tara enables him to realize all four Purusarths:
Dharma –righteousness, Artha –wealth, Kama –desires and Moktsa –liberation, and
master all the Siddhis -perfections.
3...Tripur
Sundari
Goddess Tripur
Sundari embodies beauties of pure perception, compassion and knowledge. She symbolizes body, mind and consciousness
and the three fold process of creation, sustenance and destruction. She shares her attributes with Goddess
Saraswati. She is also called Sodashi as
she has sixteen super natural powers. She
represents Swaha –the life beyond all fallacies, thoughts and descriptions.
4...Bhuvaneswari
Goddess
Bhuvaneswari is the Cosmic Mother of all existence and she resides at Shiva’s
heart.
Goddess Bhuvaneswari is the Goddess of the phenomenal world. She is the divine energy underlying all creations, the primordial power by which the phenomenal world comes into existence. Being involved in creation, she lends every creation its distinctive character and does the welfare of her creation.
Goddess Bhuvaneswari is the Goddess of the phenomenal world. She is the divine energy underlying all creations, the primordial power by which the phenomenal world comes into existence. Being involved in creation, she lends every creation its distinctive character and does the welfare of her creation.
She
impart cosmic vision of having right understanding and liberates from having
wrong perceptions leading to negative Karmic actions. She is the perceptive power leading to
knowledge.
Goddess Bhuvaneswari embodies the space concept of creation. In the vast expanse of space, she creates the myriad primordial worlds, sustains them and nourishes them. Thus she permeates the whole fabric of creation.
Goddess Bhuvaneswari embodies the space concept of creation. In the vast expanse of space, she creates the myriad primordial worlds, sustains them and nourishes them. Thus she permeates the whole fabric of creation.
Goddess
Bhuvaneswari resides in our heart and constantly reminds us
not to fall into illusions and wrong perception. She tells us to see things across and beyond to
oneness among all beings.
With her compassion, Goddess Bhuvaneswari bestows her divine blessings for equanimity and assists us connecting the little space within our heart with the infinite space outside, the vast immensities, the Param Brahmn -the Supreme Divine Being.
With her compassion, Goddess Bhuvaneswari bestows her divine blessings for equanimity and assists us connecting the little space within our heart with the infinite space outside, the vast immensities, the Param Brahmn -the Supreme Divine Being.
5...Bhairavi
Goddess
Bhairavi destroys impediments to victory and successes. She embodies the principle of destruction. She personifies light and heat that burns the
imperfections in our soul. Her power of spiritual
fire eliminates obstacles and unfolds the true awareness.
Creation
cannot continue without destruction, and destruction is not always
negative. The inner meaning of Bhairavi thus
connotes cosmic functions of creation. It
implies to transformation that comes with destruction, which is not necessarily
negative.
In
Durga Saptashathi, Goddess Bhairavi is Goddess Kali who kills the demons Shumbha
and Nishumbha.
Goddess Bhairavi, as destroyer of demons Chand and Munda, she is revered as Goddess Chamunda or Chamundeswary.
Goddess Bhairavi is Kalaratri, the fiercest forms of Goddess Durga.
Goddess Bhairavi, as destroyer of demons Chand and Munda, she is revered as Goddess Chamunda or Chamundeswary.
Goddess Bhairavi is Kalaratri, the fiercest forms of Goddess Durga.
6...Chinnamasta
Goddess
Chinnamasta demonstrates that consciousness is beyond mind.
Consciousness alone is absolute and all else are transitory, mundane phenomenon and mortal.
The ultimate consciousness is beyond mind and body.
Ultimate consciousness is awareness that is devoid of subjectivity and objectivity. It is transcendence -existence or experience beyond physical level.
Consciousness alone is absolute and all else are transitory, mundane phenomenon and mortal.
The ultimate consciousness is beyond mind and body.
Ultimate consciousness is awareness that is devoid of subjectivity and objectivity. It is transcendence -existence or experience beyond physical level.
The
depiction Chinnnamasta holding her decapitated head in her hand yet happy and
smiling signifies discarding the ego and all its identities on the way to
spiritual awakening.
The depiction symbolizes ridding false notions and the limitations in which we are bound and it expresses freedom.
The depiction symbolizes ridding false notions and the limitations in which we are bound and it expresses freedom.
Chinnamasta
makes a stunning presentation of joy of transcending the body and not the pain of
losing it; and of giving up the ego to attain wisdom and freedom.
She enfolds the entire multiplicity of life and symbolizes self-control and the spirit of self-sacrifice and the courage to face death without fear.
Goddess Chinnamasta is the embodiment of rare courage needed to make highest sacrifice.
She enfolds the entire multiplicity of life and symbolizes self-control and the spirit of self-sacrifice and the courage to face death without fear.
Goddess Chinnamasta is the embodiment of rare courage needed to make highest sacrifice.
She has no significant presence or known outside the Das Maha Vidya.
7...Dhumavati
Goddess
Dhumavati personifies extreme ills, evils, sorrows and tribulations
one may potentially encounter in life.
She points out the negative aspects of life.
With the power of discriminating awareness she directs us to look beyond all desires and develop a sense of detachment as all things are eventually destroyed.
She points out the negative aspects of life.
With the power of discriminating awareness she directs us to look beyond all desires and develop a sense of detachment as all things are eventually destroyed.
She
reminds us on being aware of potential extremes and signifies the importance of
awareness and being mindful of negative Karmic forces.
She represents knowledge that comes with experience and guides sentient beings along the spiritual path and rescues from extreme imaginable ill fates.
She represents knowledge that comes with experience and guides sentient beings along the spiritual path and rescues from extreme imaginable ill fates.
Just
as Chinnamasta, Dhumavati is also has no significance or known outside the Das Maha
Vidya.
8...Bagalamukhi
Goddess
Bagalamukhi is the manifestation of divine speech. She is the power of speech that paralyses the
enemies.
Bagalamukhi symbolizes the removal of impurities associated with speech.
The tongue involved in telling lies or concealing the truth.
Bagalamukhi symbolizes the removal of impurities associated with speech.
The tongue involved in telling lies or concealing the truth.
She
represents knowledge that everything in time become its opposite, the failure
hidden in success, the death hidden in life, the joy hidden in sorrow, and vice
versa.
She is the secret presence of the opposites and signifies that everything dissolved back into its un-manifest state.
She is the secret presence of the opposites and signifies that everything dissolved back into its un-manifest state.
Just
as Chinnamasta and Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi also has no significance or known
outside the Das Maha Vidya.
9...Mantangi
Goddess
Mantangi is the embodiment of thought, talent and expertise. She is Siddha Vidya, the Tantra personified.
She brings focus on the notions of distinctions between purity and impurity; auspicious and inauspicious; and puritanical notions and unrestrained indulgence with sense objects.
She brings focus on the notions of distinctions between purity and impurity; auspicious and inauspicious; and puritanical notions and unrestrained indulgence with sense objects.
Goddess Matangi
is the embodiment of transcendence of apparent dualities in the existence and emphasizes
the importance of inner purity over external cleanliness.
She severs attachment to the limited understanding of the world and instills faith that all existence is pervaded by the Supreme Being.
She severs attachment to the limited understanding of the world and instills faith that all existence is pervaded by the Supreme Being.
10…Kamala
Goddess
Kamala is the embodiment of both inner and outer prosperity. She is the goddess of prosperity and good luck.
Goddess Kamala shares her attributes with Goddess Laximi. She is bountiful in unfolding of divine nature and its manifestation in the physical world as well as in inner consciousness.
Goddess Kamala shares her attributes with Goddess Laximi. She is bountiful in unfolding of divine nature and its manifestation in the physical world as well as in inner consciousness.
Goddess Kamala,
besides prosperity and good luck, bestows Moktsa, the ultimate goal of life.
The greatest benevolence of Goddess Kamala is the removal of poverty, both material and spiritual.
She grants divine supports for successes on worldly activities and aspirations, but the pursuit of material wealth and success should be part of seeking divinity within our Self.
Goddess Kamala expounds an environment of divine happiness; spiritual satisfaction and prosperity.
Immanence of Goddes Durga
Eons later, after Adi-Shakti Sati ended her life, Adi Shakti incarnated herself in Sagun Roop, in form, as Parvati, as the daughter of Himalaya.
Adi-Shakti, as Parvati, marries with Mahadev and becomes eternal consort of Mahadev.
The eternal union of Mahadev and Parvati are worshipped as Shiva and Shakti, in the form of immutable, non-dual supreme primeval absolute Supreme Being represented by Shiva Lingam, the formless aspect of the cosmos.
In Parvati complete cosmic energies are converged and thus Parvati is the complete incarnation of Adi-Shakti and therefore Goddesses are her manifestations.
The divine form of Parvati is Goddess Durga.
In Goddess Durga, the other two primary manifestations of Adi-Shakti, the Laximi and Saraswati, and all other feminine divinities of Hindu theology are converged.
Goddess Durga is the primeval Adi-Shakti, the convergence of all cosmic energies and divine powers, the oneness of all.
Goddess Durga is Para Brahmn, the Supreme Being. She is the embodiment of Atma-Jnana, the knowledge of Atma -Self or Soul and Yoga Sadhana –the skillful means to realize Atma-Jnana.
It is with Sati and Parvati begins the evolution of Yoga Sadhana. It is with Yoga Sadhana the divine powers and pure perception is realized.
Yoga Sadhana is a skillful mean for transcending the imperfections and impurities of human nature and ascending upward to realize the divine nature, the pure consciousness within.
Devi Mahaatmya, known as the Durga Saptashati presents the supreme glory of Goddess Durga.
Saptashati is a book of 700 verses and it is a part of the Markandeya Puran narrated by Sage Markandeya.
Saptashati is also popularly known as Chandi since it narrates the glory of the Goddess Chandi, one of the manifestations of the Primeval Adi-shakti.
Yet another supreme scripture the Devi-Bhagavata Purana retells the glory of the Goddess.
It is in Chandi, the Adi-Shakti is summoned as Goddess Durga for the first time where it is said: “She, who saves us from all that is calamitous; She who saves us from danger and trouble, is Durga.
Because She saves Her devotees from all sorrows, dangers and calamities, She is Devi Durga. Devi Durga is Dur-Gati Nashini; She who destroys all that is undesirable.”
In Chandi, Rishi Medha says; “A mysterious delusion dwells in the mind of man, by which his pure perception is blinded, by which he is again and again made to cling and go back to those very objects from which he is subject to so much pain and suffering.”
Therefore, Rishi Medha advises to worship the Divine Mother, pray to Her and meditate upon Her and propitiate Her. Thus propitiated, Goddess Durga manifest to bestow Her Grace and liberate from the cosmic illusion and grant pristine transcendental state of Pure Being.
Goddess Durga manifests in us in the form of pure perception, will power, a teacher, an aspirant aspiring to rise to a higher plane, and self-examination revealing the lower instinctive egoistic Self.
To root out the evil tendencies of ordinary human nature determined by ego, and reach out to the pure perception, we should invoke Goddess Durga by resolute determination and make progress with her blessings.
We live our lives with a host of defects, misperceptions, misconceptions and we are not aware of them.
With Yoga Sadhana we can be aware of our defects and have right perception and develop irrevocable determination to completely root out defects we live with.
It is in our determination Goddess Durga manifests Herself in the form of pure perception and will power, and enables us to fight evil tendencies in every moment of our life.
In us there co-exist both positive and negative Karmic forces. Along with the divine positive Karmic forces, the negative Karmic forces, as demons, also reside in us and manifest in our thought, speech and action. In us lives the demons as adverse negative Karmic forces thriving, colliding and creating disorder and suffering.
Goddess Durga, embodied as undivided energy of self awareness and mindfulness, resides in our inner consciousness, as positive Karmic forces.
Goddess Durga continuously destroy our impurities and negative Karmic forces, and bestow us spiritual wealth.
Goddess Durga protects us and guides us in our spiritual journey on self-purification, self-transformation, and self-realization.
Navaratri Durga Puja
Goddess Durga is the Citta Shakti, pure blissful consciousness, the Mother Nature. She is the Nature itself, the supreme power of eternity and perfection underlying the whole existence.
Goddess Durga is the supreme source of all energies, the Being in every action. She is the dynamic active Being and her manifestations are infinite.
The greatest benevolence of Goddess Kamala is the removal of poverty, both material and spiritual.
She grants divine supports for successes on worldly activities and aspirations, but the pursuit of material wealth and success should be part of seeking divinity within our Self.
Goddess Kamala expounds an environment of divine happiness; spiritual satisfaction and prosperity.
Immanence of Goddes Durga
Eons later, after Adi-Shakti Sati ended her life, Adi Shakti incarnated herself in Sagun Roop, in form, as Parvati, as the daughter of Himalaya.
Adi-Shakti, as Parvati, marries with Mahadev and becomes eternal consort of Mahadev.
The eternal union of Mahadev and Parvati are worshipped as Shiva and Shakti, in the form of immutable, non-dual supreme primeval absolute Supreme Being represented by Shiva Lingam, the formless aspect of the cosmos.
In Parvati complete cosmic energies are converged and thus Parvati is the complete incarnation of Adi-Shakti and therefore Goddesses are her manifestations.
The divine form of Parvati is Goddess Durga.
In Goddess Durga, the other two primary manifestations of Adi-Shakti, the Laximi and Saraswati, and all other feminine divinities of Hindu theology are converged.
Goddess Durga is the primeval Adi-Shakti, the convergence of all cosmic energies and divine powers, the oneness of all.
Goddess Durga is Para Brahmn, the Supreme Being. She is the embodiment of Atma-Jnana, the knowledge of Atma -Self or Soul and Yoga Sadhana –the skillful means to realize Atma-Jnana.
It is with Sati and Parvati begins the evolution of Yoga Sadhana. It is with Yoga Sadhana the divine powers and pure perception is realized.
Yoga Sadhana is a skillful mean for transcending the imperfections and impurities of human nature and ascending upward to realize the divine nature, the pure consciousness within.
Devi Mahaatmya, known as the Durga Saptashati presents the supreme glory of Goddess Durga.
Saptashati is a book of 700 verses and it is a part of the Markandeya Puran narrated by Sage Markandeya.
Saptashati is also popularly known as Chandi since it narrates the glory of the Goddess Chandi, one of the manifestations of the Primeval Adi-shakti.
Yet another supreme scripture the Devi-Bhagavata Purana retells the glory of the Goddess.
It is in Chandi, the Adi-Shakti is summoned as Goddess Durga for the first time where it is said: “She, who saves us from all that is calamitous; She who saves us from danger and trouble, is Durga.
Because She saves Her devotees from all sorrows, dangers and calamities, She is Devi Durga. Devi Durga is Dur-Gati Nashini; She who destroys all that is undesirable.”
In Chandi, Rishi Medha says; “A mysterious delusion dwells in the mind of man, by which his pure perception is blinded, by which he is again and again made to cling and go back to those very objects from which he is subject to so much pain and suffering.”
Therefore, Rishi Medha advises to worship the Divine Mother, pray to Her and meditate upon Her and propitiate Her. Thus propitiated, Goddess Durga manifest to bestow Her Grace and liberate from the cosmic illusion and grant pristine transcendental state of Pure Being.
Goddess Durga manifests in us in the form of pure perception, will power, a teacher, an aspirant aspiring to rise to a higher plane, and self-examination revealing the lower instinctive egoistic Self.
To root out the evil tendencies of ordinary human nature determined by ego, and reach out to the pure perception, we should invoke Goddess Durga by resolute determination and make progress with her blessings.
We live our lives with a host of defects, misperceptions, misconceptions and we are not aware of them.
With Yoga Sadhana we can be aware of our defects and have right perception and develop irrevocable determination to completely root out defects we live with.
It is in our determination Goddess Durga manifests Herself in the form of pure perception and will power, and enables us to fight evil tendencies in every moment of our life.
In us there co-exist both positive and negative Karmic forces. Along with the divine positive Karmic forces, the negative Karmic forces, as demons, also reside in us and manifest in our thought, speech and action. In us lives the demons as adverse negative Karmic forces thriving, colliding and creating disorder and suffering.
Goddess Durga, embodied as undivided energy of self awareness and mindfulness, resides in our inner consciousness, as positive Karmic forces.
Goddess Durga continuously destroy our impurities and negative Karmic forces, and bestow us spiritual wealth.
Goddess Durga protects us and guides us in our spiritual journey on self-purification, self-transformation, and self-realization.
Navaratri Durga Puja
Goddess Durga is the Citta Shakti, pure blissful consciousness, the Mother Nature. She is the Nature itself, the supreme power of eternity and perfection underlying the whole existence.
Goddess Durga is the supreme source of all energies, the Being in every action. She is the dynamic active Being and her manifestations are infinite.
Goddess
Durga is worshipped with Vedic rituals for nine days twice a year, once in
spring and once in autumn. The period of
worship is called Navaratri.
From spiritual point, Navaratri means living in divine consciousness for nine days experiencing the loving kindness and compassion of Goddess Durga.
During Navaratri, Goddess Durga is worshiped for her benevolence in destroying the demons inherently present in our being and realize mutual prosperity, harmony and happiness. For her blessing the devotees embrace righteousness and exercise self discipline, self-control and sacrifice.
The autumn Navaratri is observed with festivities and the tenth day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, also called as Dassera or Dassain to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over demons, the embodiment of evils; the negative Karmic forces.
The ultimate goal of life is Moktsa –liberation from Samsara, being free from negative Karmic forces that drive a man from birth to death.
The negative Karmic forces as demons are nothing external but inherent within us, in our mind, in our thoughts, in our perception, speech, behavior and action. Being in us embodied as demons the negative Karmic forces haunt us throughout our life and keep us bound to Samsara, being dissatisfied even when the desires are fulfilled.
In Devi Mahatmaya, Sage Markandeya narrates benevolence of the Goddess Durga in destroying the demons -the evil forces, which poses obstacles to human soul in its journey towards Moktsa.
The demons destroyed by Goddess Durga are:
(1) Madhu and Kaitabha -the embodiment of delusion and irrationality,
(2) Chiksura and Chamara -the embodiment of pride and prejudice,
(3) Mahishasura -the embodiment of Ahangkar -the ego.
(4) Sumbha and Nisumbha -the embodiment of greediness and possessiveness,
(5) Dhoomra Lochna -embodiment of unclear vision and selfish consciousness,
(6) Chanda and Munda -embodiment of aversion and lustfullness, and
(7) Raktabeej -embodiment of fleeting thought and desire.
These potent demons manifest in our thought, speech, and behavior.
1…Madhu and Kaitabha
The demons Madhu and Kaitabha are the embodiment of delusion and irrationality.
Madhu and Kaitabha are Tamasic -the evil psychic forces characterized by ignorance, which creates obstacles in having orderly existence in harmony and creativity.
From spiritual point, Navaratri means living in divine consciousness for nine days experiencing the loving kindness and compassion of Goddess Durga.
During Navaratri, Goddess Durga is worshiped for her benevolence in destroying the demons inherently present in our being and realize mutual prosperity, harmony and happiness. For her blessing the devotees embrace righteousness and exercise self discipline, self-control and sacrifice.
The autumn Navaratri is observed with festivities and the tenth day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, also called as Dassera or Dassain to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over demons, the embodiment of evils; the negative Karmic forces.
The ultimate goal of life is Moktsa –liberation from Samsara, being free from negative Karmic forces that drive a man from birth to death.
The negative Karmic forces as demons are nothing external but inherent within us, in our mind, in our thoughts, in our perception, speech, behavior and action. Being in us embodied as demons the negative Karmic forces haunt us throughout our life and keep us bound to Samsara, being dissatisfied even when the desires are fulfilled.
In Devi Mahatmaya, Sage Markandeya narrates benevolence of the Goddess Durga in destroying the demons -the evil forces, which poses obstacles to human soul in its journey towards Moktsa.
The demons destroyed by Goddess Durga are:
(1) Madhu and Kaitabha -the embodiment of delusion and irrationality,
(2) Chiksura and Chamara -the embodiment of pride and prejudice,
(3) Mahishasura -the embodiment of Ahangkar -the ego.
(4) Sumbha and Nisumbha -the embodiment of greediness and possessiveness,
(5) Dhoomra Lochna -embodiment of unclear vision and selfish consciousness,
(6) Chanda and Munda -embodiment of aversion and lustfullness, and
(7) Raktabeej -embodiment of fleeting thought and desire.
These potent demons manifest in our thought, speech, and behavior.
1…Madhu and Kaitabha
The demons Madhu and Kaitabha are the embodiment of delusion and irrationality.
Madhu and Kaitabha are Tamasic -the evil psychic forces characterized by ignorance, which creates obstacles in having orderly existence in harmony and creativity.
Goddess
Durga is Satvic Shakti -the divine power, the embodiment of knowledge, bountiful, righteousness, harmony, peace and victory
over evils.
Goddess
Durga is the power of pure consciousness.
Goddess Durga first destroys the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, the first obstacle for right understanding for having right perception.
Goddess Durga first destroys the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, the first obstacle for right understanding for having right perception.
2…Mahishasura and his generals Chiksura and Chamara
We
are ruled by our Ego –Ahangkar, the Rajasik aspect characterized by passion for fulfilling the sensuality of our being.
Our Ego has been depicted as demon Mahishasura –the embodiment of self pride and ignorance, and passion which is ever deficient and dissatisfied. It constantly changes its masks in order to foster its own security, superiority and satisfy sensual pleasures.
Our Ego has been depicted as demon Mahishasura –the embodiment of self pride and ignorance, and passion which is ever deficient and dissatisfied. It constantly changes its masks in order to foster its own security, superiority and satisfy sensual pleasures.
Mahishasura
denotes our fickle mind and desires that manifest in all possible manners.
That is why Mahishasura, while combating with Goddess Durga, instantaneously changes its form from its original
form of buffalo.
The demon Mahishasura relentlessly attacks gods -the positive energies of natural balance, welfare and harmony, to take over the control of worldly affairs and create an unbalanced chaotic worl.
The demon Mahishasura relentlessly attacks gods -the positive energies of natural balance, welfare and harmony, to take over the control of worldly affairs and create an unbalanced chaotic worl.
When Ego defies the forces of nature and
misappropriates nature for its selfish pursuits of pleasures instead of universal
welfare, peace and harmony, the imbalance in nature occurs.
In Navaratri Durga Puja, Goddess Durga is invoked to vanquish the demon Mahishasura.
In Navaratri Durga Puja, Goddess Durga is invoked to vanquish the demon Mahishasura.
To defeat Mahishasura, Goddess Durga first eliminates the generals of Mahishasura, the Chiksura and Chamara, the embodiments of pride and prejudice.
After the Chiksura and Chamara -the pride and prejudice, are subdued, the root cause of all evils, Mahishasura, the Ego, is subdued by Goddess Durga with her sword of spiritual wisdom.
The
rationale for presenting Ego as buffalo is the fact that the base animal
instinct is imbedded in our Ego and buffalo represent anger, the primary
negative Karmic force.
3…Shumbha and Nisumbha
Greediness
and possessiveness are the two brothers embodied as demons Shumbha and
Nishumbha.
Shumbha and Nisumbha once overpowered the gods and made them slaves of destructive evil forces.
Shumbha and Nisumbha once overpowered the gods and made them slaves of destructive evil forces.
To
destroy Sumbha and Nisumbha, Goddess Durga manifested as Ambika, the embodiment
of the light of pure consciousness, the Citta Shakti.
Goddess Ambika with all grandeur of her power destroyed the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha.
Goddess Ambika with all grandeur of her power destroyed the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha.
Goddess Durga is eternally present in us as Citta Shakti, the light of pure consciousness. The divine light of pure
consciousness emanates from complete stillness and silence of the
attentive mind.
To defeat the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha, the embodiment of greediness, vanity and possessiveness, we should invoke Goddess Durga who is ever present in us in the form of Citta Shakti.
To defeat the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha, the embodiment of greediness, vanity and possessiveness, we should invoke Goddess Durga who is ever present in us in the form of Citta Shakti.
4…Chanda and Munda, and Dhumralochana
The
evil forces of attraction, aversion, lustfulness and unclear vision have been
embodied as demons Chanda and Munda.
Once, Chanda and Munda attempted to appropriate the Goddess, in her most beautiful divine form, for self-gratification of their ego’s vanity and possessiveness.
Once, Chanda and Munda attempted to appropriate the Goddess, in her most beautiful divine form, for self-gratification of their ego’s vanity and possessiveness.
Goddess
imposed a condition that the one who would conquer and humble her in the battle
and becomes her match in strength, shall be her master and lord.
The
demons, Chanda and Munda were crude psychic energies, and they tried to
overpower the Goddess by force and thus engaged in a war.
In the battle the demon leader Dhumralochana, the one with smoke in the eyes, who was the embodiment of veiled and unclear vision of limited selfish consciousness, was destroyed first.
After Dhumralochana was destroyed, the demons Chanda and Munda, dwelling as selfish consciousness were destroyed.
In the battle the demon leader Dhumralochana, the one with smoke in the eyes, who was the embodiment of veiled and unclear vision of limited selfish consciousness, was destroyed first.
After Dhumralochana was destroyed, the demons Chanda and Munda, dwelling as selfish consciousness were destroyed.
As
destroyer of Chand and Munda, Goddess Durga is revered as Goddess Chamunda or
Chamundeswary.
In Navaratri Durga Puja, Goddess Chamudeswari is invoked to remove the veil of our unclear vision and selfish consciousness characterized by attraction, aversion, and lustfulness.
In Navaratri Durga Puja, Goddess Chamudeswari is invoked to remove the veil of our unclear vision and selfish consciousness characterized by attraction, aversion, and lustfulness.
5…Raktabeej
The
demon Raktabeej is the embodiment of fleeting thought and desire.
As the embodiment of fleeting thought and desire, Raktabeej has the capacity to multiply itself endlessly in the egoic mind.
In physical form, Ratkabeej has the capacity of multiplying from every drop of his blood falling on the ground, which means it multiplies as it faces mortal danger.
As the embodiment of fleeting thought and desire, Raktabeej has the capacity to multiply itself endlessly in the egoic mind.
In physical form, Ratkabeej has the capacity of multiplying from every drop of his blood falling on the ground, which means it multiplies as it faces mortal danger.
To
defeat the formidable demon Raktabeej, the Goddess Durga gathers all her
denominations –Matris.
In the war, Raktabeej is injured by Matris Kalika -the dark space of meditative attention. Matris Kalika then absorbs all the blood dripping from the wound of Raktabeej and debars him of the possibility of multiplication.
Finally, Matris Kaushiki -the light of pure awareness burns Raktabeej to death.
In the war, Raktabeej is injured by Matris Kalika -the dark space of meditative attention. Matris Kalika then absorbs all the blood dripping from the wound of Raktabeej and debars him of the possibility of multiplication.
Finally, Matris Kaushiki -the light of pure awareness burns Raktabeej to death.
In
our ordinary mundane worldly life we can generate and sustain divine awareness through Yoga
Sadhana.
With Yoga Sadhana the thinking process of the reflective mind is absorbed by spiritual absorption into divine awareness by which the demons causing us to suffer can be subdued.
We experience suffering when the evil forces rules on us. To exterminate the demons, we need to accumulate the disaggregated and dissipated positive Karmic energies. We need un-fragmented, single-pointed attention with a strong resolve and decisiveness in our thought, attitude and behavior.
Navartri Durga Puja is an occasion of spiritual journey for (i) self-purification, (ii) self-transformation and (iii) self-realization.
In Navaratri, Goddess Durga is worshiped for spiritual cleansing, upliftment and enlightenment.
Worshiping Goddess Durga in spiritual sense is to attain Moktsa -Nirvana.
Worshiping Goddess Durga in mundane sense is to draw inspiration from Goddess Durga to have right understanding and perception, and aspire to attain excellence.
With Yoga Sadhana the thinking process of the reflective mind is absorbed by spiritual absorption into divine awareness by which the demons causing us to suffer can be subdued.
We experience suffering when the evil forces rules on us. To exterminate the demons, we need to accumulate the disaggregated and dissipated positive Karmic energies. We need un-fragmented, single-pointed attention with a strong resolve and decisiveness in our thought, attitude and behavior.
Navartri Durga Puja is an occasion of spiritual journey for (i) self-purification, (ii) self-transformation and (iii) self-realization.
In Navaratri, Goddess Durga is worshiped for spiritual cleansing, upliftment and enlightenment.
Worshiping Goddess Durga in spiritual sense is to attain Moktsa -Nirvana.
Worshiping Goddess Durga in mundane sense is to draw inspiration from Goddess Durga to have right understanding and perception, and aspire to attain excellence.
Devi Kavacha, an auxillary of Devi Mahatmaya presents nine manifestations of Goddess Durga.
Goddess Durga is primeval, absolute and complete, who embodies Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Saraswati, all other Goddesses of Hindu theology.
In Navaratri Durga Puja when Goddess Durga is revered, all other Goddesses are revered by virtue of being one.
With divine blessing of Goddess Durga we will be able to destroy all imperfections and faults in us.
Goddess Durga is “Durgati Nasini –She who removes suffering.”
In Durga Puja, Goddess Durga is invoked to eradicate Tamo-Guna –the negative tendencies that haunt us as demons obstructing our way to peace and prosperity and to bestow us positive attributes and divinities in our mind and heart and grant us spiritual values of self-discipline, self-control, calmness of mind, forbearance, loving kindness and compassion.
With the blessing of Goddess Durga we will be endowed with Knowledge, skills, intelligence, creativity, splendor, and wisdom. We will be able to know what we are and set us free from illusion and ignorance, and we are liberated from suffering.
Nava Durga -The Nine Manifestations of Goddess Durga
In Navaratri Durga Puja, the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga are worshiped in the sequential order over a period of nine days.
The nine sequential manifestations of Goddess Durga and their essence are:
Goddess Durga is primeval, absolute and complete, who embodies Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Saraswati, all other Goddesses of Hindu theology.
In Navaratri Durga Puja when Goddess Durga is revered, all other Goddesses are revered by virtue of being one.
With divine blessing of Goddess Durga we will be able to destroy all imperfections and faults in us.
Goddess Durga is “Durgati Nasini –She who removes suffering.”
In Durga Puja, Goddess Durga is invoked to eradicate Tamo-Guna –the negative tendencies that haunt us as demons obstructing our way to peace and prosperity and to bestow us positive attributes and divinities in our mind and heart and grant us spiritual values of self-discipline, self-control, calmness of mind, forbearance, loving kindness and compassion.
With the blessing of Goddess Durga we will be endowed with Knowledge, skills, intelligence, creativity, splendor, and wisdom. We will be able to know what we are and set us free from illusion and ignorance, and we are liberated from suffering.
Nava Durga -The Nine Manifestations of Goddess Durga
In Navaratri Durga Puja, the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga are worshiped in the sequential order over a period of nine days.
The nine sequential manifestations of Goddess Durga and their essence are:
1…Shailaputri
Shailputri is the embodiment of primeval purity of inner consciousness. She is the power of pure consciousness, who resides deep in our inner
consciousness.
The
human consciousness is characterized by constantly outward flowing
With deep dedication and concentration on Sailputri, the out flowing energy turns inward in search of perfection in inner consciousness within and eventually stilled.
With deep dedication and concentration on Sailputri, the out flowing energy turns inward in search of perfection in inner consciousness within and eventually stilled.
With
veneration of Sailputri, the devotees are able to awaken her and with her
begin the spiritual journey in pursuit of
eternal peace and happiness.
2…Brahmacharini
Brahmacharini is the embodiment of purity of mind, the cumulative energy resulting from
practicing of stillness and silence.
Goddess Parvati
as Brahmacharini did super natural austere penance. As she attained the ultimate level of her
austere penance, the whole universe was shaken.
With the blessing of Brahmachaini our mind remains unshaken and do not deviate from the path of duty even in the worst physical and mental pressures.
By worshipping Brahmacharini we cultivate self-confidence, ethical conduct and resolute determination.
With the blessing of Brahmachaini our mind remains unshaken and do not deviate from the path of duty even in the worst physical and mental pressures.
By worshipping Brahmacharini we cultivate self-confidence, ethical conduct and resolute determination.
Brahmacharini
bestows her devotees with purity of mind devoid of Ego and we are able accept
things or situations as they are with humility.
Brahmacharini is the giver of spiritual wisdom for having boundless space of pure awareness.
Brahmacharini personifies love and loyalty, and provides knowledge and wisdom.
Brahmacharini is the giver of spiritual wisdom for having boundless space of pure awareness.
Brahmacharini personifies love and loyalty, and provides knowledge and wisdom.
Chandraghanta is the embodiment of inner vibrations of the accumulated energies. She signifies the inner call for equipoise mental state of pure consciousness.
Chandraghanta
instantly provides blessing to her devotees. As soon as a devotee invokes Chandraghanta
she immediately takes her devotee in her refuse.
Chandraghanta bestows her devotees with bravery and fearlessness attributes along with serenity and humility.
Chandraghanta bestows her devotees with bravery and fearlessness attributes along with serenity and humility.
Chandraghanta
provides justice, protects from evil forces, removes obstacles on the
spiritual path, and enables to cultivate courage and fearlessness.
By contemplating on the divinity of Chandraghanta, her devotees are able to purify their body, speech, mind and actions, and get rid of worldly sorrows.
By contemplating on the divinity of Chandraghanta, her devotees are able to purify their body, speech, mind and actions, and get rid of worldly sorrows.
4…Kushmanda
Kusmanda is the core of our inner consciousness, referred as Surya
Loka.
Kusmanda embodies Sankalpa, the mental projection, and the underlying energy.
Kusmanda embodies the energy with which the universe is created, and the phenomenons that continue without end.
Kusmanda embodies Sankalpa, the mental projection, and the underlying energy.
Kusmanda embodies the energy with which the universe is created, and the phenomenons that continue without end.
Kusmanda
bestows with long life, good health,
name and fame, and strength. With her blessing her devotees are able to get relieved from ailments and suffering.
5…Skandamata
Skandamata is the embodiment of the energy that enable single-pointed
mid yearning for liberation.
As Skandamata, Goddess Parvati gave birth to Skanda or Kartikeya, who destroys the formidable demon Tarakasura -the impeder of liberation.
As Skandamata, Goddess Parvati gave birth to Skanda or Kartikeya, who destroys the formidable demon Tarakasura -the impeder of liberation.
With
blessing of Skandamata, our mind becomes pure and void of thought waves. At the purest state of mind, we are liberated
from illusion and begin to experience happiness.
6…Katyayani
Katyayani is the embodiment of faith and confidence. She is
the power of our inner consciousness.
With
spiritual vision of Katyayani, we receive blessing for being confident in
our own Self and decisive in our action.
Being confident in our own Self and decisive in our action, we get rid of fear and doubt, the root causes of defeat and failure and become fearless and confident.
Being confident in our own Self and decisive in our action, we get rid of fear and doubt, the root causes of defeat and failure and become fearless and confident.
One
who worships Katyayani becomes immune to suffering caused by fear and
doubt.
Katyayani signifies inner looking awareness and she is worshiped for self confidence and victory.
Katyayani signifies inner looking awareness and she is worshiped for self confidence and victory.
7…Kalratri
Kalratri is the wrathful form of Goddess Durga.
Goddess Durga takes this wrathful form to eliminate evils which are otherwise difficult to destroy.
Goddess Durga in this form of Kalratri destroys the demon Raktabij, who is the embodiment of fleeting thoughts and desire that remains dissatisfied even after fulfilling it.
Goddess Durga takes this wrathful form to eliminate evils which are otherwise difficult to destroy.
Goddess Durga in this form of Kalratri destroys the demon Raktabij, who is the embodiment of fleeting thoughts and desire that remains dissatisfied even after fulfilling it.
In
wrathful form Kalratri provides protection and enables our ability to discern between the underlying truth and
surface illusion.
The eminence of wrathful form of Kalratri is to care, thus Kalratri is bountiful and benevolent.
The eminence of wrathful form of Kalratri is to care, thus Kalratri is bountiful and benevolent.
With the vision of Kalratri the
devotee becomes fit to earn virtues.
With Kalratri invoked, our Ego enters the dark space of our attention -the inner consciousness, where it experiences self-destruction.
With Kalratri invoked, our Ego enters the dark space of our attention -the inner consciousness, where it experiences self-destruction.
Kalratri
is the embodiment discerning wisdom, the spiritual energy that supports our mind –the outer
consciousness, in facing the innermost deepest level of consciousness to which everything
dissolves. This event is referred to as
Kal -death, and that is why she is referred as Kalratri –dark night.
Goddess
Durga in her manifestation as Kalratri destroys nescience in order. She destroys darkness –the
nescience, so that we realize light, the spiritual knowledge and Sanskar –the
human values.
Kalratri destroys Dukha -sorrow, misery, earthly travails and tribulations. She destroys all those factors that bind us to Samsara.
Kalratri destroys Dukha -sorrow, misery, earthly travails and tribulations. She destroys all those factors that bind us to Samsara.
8…Mahagauri
Mahagauri is the embodiment of the purity
of our inner consciousness and inherently resides in our heart.
Mahagauri is the eternal light of Supreme Being.
Mahagauri is also the embodiment of great vows Goddess Parvati had taken in this form. Her power is unfailing and instantly fruitful.
Mahagauri is the eternal light of Supreme Being.
Mahagauri is also the embodiment of great vows Goddess Parvati had taken in this form. Her power is unfailing and instantly fruitful.
Mahagauri
signifies soaking our mind in the eternal light of Supreme Being after crossing
over the utter darkness of the deepest level of our unconsciousness where our Ego
in all its denominations, are considered dead.
With
blessing of Mahagauri we are purified in all respects and become fit for
inexhaustible virtues.
It was in this form Goddess Parvati married Lord Shiva.
At the moment Lord Shiva adored Goddess Parvati in the form of Mahagauri, all gods had chanted:
It was in this form Goddess Parvati married Lord Shiva.
At the moment Lord Shiva adored Goddess Parvati in the form of Mahagauri, all gods had chanted:
“Sarva Mangala Mangalyae,
Shiva Sarwartha Sadhike;
Saranyai
Trei-Ambikae-Gauri Narayani Namustutey.”
‘Veneration to
all auspicious Goddess Gauri,
eternal
consort of Shiva and his principle. You
are Narayani.
We take refuse
unto you.’
9…Siddhidhatri
Shiddhidhatri
is the ultimate form of Durga. She
is the embodiment of success. She is the
purest and absolute Vidya –the knowledge.
Siddhidhatri
is the wish fulfilling Goddess and giver of all forms of successes. She is the giver of Siddhi –perfections, and
Riddhi –supernatural powers.
As giver of Siddhi, she is depicted as being always worshipped equally by Gods, Siddhas, Gandharvas, Yaktsas, Gods and Raktsas -demons.
With the Siddhi bestowed, her the devotee realizes equanimity across all beings and the universal oneness.
As giver of Siddhi, she is depicted as being always worshipped equally by Gods, Siddhas, Gandharvas, Yaktsas, Gods and Raktsas -demons.
With the Siddhi bestowed, her the devotee realizes equanimity across all beings and the universal oneness.
With
Siddhis and Riddhis bestowed by Siddhidatri, her devotees transcend all
material desires and necessities. They completely become free from lust thoughts and sense of sensual enjoyment. The
absolute nearness of the perfect Supreme Being becomes the only aim of her
devotees.
After attaining Siddhis and Riddhis there remains nothing to attain.
After attaining Siddhis and Riddhis there remains nothing to attain.
Siddhidhatri
signifies that with continuously merging into the light of Supreme Being
with Yoga Sadhana, we attain absolute ground of existence. At that state, the only intension that
remains is to help and free others from illusion and influence of negative Karmic
forces.
Psychologically Durga Puja provides self confidence and courage to get rid of the obstacles in our endeavor.
Philosophically Durga Puja provides right understanding and right perception for embracing righteousness and positive Karma.
Culturally Durga Puja provides a basis to live a meaningful and prosperous life.
Psychologically Durga Puja provides self confidence and courage to get rid of the obstacles in our endeavor.
Philosophically Durga Puja provides right understanding and right perception for embracing righteousness and positive Karma.
Culturally Durga Puja provides a basis to live a meaningful and prosperous life.
Dassain
The tenth day is the Vijaya
Dasami popularly known as Dassain has both spiritual and cultural significance.
From spiritual angle, Dassain is the day of celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over demons, which implies to victory of good over evils. It also coincides with the victory of Lord Rama over demon Ravana, which implies the victory of virtue over vice.
Dassain is an occasion to receive blessings of Goddess Durga and elders of the family.
Culturally Dassain is a festival of family get together and an occasion to refresh and rejuvenate hope and aspiration, self-confidence and instill values that inspires to pursue the path of righteousness.
Dassain brings smile on everyone’s face and an experience of emancipation. In Dassain everyone, though momentarily, forgets Dukha –the suffering, and cherish Sukha –the happiness.
It is believed that on Dassain, Goddess Durga keeps open the gateway to the divine abode by annihilating all the negative Karmic forces that stands on the way of being divine.
On Dassain the reign of Goddess Durga radiates from the heart of everyone as pure consciousness and the knowledge that destroys the veil of illusion and ignorance.
There is a firm belief that whoever observes Navaratri Durga Puja with devotion are certain to be endowed with Dharma –Virtue, Artha –Prosperity, Kama –Worldly fulfillment, and Moktsa –Eternal bliss.
Even the sinners will be pardoned off their sins if Goddess Durga is worshiped with complete faith and devotion.
Formally Dassain begins with Ghata Sthapana on the first day of the Navaratri.
Ghata Sthapana means the consecration of Goddess Durga for her veneration.
From spiritual angle, Dassain is the day of celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over demons, which implies to victory of good over evils. It also coincides with the victory of Lord Rama over demon Ravana, which implies the victory of virtue over vice.
Dassain is an occasion to receive blessings of Goddess Durga and elders of the family.
Culturally Dassain is a festival of family get together and an occasion to refresh and rejuvenate hope and aspiration, self-confidence and instill values that inspires to pursue the path of righteousness.
Dassain brings smile on everyone’s face and an experience of emancipation. In Dassain everyone, though momentarily, forgets Dukha –the suffering, and cherish Sukha –the happiness.
It is believed that on Dassain, Goddess Durga keeps open the gateway to the divine abode by annihilating all the negative Karmic forces that stands on the way of being divine.
On Dassain the reign of Goddess Durga radiates from the heart of everyone as pure consciousness and the knowledge that destroys the veil of illusion and ignorance.
There is a firm belief that whoever observes Navaratri Durga Puja with devotion are certain to be endowed with Dharma –Virtue, Artha –Prosperity, Kama –Worldly fulfillment, and Moktsa –Eternal bliss.
Even the sinners will be pardoned off their sins if Goddess Durga is worshiped with complete faith and devotion.
Formally Dassain begins with Ghata Sthapana on the first day of the Navaratri.
Ghata Sthapana means the consecration of Goddess Durga for her veneration.
Ghata Sthapana is done by placing a Kalash –a small container filled with water, symbolizing Goddess
Durga. Alongside of Kalash, seeds of maize or barley, is sown in a pot filled with clean
sand. Then a lamp is lit, which ought to continue burning throughout.
Symbolically a weapon is placed next to Kalash which metaphorically represent knowledge, intellect and power of Goddess Durga with which she continues to annihilate the demons –the negative Karmic forces.
Every evening Arati is offered. Offering Aarati means consecrating divinity and blessing, and receiving Arati means committing onto oneself saying -May this divine light be my vision; May my vision be divine and my thought noble, and be successful in my endeavor.
Of the nine days, the seventh, eighth and ninth days are of special significance.
The seventh day is called the Phul-Pati day. On this day nine different selected flowers, shrubs and herbs are placed in a Kalash which symbolizes Goddess Durga in her nine different forms, and as the Mother Nature -Prakriti.
Phul-Pati day is special as on this day Kalratri Durga is worshipped. The prayer one may offer to Kalratri Durga is:
Symbolically a weapon is placed next to Kalash which metaphorically represent knowledge, intellect and power of Goddess Durga with which she continues to annihilate the demons –the negative Karmic forces.
Every evening Arati is offered. Offering Aarati means consecrating divinity and blessing, and receiving Arati means committing onto oneself saying -May this divine light be my vision; May my vision be divine and my thought noble, and be successful in my endeavor.
Of the nine days, the seventh, eighth and ninth days are of special significance.
The seventh day is called the Phul-Pati day. On this day nine different selected flowers, shrubs and herbs are placed in a Kalash which symbolizes Goddess Durga in her nine different forms, and as the Mother Nature -Prakriti.
Phul-Pati day is special as on this day Kalratri Durga is worshipped. The prayer one may offer to Kalratri Durga is:
“Om
Jayanti Mangala Kali, Bhadra Kali Kapalini,
Durga,
Tsama, Shivaa, Dhatri, Swaha, Swadha Namastutae.”
“We
bow to the Goddess who is all auspicious, who is beyond time, who is the conqueror
of dark night of egotism and impure thoughts, remover of all hostilities,
difficulties and distress, who is loving kindness and forgiver, and slayer of
passion and anger. Grant us
welfare. Grant us victory.”
Phul-Pati
day is the day of affirmation of being pure, having pure perception with right
understanding and free from framed perception, attitude and behavior that
causes ignorance in our way of thinking and living.
The mundane standards we apply for our perception, attitude and behavior cause moral blindness and spiritual affliction. For this reason special prayers are offered to Goddess Durga, to educate us on the true nature of ours and cherish the divinity of Goddess Durga by transcending the egoistic human nature.
Phul-Pati day is a day of sacrifice, the day we sacrifice our negative Karmic forces; the ego and its forces including anger, attachment, aversion, delusion, carving, lust, and all the rests.
In Durga Puja, the Chandi Havan is done. There prevails the faith that by performing Chandi Havan, the evil planetary influences are set right and it endows every one with good health, success, prosperity and victory over evils and adversaries.
The eighth day is called Asthami. On this day Goddess Durga’s Asta-nayikas, the eight Shaktis are worshipped.
On Asthami, Goddess Bhadra Kali along with sixty four Yoginis emerge from Goddess Durga and the demons Chand, Munda and Raktabeej, the evil forces of attraction, aversion, lustfulness, unclear vision, fleeting thoughts and desires are destroyed. With their destruction Goddess Durga strike fear in Mahishasura –the ego.
The mundane standards we apply for our perception, attitude and behavior cause moral blindness and spiritual affliction. For this reason special prayers are offered to Goddess Durga, to educate us on the true nature of ours and cherish the divinity of Goddess Durga by transcending the egoistic human nature.
Phul-Pati day is a day of sacrifice, the day we sacrifice our negative Karmic forces; the ego and its forces including anger, attachment, aversion, delusion, carving, lust, and all the rests.
In Durga Puja, the Chandi Havan is done. There prevails the faith that by performing Chandi Havan, the evil planetary influences are set right and it endows every one with good health, success, prosperity and victory over evils and adversaries.
The eighth day is called Asthami. On this day Goddess Durga’s Asta-nayikas, the eight Shaktis are worshipped.
On Asthami, Goddess Bhadra Kali along with sixty four Yoginis emerge from Goddess Durga and the demons Chand, Munda and Raktabeej, the evil forces of attraction, aversion, lustfulness, unclear vision, fleeting thoughts and desires are destroyed. With their destruction Goddess Durga strike fear in Mahishasura –the ego.
The
ninth day is Maha Navami, the culminating day of Navaratri.
On Maha Navami, Goddess Durga destroys the demon Mahishasura –the Ego, the root cause of suffering.
On Maha Navami day, all family members take refuse in Goddess Durga and venerate Her together.
On Maha Navami day, Goddess Durga is specially venerated for destroying Dukkha -suffering, and for granting Vidya –knowledge, Buddhi –intellect, Sukha –happiness and Saanti –peace, and Bala –power to face any adverse circumstances that may come across.
On Maha Navami, Goddess Durga destroys the demon Mahishasura –the Ego, the root cause of suffering.
On Maha Navami day, all family members take refuse in Goddess Durga and venerate Her together.
On Maha Navami day, Goddess Durga is specially venerated for destroying Dukkha -suffering, and for granting Vidya –knowledge, Buddhi –intellect, Sukha –happiness and Saanti –peace, and Bala –power to face any adverse circumstances that may come across.
On tenth day the Dassain is celebrated in festive mood.
Dassain is marked with a special Tika ceremony. The elders offer Tika with Jamara.
The Dassain Tika is of especially colored rice. It is believed that each grain carries multiple blessings of Goddess Durga and of elders.
Jamara signifies symbolic blessing of Goddess Durga for wish fulfilling, good health, happiness and prosperity in the years ahead.
Dassain festival formally ends after four days on the ensuing full moon day.
“May our ears hear what is good and auspicious! May we see what is auspicious! May we live full span of our life in perfect health! May we live our life in divinity!”
Dassain is marked with a special Tika ceremony. The elders offer Tika with Jamara.
The Dassain Tika is of especially colored rice. It is believed that each grain carries multiple blessings of Goddess Durga and of elders.
Jamara signifies symbolic blessing of Goddess Durga for wish fulfilling, good health, happiness and prosperity in the years ahead.
Dassain festival formally ends after four days on the ensuing full moon day.
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“Om devah Shanti, Antarikshagum Shanti,
Prithivee Shanti;
Rapah Shanti, Roshadhayah Shanti,
Vanaspatayah Shanti;
Vishvadevaah Shanti, Brahma Shanti, Sarvegum
Shanti;
Shaanti reva, Shanti Sama, Shanti redhi.
Om Shanti! Om Shanti! Shanti!
“May peace radiate in the whole vast ethereal space. May peace reign all over this earth, in water and in all being, and whole nature! May peace prevail in the whole universe! May peace be in the Supreme Being Brahmn! May there always be peace and peace alone on us and all beings!”
“Om sarveshaam Swastir bhavatu; Sarveshaam Shantir bhavatu
“May peace radiate in the whole vast ethereal space. May peace reign all over this earth, in water and in all being, and whole nature! May peace prevail in the whole universe! May peace be in the Supreme Being Brahmn! May there always be peace and peace alone on us and all beings!”
“Om sarveshaam Swastir bhavatu; Sarveshaam Shantir bhavatu
Sarveshaam Poornam bhavatu; Sarveshaam Mangalam
bhavatu.”
“Swasti -auspiciousness be unto all; Shanti -peace be unto all; Poornam -fullness be unto all; and Mangalam -prosperity be unto all.”
“Sarve bhavantu Sukhinah; Sarve santu Niraamayaah
“Swasti -auspiciousness be unto all; Shanti -peace be unto all; Poornam -fullness be unto all; and Mangalam -prosperity be unto all.”
“Sarve bhavantu Sukhinah; Sarve santu Niraamayaah
Sarve bhadraani pashyantu; Maakaschit Duhkha bhaag
bhavet.”
“May all be Sukhinah -Happy! May all be Niraamayaah -free from diseases and disabilities! May all be Pashyantu -look for the good of others! May none suffer from Dukha -Sorrow!”
“Om bhadram Karnebhih Rhenuyaama devaah;
“May all be Sukhinah -Happy! May all be Niraamayaah -free from diseases and disabilities! May all be Pashyantu -look for the good of others! May none suffer from Dukha -Sorrow!”
“Om bhadram Karnebhih Rhenuyaama devaah;
Bhadram pashyema-akshabhir-yajatraah.
Sthirair-angais-tushtu-vaamsas-tanoobhih;
Vyashema deva-hitam yadaayuh.”
“May our ears hear what is good and auspicious! May we see what is auspicious! May we live full span of our life in perfect health! May we live our life in divinity!”
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