What to do and what not to do during Navratri

In Hinduism, especially in the Eastern Parts of India, Navratri as a festival is celebrated with great opulence. Navratri is a literal meaning of celebration for 9 nights and 10 days by worshiping goddess Durga (form of Adi Shakti or Parvati). It is celebrated as she represents the energy of the Universe, in nine different forms of reverence. Therefore, each of the nine days, is celebrated as one of the forms of Goddess Durga.

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Why is Navratri celebrated?

As per Hindu Mythology, one of the fiercest daemons, Mahishasura undertook severe penance to obtain a boon that he cannot be killed by any male or male form of god. He undertook the great penance to please lord Brahma and was blessed with the boon.

However, underestimating at his own cost the power of the female or a female goddess form, he started creating havoc everywhere. He considered himself to be invincible. He even dared to attach Dev-loka, the abode of Lord Indra, and took all the beautiful apsaras, into his captive. His lust for power had no end which made all the god to worship the Shakti form of Adi-Shakti or goddess Parvati.

To stop him, Goddess Shakti took a very beautiful form of Goddess Durga. She was so pretty, that she could easily seduce Mahishasura with her charming beauty. On one occasion she told him that she would marry him if he defeats her in a battle. It is believed that they battled for 9 days, and on the 10th day, Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura. Therefore the 10th day is called Vijayadashami day, which means the day of victory. Thus, during Navratri one of the most famous idols that we see in temples depicts this scene where Mahishasura, in the form of a half bull, is being slayed by Mother Durga.

Thus, the mythology has great significance even today and thus Hindus celebrate Navratri. In fact, the celebration of Navratri starts from the Hindu month of Ashvin (usually October) as per English Calendar. Accordingly, the Navratri 2018 would be or the 2018 Navratri Start Date would start from 10th October 2018 till 18th October 2018.

Thus, accordingly, the following days are celebrated during Navratri.

During each of the 9 days, goddess durga is worshiped in one form or the other. They are as mentioned:

1. Shailaputri: Day 1, Goddess Durga is worshiped as the primal energy of the trident Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, and was born as daughter (putri) to Himalayas (shaila - mountains)

2. Bhrahmacharini: 2nd days, here she is in the form that represents penance and austerity leading to blissfulness and moksha. This is the 2nd day in which goddess durga is worshiped.

3. Chandraghanta: 3rd Day, represented as 10-armed mother riding a lion, she adores a bell-shaped (ghanta) moon (chandra), and is slayer of evil forces.

4. Kushmanda: 4th Day, literally meaning "little warmth cosmic egg", she is the creator of the universe.

5. Skandamata: 5th Day, she is the mother of Skanda, or Karthikeya, the chief warrior of Gods.

6. Katyayani: 6th day, goddess Durga is worshiped as daughter of sage Katyayan, she is a fierce form of Durga.

7. Kaalratri: 7th day, she is worshiped as the death of Kaal (time), she showcases the other side of life - death. She is the most terrible and ruthless form of Durga.

8. Maha Gauri: She represents calmness and grants wisdom to her devotees.

9. Siddhidatri: The fulfiller of all the wishes and giver of boons.

Accordingly, the following are the dos and don’ts during Navratri.

Read: Navratri: Facts and myths yo should know!

Do's: Fasting Rules Navratri 2018:

1. Daily having a bath in the morning preferably at 9.00 AM.

2. Eat only Satvik Food (simple), only once.

3. Give some homemade bhog to Gods every day; if not possible then milk and fruits should be offered.

4. Go to the temple or do puja to Maa daily in the morning and evening by lighting lamp and offering flower and doing arti.

5. Try to give a gift to at least 2 small girl children, every day preferably in the evening.

6. After bath always wear fresh cloth do not use the discarded cloth.

7. Recite the mantras and slokas of Maa every available minute with you.

8. Earnestly pray to the Goddess Mother to cleanse your Past Karmaas and bring happiness and prosperity to your life.

Read: नवरात्रि में राशि अनुसार करें उपाय, मिलेगी सुख-समृद्धि और पैसा

Don'ts: Fasting Rules Navratri 2018:

1. Do not cut your nails for all these days till Ekadashi.

2. Do not have a haircut also during this period.

3. Do not stitch or knit during this period.

4. Do not gossip, tell lies or use harsh words/curse others.

5. Do not leave the Jyothi to burn it out. After puja you should, with some flowers put to rest the Agni which stood as the witness to your puja and offering.

6. Do not dust your home or at least in the Puja Room/Place and in Kitchen.

7. Do not wear slipper in the house if possible for all these 9 days or avoid getting into the puja room wearing one.

8. Do not study anything on the 9th day; instead, you should keep all your books and other modern gadgets near MAA and seek her blessing on this day.

Thus, to know more about Navratri Pooja and its significance, readers can write to us at mail@futurepointindia.com or visit our web site www.futurepointindia.com .