This past Saturday marked the first day of one of the largest Hindu festivals: Navratri. Navratri is a sanskrit word where "Nav" means nine and "Ratri" means "night," literally translating to Nine Nights. During these nine nights, the nine various forms of Goddess Shakti are celebrated to encompass three main aspects of the Mother Goddess: Goddess Durga (the Goddess of Power), Goddess Lakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth), and Goddess Saraswati (the Goddess of Knowledge).
Throughout different parts of India, Navratri is celebrated in many different ways. For example, in the North it is celebrated with much fervor, including days of fasting and nights of traditional dance (Garba). In West Bengal, the days are celebrated with a Goddess Durga Puja (religious ceremony). And, in the temples of Goa the nine nights are celebrated with religious songs and religious discussions. To help spread what Navratri is about, I thought it would be appropriate to describe the different forms of the nine Goddess and what each Goddess depicts.
1. Goddess Shailaputri
One the first night this goddess is celebrated. "Shaila" means stone, and thus this first night is meant to convey strength (just as a stone is strong). It is a night meant to cultivate composure and courage.
2. Goddess Bhramacharini
Bhramacharini translates to "moving in infinity." This night is meant for us to explore that we are part of an infinite cycle and consciousness. Being aware of this state helps us new levels of spiritual awareness and spiritual strength.
3. Goddess Chandraghanta
"Chandra" means moon and "ghanta" means bell. This is a very metaphorical name in that the moon represents how our mind also waxes and wanes and is constantly wavering. However, a bell is meant to bring us back to focus. During this night, we cultivate our minds and hope to reach a high level of focus and alertness.
4. Goddess Kushmanda
The name translates to pumpkin. A pumpkin contains many seeds, each having the potential to create life. Thus, this night conveys that praying to Goddess Kushmanda will lead to the planting of the different seeds of creativity within you so that you may reach a high level of spiritual creativity.
5. Goddess Skandamata
Goddess Skandamata signifies courage and ultimate compassion. She is also known to be highly skilled. Ultimately, this night is devoted to you focusing on humility, skillfulness, courage, and, more importantly, compassion.
6. Goddess Kathyayini
Kathyayini Devi (Goddess) represents the quality of nurturing and relationships. On this night we must focus on our relationship with ourself (or our soul). However, other characteristics such as devotion, commitment, and togetherness are also meant to be cultivated.
7. Goddess Kaalaraatri
"Kaala" means time and "Raatri" means deep rest. Without time and rest we cannot develop ourselves and focus on our mind, body, and spirit. Therefore, this night is dedicated to this idea of rest.
8. Goddess Maha Gauri
"Gau" means knowledge, and "Gaura" means white (also signifying purity and innocence). On this night, we appeal to Goddess Maha Gauri in order to attain knowledge (the ultimate power) while also maintaining our purity and innocence.
9. Goddess Siddhidhatri
This final night is devoted to Goddess Siddhidhatri, where "Siddhi" means perfection. We pray to Goddess Siddhidhatri so as to always have guidance and wisdom throughout the journey of our life.
Happy Navratri everyone! :)
