Sharad Navratri 2013 : Rituals & Traditions

By Pt. Hanumaan Mishra

Shardiya Navratra is the occasion of worshipping the nine incarnations of Aadishakti Maa Durga. Navratri festival has spiritual, religious and social significance. Navratri is also celebrated with different names in various regions of the country, such as Durga Puja, Kullu Dusshera, Mysore Dussehra, Bommai Kolu, Ayudha Puja, Vidyarambh, Saraswati Puja and Simmolanghan, to name a few. As per Hindu calendar, Shardiya Navratri is celebrated in the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin Masa. This Shukla Paksha is the one that stays from Pratipada to Navami of Shukla Paksha. The words from Maa Jagdamba (as per Markandeya-puran, in Devi Mahatmya) on Navratri are –

Sharatkaaley Mahapuja Kriyateya Chavarshiki|
Tasyamam-maye-tanmahatmayam-shrutwabhakti-samvintah||

Sarwabadha-vinirmuktodhandhanya-sutanvitah|
Manushyo-matprasaden-bhawishyatin Sanshaya||

That means, when my annual mahapuja takes place during the Sharad Ritu Navratra, if a person hears my Mahatmaya (Durga-saptshati) with adherence, he receives my sacrament to get unbounded from all the blockages and get blessed with wealth and son.

In 2013, the holy beginning of this festival of Navratri is from 16th of October, as per Gregorian calendar. This festival will go on till the 23rd of October 2013. Therefore, Navratri is of eight days this time. It is happening due to the waning of Tithi (day). So, this time it is eight days instead of nine due to the decrement in fourth day (Chaturthi).

When To Place ‘Kalash’ At Home?

Chitra Nakshatra as well as Vaidhriti Yoga is prohibited for Kalash Sthapana in Navratri. This Navratra is initiating from Chitra Nakshatra, which is not considered auspicious for Kalash Sthapana. Time span of Chitra Nakshatra may differ from place to place. As per Panchang, Chitra Nakshatra is considered till 6:44 am. Thus, Kalash Sthapana is auspicious after that. Therefore, it will be good to invocate Goddess after the passage of this constellation. The best time for Kalash Sthapana ceremony is from 10:56 am to 12:22 pm. During this time, Abhijeet Muhoorta will commence from 11:35 am to 12:22 pm, which is considered best for Kalash Sthapana ceremony. After this, time is good till 13:51 pm for Kalash Sthapana. Recitation of Durga Saptshati should be initiated after this time period only. Kanya Poojan will be celebrated on 22nd October, whereas completion of this Navratri is on 23rd October.

How To Do Pooja?

Process of Puja during Navratri has various types of enactment. At this occasion, various other holy programs are concerted, such as Akhand Ramayan, Shri Shatchandi Puja Anushthan, Nitya Bhajan – Kirtan, Mata Rani Ka Vishesh Shringar, Shri Sunderkaand Paath, Shri Hanumaan Chalisa Paath and many more. Devotees fast for all nine days and recite Durga Saptshati. It is said in Shastras that Devi enchants if one hears or recites Durga Saptshati. However, it is only effective if recited in Sanskrit. It is said that devotee should believe Shri Durga Saptshati as it is another form of Bhagwati Durga. If one is unable to recite in proper Sanskrit then he may recite Saptshloki Durga for welfare. These seven sholkas have summarized the Durga Saptshati. If it is also not possible then the devotee can chant Narvana Mantra as much as possible. On the first day of Navratri, pledge is taken for keeping fast and performing puja. According to the savants, if one cannot fast for all nine nights, he can keep it for seven nights, five nights, two nights or one night for fetching the blessings. During this fast, it is recommended to eat once in a day and follow discipline as well as abstinence in lifestyle. Worshipping Navdurga during Navratra also diminishes the ill effects of nine planets.

A deep is lightened and Maa Stuti as well as fast is kept during Navratri. During Navratras these nine forms of devi are worshipped – Shailputri, Brahmcharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. Navratri days are divided into three parts. First three days are meant for winning Tamas, next three days are for Rajas and last three days are meant for winning Satva. At the last day of Navratra, young girls are fed food and offered adequate donation to end up the fast.

Result Of This Navratri

Lion is considered as the vehicle of Devi Durga, but it is believed that Devi comes on an invisible vehicle every time. It has a special effect. As per that belief, this time Devi is riding a horse. This will result in wars and riots in country as well as society. After that, with the blessings of Devi population will cherish the good times and terrorists will be demolished. This is symbolizing welfare for republic and misfortune for evil rule. This situation indicates the removal of evil administration as well as administrative people.