A bit of info on Navaratri

[Guest guest]

Dear all ~ since Navaratri has begun, I thought I'd share a couple of things

I have tucked away in my file cabinet. This explanation of Navaratri by

Swami Sivananda is quite beautiful.

Jai Durga Ma ~ Linda

 

DURGA PUJA OR NAVARATRI

By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA

 

"SALUTATIONS to the Divine Mother, Durga, who exists in all beings in the

form of intelligence, mercy, beauty, who is the consort of Lord Shiva, who

creates, sustains and destroys the universe.

 

This festival is observed twice a year, once in the month of Chaitra and

then in Aswayuja. It lasts for nine days in honour of the nine manifestations

of

Durga. During Navaratri (the word literally means "nine nights") devotees of

Durga observe a fast. Brahmins are fed and prayers are offered for the

protection of health and property.

 

The beginning of summer and the beginning of winter are two very important

junctions of climatic and solar influence. These two periods are taken as

sacred opportunities for the worship of the Divine Mother. They are indicated

respectively by the Rama-Navaratri in Chaitra (April-May) and the Durga

Navaratri in Aswayuja (September-October). The bodies and minds of people

undergo a

considerable change on account of the changes in Nature...

 

The Durga Puja is celebrated in various parts of India in different styles.

But the one basic aim of this celebration is to propitiate Shakti, the

Goddess in Her aspect as Power, to bestow upon man all wealth, auspiciousness,

prosperity, knowledge (both sacred and

secular), and all other potent powers. Whatever be the particular or special

request that everyone may put before the Goddess, whatever boon may be asked

of Her, the one thing behind all these is propitiation, worship and linking

oneself with Her. There is no

other aim. This is being effected consciously or unconsciously.

 

Everyone is blessed with Her loving mercy and is protected by Her. Durga

Puja or Navaratri commences on the first and ends on the tenth day of the bright

half of Aswayuja (September-October). It is held in commemoration of the

victory of Durga over Mahishasura, the buffalo-

headed demon...The tenth day is called Vijaya Dasami or Dussera (the "tenth

day"). Processions with Her image are taken out along the streets of villages

and cities.

 

The mother of Durga (that is, the wife of the King of the Himalayas) longed

to see her daughter. Durga was permitted by Lord Shiva to visit her beloved

mother only for nine days in the year. The festival of Durga Puja marks this

brief visit and ends with the Vijaya Dasami

day, when Goddess Durga leaves for Her return to Mount Kailas...

 

Durga Puja is the greatest Hindu festival in which God is adored as Mother.

Hinduism is the only religion in the world which has emphasised to such an

extent the motherhood of God. One's relationship with one's mother is the

dearest and the sweetest of all human relations. Hence, it is proper to look

upon

God as mother.

 

Durga represents the Divine Mother. She is the energy aspect of the Lord.

Without Durga, Shiva has no expression and without Shiva, Durga has no

existence. Shiva is the soul of Durga; Durga is identical with Shiva. Lord

Shiva is

only the silent witness. He is motionless,

absolutely changeless. He is not affected by the cosmic play. It is Durga

who does everything...

 

The Mother's Grace is boundless. Her mercy is illimitable; Her knowledge

infinite; Her power immeasurable; Her glory ineffable; and Her splendour

indescribable. She gives you material prosperity as well as spiritual freedom.

 

Approach Her with an open heart. Lay bare your heart to Her with frankness

and humility. Be as simple as a child. Kill ruthlessly the enemies of egoism,

cunningness, selfishness and crookedness. Make a total, unreserved, and

ungrudging self-surrender to Her. Sing Her

praise. Repeat Her Name. Worship Her with faith and unflinching devotion.

Perform special worship on the Navaratri days...

 

On this last day a grand havan is conducted in the temple, with recitation

of the Durga Saptashati and other verses in praise of the Divine Mother."

 

P.S. For anyone who is interested the Durga Saptashati, is part of the

Chandi Path, which may be obtained from Amazon.com or from _www.shreemaa.org_

(http://www.shreemaa.org) to hear the 32 names of Durga chanted, go to this

site: _http://www.shreemaa.org/durga.htm_ (http://www.shreemaa.org/durga.htm)

It

is quite beautiful to hear the names sung.

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Dear Linda, thank you for this!

 

As a Jewish Amma devotee who was involved in a Sufi tariqat for years, I must

say that I

am getting a kick out of this convergence of Rosh HaShana, Durga Puja and

Ramadan! =)

 

(Even if I'm on my couch recovering from surgery and can "only" celebrate in my

heart!)

 

Love,

Iswari

 

Ammachi, nierika@a... wrote:

> Dear all ~ since Navaratri has begun, I thought I'd share a couple of things

> I have tucked away in my file cabinet. This explanation of Navaratri by

> Swami Sivananda is quite beautiful....