goddess durga

9 DAYS OF NAVRATRI

September 21, 2017 post

The beginning of spring and of autumn are two very important junctions of climatic and solar influence. During this period Earth is relatively much near to Sun facing its maximum gravitational pull. It is believed that during this phase, the divine energy intervenes with extra power to pass earth this course with much ease and smoothness. As per Hindu mythology, this divine energy is- Goddess Durga. The Navratri in this context is also celebrated as thanksgiving festival to Goddess Durga for saving, protecting and nurturing life on Mother Earth.

During these days people usually avoid taking meat, fish, eggs, alcohol, onions, garlic, grains, lentils, legumes (beans) because special divine energies of empowerment are not able to reach the individual. In addition, these food items act as a barrier in radiating energy in any form. Further, these tend to accumulate and process free-floating negative karmic energies from other living beings and the environment.

The nine rupa’s of Durga -Shailputri, Brahmcharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyaini, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhatri represents different traits of human beings such as Smiriti, Shraddha, Lajja, Hunger, Thirst, Forgiveness, Luster, Beauty, Sight, Truth etc. These also control various systems and organs of human body. So everything related to human mind, psychology and body are controlled and maintained by these nine forms of divine energy. During nine days of Navratri By worshiping a particular form of Durga one is blessed with different physical, mental and psychological strength.

Significance of Nine Days of Navratri

1st Day of Navratri – The first night of Navratri is devoted to the worshiping of Goddess Shailputri. She has the manifestation of Green Light with her. This light helps to reduce anger in Human beings. This energy manifests in Anahata or Heart chakra. The organs related to this chakra are the heart, back, shoulder, arms, hand, Lungs and Chest area. The gland associated with this chakra is Thymus gland. This chakra relates to Love, an ability of an individual to give and take unconditionally. It enhances listening capability of individuals. Thus meditating on this chakra help in removing emotional blocs, treating traumas and healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands, and system efficiency. This is the starting point of their spiritual discipline.

2nd Day of Navratri – The second night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Bhramcharni, who is the storehouse of knowledge and wisdom. She has the manifestation of Blue Light with her that personifies love and loyalty and empowers actualization of goals. The organs related to this chakra are throat, lung, and neck. The gland associated with this chakra is thyroid gland. The upper digestive tract is also associated with this chakra. This energy resides in Visudha or Throat chakra. It blesses the worshipper with awareness about the spirit of truth and purpose, ability to communicate about one’s needs and requirements. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands, and system effectively.

Visiting Maa Vaishno Devi’s temple on Ashtami during Navratri is considered highly auspicious.

3rd Day of Navratri – The third night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Chandraghanta who is a giver of bliss, peace, serenity, and growth in activities, the purpose of life. She has the manifestation of red light with the pink hue in her. Residing in Mooladhar or root chakra this energy provides the worshiper with powers of self-awareness, stability, and security. The organs related to this chakra are Kidney, bladder, pelvis, vertebral column, hips, and legs. The gland associated with this chakra is an Adrenal gland. The system associated with this chakra is an excretory system. It provides strength and courage to native. With this, It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands, and system effectively.

4th Day of Navratri – The fourth night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Kushmanda who is destroyer sorrows of the mind and ego by harmonizing the macro-universe with the inner micro-universe of the individual. She has the manifestation of Orange Light with a golden hue that personifies creativity and respect for others creative works, destroying false ego in an individual. The organs related to this chakra are the uterus, large bowel, lower abdomen, ovaries, testes, sexual organs. The reproductive system is also associated with this chakra. This energy resides in swadhisthan or Sacral chakra. It endows the worshipper with the virtue of Self-respect. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively

5th Day of Navratri – The fifth night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Skandmata who transform energies provided by other goddesses in form of wealth and strength for native. She has the manifestation of indigo light with the silver hue. The organs related to this chakra are eyes, lower head, nose, and ears. Pituitary Gland is also associated with this chakra. Residing In Agya or Brow chakra this energy provides the worshiper with the virtue of self-responsibility- responsibility to oneself to follow the soul path and trusting one’s own intuition. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively

6th Day of Navratri – The Sixth night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Kaatyayani who gives boons and fulfills wishes of the native. She has the manifestation of Yellow Light with her that personifies self-worth, intellect, self-confidence and moral principles. The organs related to this chakra are liver, spleen, stomach and l intestine gallbladder and middle back. The gland associated with this chakra is Pancreas. This energy resides in Manipur or Solar plexus chakra. It endows the worshipper with the virtue of how one feels about himself and how others perceive him. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively

7th Day of Navratri – The Seventh night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Kaalratri who destroys fear and ignorance of the worshiper and blesses the individual with fortitude and fearlessness. She has the manifestation of violet light with purple-blackish hue. The organs related to this chakra are Top of the head, brain and Nervous System. The gland associated with this chakra is pineal Gland. Residing in Crown chakra this energy provides the worshiper with higher consciousness or spiritual awareness. It helps in the spiritual upheaval of individual Atma with Parmatma. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively

8th Day of Navratri – The eighth night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Mahagauri who destroys all sins of devotees and worshiper gets purified in all respects. She channels the thought waves of the devotees towards the path of the virtue and destroys Asat. Cumulative energy manifested in the whole body and being reflected signifies balance and creativity in the highest form.

9th Day of Navratri –The ninth night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Siddhidatri who provides the worshiper with all sidhis, beings fulfillment and satisfaction in individual lives. This energy is radiant in form of golden light over crown chakra instilling service to God and libration of a soul from the vicious circle of life and death.

Kanya or Kumari Pujan During Navratri’s

During navratris, Kumari or Virgin girl is worshipped for nine consecutive days. A Kumari is a symbol of un-manifested energy and by worshipping her, this energy gets activated as a result of which radiant frequencies in the universe get attracted and worshipers get benefited by it. The Hindu scripture- Rudryamla Tantra, has categorized girl into different age groups for worshiping the goddess. The result of boons begetted differs for each Kumari Pujan.

A one-year-old girl is called “Sandhya”, two years old is called “Saraswati”, three years old is called “Tridhamurthy”, four years old girl is called “Kalika”, five is “Subhga”. At six, she is “Uma” at seven, she is called “Malini” and “Kubja” in her eighth year. She is “Kaalsandharbha” in nine, “Aparajita” in ten and “Rudrani” in eleven years of age. A girl in the twelfth year is “Bharavi” and “Mahalaxmi” in thirteenth. In her fourteen, fifteen and sixteenth year, she is known as “Peethnayika”, “Chetraja” and “Ambika” respectively.

The significance of three claps during Garba or Kanya Pujan:

It is believed that divine energy is awakened by the musical rhythm of three claps through the frequencies of desire, action, and knowledge, representing the Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. It also signifies awakening of fire element

With the first clap, Lord Brahma energy of desire gets awaken. This energy signifies wishes in mind of an individual

With the second clap Lord Vishnu energy related to action get awaken. This energy signifies actions performed by individual for fulfillment of desires.

With the Third clap, Lord Shiva energy related to begetting results get awaken. This energy signifies boons given by God to Individual.

On each day, I shall post one article about each of the 9 manifestations of Goddess Durga. 🙂 Look out for the space to know more.

Fifth Avatar of Goddess Durga – GODDESS SKANDAMATA

September 25, 2016 post

For the welfare of the entire world and for the betterment of the devatas, goddess Durga manifested as nine different forms during the nine days of Navaratri. In this sequence, the incarnation of goddess Skanda-maata takes place exactly on the fifth day for blessing the devotees. In the Vedas and Puranas, various deities are not only equated with the parents, but they are also known as “bhakta-vatsala” meaning affectionate towards their devotees. This shows that they act towards the protection and nourishment of this world in the same manner as the parents are protective and affectionate towards their children. They make best efforts to make their children happy and to remove negativities and obstacles from their life. If children suffer from any pain or sickness; there is a tendency to immediately make best efforts to save the child from these problems. Even when the children have differences with them and even when the children are deeply rooted in ego and pride of youth, position, money etc. Even when the children turn away their faces from the parents when they are in need. Despite all these, parents never forget their children and their affection never ceases for their children until their last breath. Similarly, the divine form of the goddess known as Skandamata is always prepared to bless her children and help them during their distress. She tries to dispel the obstacles with her kind blessings. If a devotee is genuinely devoted towards her and surrenders his ego to the goddess, she is capable of immediately showering her divine grace. As per the Chhandogyashruti, the Sanatkumara born out of the goddess is known as “Skanda”. As she is the mother of Sri Skanda, she is known as “Skanda-mata”. She is the mother of Skanda, who is the commander of the army of devas. She holds Skanda (child form) in her lower right arm. She also holds blessing gesture, lotus flower and rides a lion who is the symbol of bravery. Goddess is the giver of all the desired fruits to her children.

Another story of Origin (this is quite different from the first one)

According to Hindu mythology, when all devtas (deities), manushya (mankind) and rishis (sages) were tired by the atrocities of demon Tarkasur, they sought help from Brahma to help end this demon’s tyranny. Brahma, who was earlier pleased by the hard penance of Tarkasur, granted him with the boon of invincibility from all, except Lord Shiva’s son.  Upon being urged by all the devtas, Lord Shiva agreed and got married to Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya and later, their son Skanda (also known as Kartikeya / Murgan / Kumara / Subrahmanya) destroyed the demon. Being the mother of such a valiant son, Goddess Parvati came to be known as Skandamata. This devi became the fifth form of Goddess Durga.

Mythological story of Sri Skandamata

The auspicious form of goddess Skandamata is very divine and effulgent. Her vision and blessings grant wealth, prosperity, and progeny in a miraculous way. In the Durga Saptashati, we find a story regarding the goddess narrated in a very beautiful manner. She is the remover of pain and sorrows from the life of all living beings. She is omnipresent and her worship is capable of granting all the desires and riches. She is the one who is behind the origin of the world and she nourishes this universe with her motherly affection. Even in extremely negative situations and even during the crisis, she never forgets about the welfare of this world. She always removes the fears of the devotees and those on whom the goddess has showered her grace are always respected everywhere, they are blessed with glory and wealth. They never go away from dharma and their spouse and children are always protected and nourished. By receiving her grace, noble men perform righteous and religious actives on a regular basis and finally ascends to the heavens. Hence the goddess is certainly giver of the boons in all the worlds. By merely remembering her, devotees can get rid of any fear or negative emotions. She inspires the devotees with righteous and positive thoughts when remembered with a pure heart. Her worship is capable of saving one from fear and poverty. O, Devi! There is no one like you who is so compassionate and propitious for every living being.

Fourth Avatar of Goddess Durga: GODDESS KUSHMANDA

September 24, 2016 post

On this earth, devotees have been regularly blessed by the divine energy since time immemorial. Be it the order of creation, the evolution of living creates, fighting with the evil forces or the establishment of humanity and religion on earth, nothing is possible without the grace of the cosmic goddess. Even though in this materialistic world, we have gone miles away from the core spiritual values and have started forgetting god or divine powers, the cosmic goddess always wishes good for all the beings of the creation. The fourth divine form of goddess Adishakti is famous in this world in the name of “Kooshmaandaa”. She is the creator of this world. Not only this, she is the embodiment of divine light. She not only illuminates the world through her light but also empowers the planets, solar system etc. to sparkle with her cosmic light. She is the ultimate energy who is behind the creation of the world.  It is said that she is the origin of various types of heat, she also holds this universe in her womb. Thus she is also known as “Jagat-Janani” or “Adi-shakti”. She is the ever compassionate towards every being of the world. The manifestation of Sri Kushmanda is believed to be on the fourth day of the Navaratri. She has a divine form which is beyond words, she has eight arms.  For the welfare of the living beings, she holds in her right hands, kamandalu, bow, arrow, and lotus flower. In the left hand she holds, a pot of nectar, rosary, gadaa, and chakra respectively. She is seated on a giant lion and she is emitting brilliant light which illuminated all the directions. The light and aura of all the living and non-living beings are only because to her energy. With the blessings of the mother, devotees can overcome diseases, fear, sorrows, and obstacles. Further, they are always protected by the known and unknown enemies by the goddess.

Another story:

According to Durga Saptshati, Goddess Durga was very pleased with her avatar of Kushmanda. It is believed that the supreme goddess of power or Adi-Parashakti, appeared in the form of Siddhidatri from the left side of Lord Shiva’s body. After taking the form of Siddhidariti, Goddess Parvati started to live inside the core of the sun and, hence, came to be known as Kushmanda Devi. This implies that Kushmanda Devi is the only goddess who resides in the core of the sun, from where she controls the entire solar system.

The name Kushmanda is a compound word that consists of three Sanskrit words ‘ku’ (meaning-little), ‘ushma’(meaning-warmth) and ‘anda’(meaning-egg); which combined together means a little warm cosmic-egg.

Kushmanda Devi is depicted with eight hands. She has kamandal, dhanush, bada and kamal in the right hands whereas, she is holding an amrit-kalash, jap-mala, gada and chakra in her left hands. Her beautiful female form is seen sitting on a lion that denotes dharma and justice.

Mythological tale of Goddess Kushmanda

The fourth form of the goddess is related to the manifestation of the universe, she holds the universe in the divine (cosmic) womb. In the beginning of the universe, there was no existence of life or any major activities. But the divine form of Kushmanda was very effulgent as that of the several Suns. From the divine light of the goddess, the whole of the universe got illuminated as if an egg is formed into the flower. Due to the bright smile of the goddess, the universe was filled with joy and creativity. Thus her name was known as “Kooshmaandaa”. The creator of the worlds, Maa Kushmanda always illuminates the universe with her light. She always witnesses the good and bad karmas done by the beings of various worlds. She then arranges a system for the fruits of one’s deed based on his karmas by her divine powers. Not only this, she also dispels the darkness (ignorance) from the lives of the beings with her divine light (knowledge). She is the knowledge of wisdom. She is not only the mother of the universe, but also the goddess of wisdom, wealth, intellect, light, and strength and is very auspicious and compassionate.

Third Avatar of Goddess Durga – GODDESS CHANDRAGHANTA

September 23, 2016 post

From the very ancient times, people in the great land of India have inspired to realize and witness the divine power of supreme god. A rich and refined culture is a witness that there have been many manifestations of the divine on this land in various forms. It is clear that happiness and prosperity of a nation are not possible without the blessings of the divine. Human birth will time and again get deluded in the darkness of ignorance. Crooked, violent, and evil forces will regularly try to pose dangers of humanity and religion. To stop inhuman and incest forces on earth, goddess Durga has incarnated nine times already to save the world from the danger of evil. The third form of the goddess is known as Chandraghanta who is worshiped as the third manifestation of Durga and who is the dispeller of pain and fear. She fulfills the wishes of devotees with her generous blessings. She had incarnated on the third day of Navratri. She is the giver of desires and boons. She controls the transmission of various sound forms across the world. With her worship, the hearing energy is enriched and one can get connected to the celestial sounds. She is the slayer of demons and savior of devas, humans, and many other living creatures. In her bell (gong) she is holding many astonishing sounds and hence known as “Chandra-ghanta” because she holds the moon on her forehead. Goddess Chandraghanta is famous amongst devotee, she has a golden complexion and is very bright. Many groups of asuras get killed with the horrifying sounds of her gong. She has ten arms, of which, she holds (from upper arm) in her right arms, lotus, arrow, bow, rosary, respectively. In the left arms, trishula, sword, gadaa, kamandalu, and gesture of fight. She rides a lion and saves the world from the demonic beings by killing them. This form of goddess Durga is ever ready to save the world from evil forces and enemies.

Another Story:

According to legends, when Sati burned her body in the yagya agni, she took rebirth as Parvati to Parvatraj Himalaya. Parvati married Lord Shiva.  On the day of their marriage, Lord Shiva arrived with all his Aghoris and Ghosts to take Devi Parvati along with him. On seeing this form of Shiva, her parents and all the guests were horrified.

Looking at all this, Parvati transformed herself into Goddess Chandraghanta and approached Lord Shiva. She requested him to reappear in the form of a charming prince. In the mean time, she revived her family from the shock and erased all their unpleasant memories. Since then, Devi Parvati is worshiped in her Chandraghanta avatar as the goddess of peace and forgiveness.

Legend of Goddess Sri Chandraghanta

Goddess Chandraghanta incarnated as the third form of goddess Durga in order to kill the demons. Goddess did justice to devas by destroying the great army of demons in the heavens. As she is a kind goddess for the whole world, she takes care of all devotees and removes their pain. She is the inherent intellect of people which allow them to gain wisdom and understand the scriptures. You are the one and only who saves those drowning in the ocean of samsara. Her face is glowing as a bright moon and she has a smiling expression on her face. But on the contrary, her face became fierce and red in color like the rising moon, her eyebrows frowned when looked at the demon Mahishasura. After seeing such a terrifying face, demons died instantly. None can ever stay in front of such a ferocious energy. O, Devi! Bless us with your affection. Because of your affectionate aspect, the whole world survives, and your terrifying form is the reason of the destruction of many of races/clans. This was evident when the might army of Mahishasura was destroyed in moments due to your fierce aspect. As soon as the goddess took her bow to kill the demons, the whole universe resonated with the might sounds of the bow. At the same time, the great lion of goddess also started roaring loudly. These terrifying sounds weakened the hearts of demons and killed most of them instantly.

Second Avatar of Goddess Durga – GODDESS BRAHMACHARINI

September 22, 2016 post

 The sacred land of India has time and again experienced divinity of gods and goddesses for the welfare of living beings since time immemorial. In this life which is dominated by Maya, individual experiences sorrow, grief, fear, diseases, etc. Hence, one worships goddess Durga to get rid of these issues from his life. Sri Durga is known as Brahmacharini on earth as her second manifestation. This form of the goddess is full of light, strength, and tapas (penance). Goddess Brahmacharini incarnated on the second day of Navaratri. She destroyed the demons with her penance and strength. She always blesses her devotees generously and fulfills their desires out of kindness. Goddess holds a rosary in the right hand and a kamandalu (vessel) in the left hand. Brahmacharini is related to Sacchidananda. The one who bestows sacred experience of Sacchidananda form of Brahman to the devotees. Hence the goddess which ultimately leads the sadhaka to the divine experience of Parabrahman is Brahma-chaarini. With her worship, one gains control, morality, strength, confidence, and sattvic nature. One gets rid of imprudence, discontent, and greed. There is the enrichment of enthusiasm, courage, and patience in life. One becomes more aware of his deeds. The one who makes life beautiful, happy, prosperous and enriched is goddess Brahmacharini. She is the one who dispels bad qualities like fear, lethargy, ego, and ignorance. She makes the way of life more accessible, makes the individual pure and refined and finally confers all kind of happiness to her children. She is the embodiment of light and hope for those who have deviated from their path and those who have lost patience in the time of crisis. Goddess Brahmacharini is the aspect of the divine which motivates the devotees to achieve the goal of their life and to achieve excellence in their respective paths.

 

Mythological tale of Goddess Brahmacharini

As per the information in the Puranas, Devi Brahacharini was born in the family of king Himalaya. Her mother was Maina. Once upon a time, while wandering in different places, sage Narada visited the Himalayas. King of Himalayas gladly received him and served him well with utmost respect and welcomed him. After discussing whereabouts with the sage, king Himalaya asked him about the future of his daughter also. After seeing the palm of the girl, Narada told many things about her life. However, he mentioned about obstacles in her marriage also. After the departure of the sage, Maina asked her husband about the wedding of her daughter and expressed her concerns after the prediction of Narada. King Himalaya narrated all the details as said to him by Sri Narada. King also told that Narada had suggested several austerities (vratas) and anushthanas be followed for overcoming marital issues and getting the desired husband. As suggested by the great sage, daughter of Himalaya, Brahmacharini started rigorous penance which continued for thousands of years. Brahmacharini did penance in the forest and consumed minimal food such as fruits or plant products for thousands of years. This is explained by sriGoswamiTulasidas in his RamcharitManas as “kachhu din bhojanvaaribataasa | keenhkachhuk din kathinupavaasa ||” which means that the penance was so deep and intense that even the gods and lord brahma had to acknowledge it and had to visit the place. As a result, Lord Brahma granted her the boon of getting lord Shiva as her consort. Thus, Goddess Brahmacharini married lord Shiva with the power of her penance.

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