The New Moon of September 24, 2014 began the glorious Vedic festival of Maha Navratri, the nine nights and ten days of Mother Divine. In Hindu and yogic culture, Maha Navratri is a deeply sacred time for fasting, prayer and spiritual ceremonies (pujas). Though there are five different Navratris celebrated throughout the year, this one, known as Ashvin or Sharad Navratri, is considered the most important.
The rishis of ancient India created special holy days like this in keeping with the seasonal cycles of our planet in its course around the Sun. During these times, the earth and all its inhabitants undergo subtle magnetic shifts. It is said that the Divine Mother (Devi Maa) comes down and walks among us during Navratri, and we propitiate Her to help us cleanse, heal and empower body-mind-spirit. So, look for Her everywhere in the coming ten days. Another name for Divine Mother is “Amba,” which means “power.” She will shower her devotees with much grace during this period.
The first three nights are devoted to Maa Durga, the fierce and valorous aspect of the Supreme Being known as Shakti (goddess power). Her vahana (mount) is a lion or tiger which represents freedom from fear and mastery over the lower nature. We invoke Her to help us burn up our egoic impurities; remove our internal blocks and external difficulties; and ultimately, strengthen the power of our connection with Divine Oneness. Aum Dum Durgayei Namah! Aum Dum Durgayei Namah! Aum Dum Durgayei Namah!
The second three nights of Navratri are dedicated to the sweet goddess Lakshmi, who represents beauty, abundance, love, kindness and integrity. She ultimately helps us remember our true nature. Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah! Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah! Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah!
During the last three nights of Navratri, we celebrate Saraswati, the healing, cleansing and illuminating aspect of Divine Mother who governs sound, music, wisdom, knowledge and the arts. Saraswati means “She Who Flows,” because she represents Om/Aum, the most sublime vibration of the Universe through the blissful divine sound current. Aum Aing Saraswatye Namah! Aum Aing Saraswatye Namah! Aum Aing Saraswatye Namah!
