As the festival of Sharadiya Navratri began, devotees thronged temples across the national capital today to mark the start of the nine-day celebration, offering prayers to Goddess Durga and her nine forms. Large gatherings were witnessed at Kalkaji Temple and Jhandewalan Temple, where devotees sought the blessings of Goddess Durga. Additionally, many devotees also flocked to the Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir in Chhatarpur to offer prayers.
In Mumbai, the Mumbadevi Temple witnessed the sacred Kakad Aarti ceremony, marking the commencement of the nine-day festivities.
During Sharadiya Navratri, Sri Kanakadurga is adorned as Sri Maha Chandika Devi. Sri Maha Chandika embodies the ‘Trishakti’ aspect of Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, and Mahasaraswati. She was born to fulfill divine purposes — to punish the wicked and protect the righteous. Within Sri Chandika Devi, many deities are enshrined. Worshipping Sri Maha Chandika is considered akin to worshipping all deities. Through her grace, devotees attain knowledge, fame, and wealth, and enemies may turn into friends. All desires prayed for are believed to be granted swiftly.
Sharadiya Navratri is a vibrant and sacred Hindu festival that spans nine nights, celebrating the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Durga. Observed in the lunar month of Ashwin, this festival is marked by fervent worship, elaborate rituals, and cultural performances. Each day is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, symbolizing various aspects of strength, compassion, and wisdom.
Devotees engage in fasting, singing devotional songs, and participating in traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere. The Navratri days hold great significance among Hindus and are celebrated with great grandeur.
The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to worshipping ‘Maa Kaalratri,’ the fierce manifestation of Goddess Durga. She is revered as the destroyer of demons, evil spirits, and negative energies, helping devotees remove darkness from their lives.
The nine-day festival, also known as Rama Navratri, concludes on Rama Navami — Lord Ram’s birthday. During Chaitra Navratri, people fast and worship Goddess Durga. They also perform Ghatasthapana, the invocation of Goddess Shakti, which is a significant ritual during this period.
Navratri also celebrates calmness and peacefulness in the form of Maha Gauri Mata, symbolizing purity and serenity.
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