Navaratri, meaning “nine nights,” is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Divine Mother, Devi. There are four seasonal Navaratris observed throughout the year, each with its unique significance and mode of celebration. The most widely known and celebrated are Sharada Navaratri and Vasantha Navaratri. Additionally, there are two lesser-known and more esoteric Navaratris called Gupta Navaratris.Sri Rajarajeswari peetam celebrates all the Navaratris for the Jagadamba with magnificent grandeur, utmost sincerity, and deep devotion the final day Chandi Homam being the crown of the celebrations where all the Shakteyas come together too offer the Devi their chantings along with Poornahuti .
| Day | Tidhi | Sri Nava Durga Form | Sri Ashtamatruka form | Sri Durga Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Padyami | Shailaputri | Indrani | Durga |
| 2 | vidiya | Brahmacharini | Brahmi | Bala Tripurasundari |
| 3 | tadhiya | Chandraghanta | Vaishnavi | Annapurna |
| 4 | Chaviti | Kushmanda | Maheswari | Gayatri |
| 5 | Panchami | Skanda Maata | Koumari | Lalita Tripura Sundari |
| 6 | Shashti | Katyaini | Chamundi | Saraswati |
| 7 | Saptami | Kalaratri | Shakambari | Mahalakshmi, |
| 8 | Astami | Maha Gowri | Varahi | Sri Durga |
| 9 | Navami | Siddhi Dhatri | Sri Lalitha | Mahishasura Mardini |
| 10 | Dasami | Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi |
The following are the Navaratris celebrtaed for Devi:
1. Sharran Navaratri: CLICK HERE for more details
- Names: Sharada Navaratri, Maha Navaratri,Dasara
- When: Celebrated in the lunar month of Ashwin (September-October)
- Significance: This is the most famous Navaratri and celebrates the triumph of good over evil, particularly commemorating the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
- Celebrations:
- Day 1-3: Worship of Durga (Kali, Shailaputri, Brahmacharini)
- Day 4-6: Worship of Lakshmi (Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata)
- Day 7-9: Worship of Saraswati (Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri)
- Day 10: Vijayadashami or Dussehra, marking the victory of Durga over Mahishasura.
- Rituals: Fasting, prayer, singing of devotional songs, dance forms like Garba and Dandiya, and setting up of Golu (dolls display) in South India.
2. Vasantha Navaratri:
- Names: Vasantha Navaratri, Chaitra Navaratri,Sri Rama Navaratri
- When: Celebrated in the lunar month of Chaitra (March-April)
- Significance: This marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year in some regions and is associated with the worship of the nine forms of Durga.
- Celebrations:
- Similar to Sharada Navaratri, each day is dedicated to a different form of Durga.
- Special emphasis on Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, which falls on the ninth day.
- Rituals: Fasting, prayers, and Ram Navami celebrations with readings from the Ramayana.
3. Ashadha Gupta Navaratri: CLICK HERE for more details
- Names: Ashadha Gupta Navaratri, Varahi Navaratri
- When: Celebrated in the lunar month of Ashadha (June-July)
- Significance: This is a secret or esoteric Navaratri observed primarily by advanced practitioners and sadhakas for spiritual empowerment and protection.
- Celebrations:
- Worship of Varahi Devi and other fierce forms of the Divine Mother.
- Focus on secretive and intense sadhanas (spiritual practices), including mantra chanting, meditation, and yagnas (fire rituals).
- Rituals: Night-time worship, fasting, and rituals performed in a secluded manner.
4. Magha Gupta Navaratri:
- Names: Magha Gupta Navaratri,Shyamala Navaratri
- When: Celebrated in the lunar month of Magha (January-February)
- Significance: Another esoteric Navaratri focusing on inner transformation and advanced spiritual practices.
- Celebrations:
- Worship of different aspects of the Divine Mother, often with an emphasis on Tantra.
- Practices include elaborate pujas, homas (fire rituals), and mantra sadhana.
- Rituals: Secluded and secretive worship, meditation, and fasting.
Common Rituals and Practices Across Navaratris
- Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana): The installation of a sacred pot symbolizing the presence of the goddess.
- Nine-Day Fasting: Many devotees fast throughout the nine days, consuming only certain foods.
- Daily Puja: Devotional rituals, including the chanting of mantras, singing of bhajans (devotional songs), and reading of scriptures like the Durga Saptashati.
- Kanya Puja: On the eighth or ninth day, young girls (symbolizing the goddess) are worshipped and offered special meals and gifts.
- Vijayadashami (Dussehra): The tenth day marks the victory of good over evil, often celebrated with the burning of effigies of Ravana in North India.
Devi Navaratris are deeply significant festivals that honor the Divine Mother in her various forms. They are times for intense devotion, spiritual practices, and cultural celebrations. Each Navaratri has its own unique customs and rituals, reflecting the rich diversity of Hindu worship practices. Whether publicly celebrated or observed in secret, these festivals provide an opportunity for devotees to connect deeply with the divine feminine energy and seek blessings for prosperity, protection, and spiritual growth.