Navaraathri


Navaraathri is celebrated throughout the world in different ways. The basic aim is to worship the energy aspect which is called Shakti the cosmic energy.

This female worship is called Devi worship it is adoration of the mother as the supreme force of the GOD aspect. Truly speaking all beings are Shakti worshippers whether they are aware of it or not, for all things are made up of this energy force Shakti.

What is Navaraathri?

Nava - means nine
Raathri – means night

Navaraathri is the nine nights that is observed in honour of the divine mother in her three forms as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi.

The first three nights Mother Durga is worshipped as Icha Shakti (the power of will). Mother Durga removes all impurities miseries dangers and evil, which are the Rajastic qualities or animal like qualities.

The second three nights is dedicated to the worship of Maha Lakshmi as Kriya Shakti (The power of action). Mother Lakshmi bestows on her devotees inexhaustible divine spiritual wealth and health. In order to receive this divine blessing one has to rid ones self of the Tamastic qualities like greed, anger, lust etc. Than this will be showered upon her devotees in abundance.

The last three nights is devoted to Mother Saraswathi who is the mother of knowledge and wisdom. Mother Saraswathi destroys the veil of darkness and brings light to the devotee in the form of wisdom. Mother Saraswathi is the (Gnaana Shakti) this is the power of knowledge. Mother Saraswathi represents the Sattwic qualities (Love, bliss and peace) once the devotee has rid him/her self of the Rajastic and Tamastic qualities. Mother Saraswathi herself appears as the Sattwic quality and imparts the wisdom needed to attain salvation.

The tenth day – Vijaya Dasami

The divine mother in her three aspects as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi united and fought the demon Mahishasooran for the entire nine nights and finally destroyed him on the tenth day thus attaining victory. Vijaya Dasami (Dusserah) is the liquidation of all negative qualities whereby one attains Vijay (Victory).

On this day lots of new ventures are started (buying a new car, starting a new business, new house etc).

Mother Durga


THIS PROCEDURE MUST FOLLOWED FOR THE 1ST 3 DAYS FOR MOTHER DURGA

Prayer Procedure:
A ten day fast should be observed.
Worship Lord Ganesha first
A Ghee lamp must be lit in front of a photo of Durga or a murti if you don’t have a photo or Murti burning the lamp it is fine.
Offer prasadam (curd rice)
One can offer blue or red colour flowers
Chant the following mantra and prayer. (X18, 27 or 108)

Durga Mantra


Om Dum Durgayei Namaha
Prayer:
  • Om Namo Devyei Maha Devyei (Salutations to the Universal Mother who is the repository of all)
  • Shivayei Satatam Namaha (blessings, who is primordial energy which sustains all forms.)
  • Prakrityei Bhadrayei Niyataha Smatam (Salutations with heartfelt devotion.)
Prayer Procedure:
  • Light nine incense sticks and turn
  • Turn camphor
  • Sprinkle water on prasadam
  • Kneel down and pray.

Mother Lakshmi


THIS PROCEDURE MUST FOLLOWED FOR THE 2nd 3 DAYS FOR MOTHER LAKSHMI

Prayer Procedure:
Worship Lord Ganesha first
A Ghee lamp must be lit in front of a photo of Lakshmi or a murti if you don’t have a photo or Murti burning the lamp it is fine.
Offer prasadam (sweet rice)
One can offer red flowers and Tulsi leaves
Chant the following mantra and prayer. (X18, 27 or 108)

Lakshmi Mantra


Om Shrim Maha Lakshmiyei Swaha/Namaha
Prayer:
  • Namaste-stu Maha Maye, Sri Pithe Sura Pujita (Salutations to that mahamaya who is the source of fortune venerated by)
  • Shankha Chakra Gada Haste, Maha Lakshmi Namostute (the Celestials wielder conch and mace, Maha Lakshmi, we bow to thee.)
Prayer Procedure:
  • Light nine incense sticks and turn
  • Turn camphor
  • Sprinkle water on prasadam
  • Kneel down and pray.

Mother Saraswathi


THIS PROCEDURE MUST FOLLOWED FOR THE LAST 3 DAYS FOR MOTHER SARASWATHI

Prayer Procedure:
  • Worship Lord Ganesha first
  • A Ghee lamp must be lit in front of a photo of Saraswathi or a murti if you don’t have a photo or Murti burning the lamp it is fine.
  • Offer prasadam (paayasam)
  • One can offer white flowers
  • Chant the following mantra and prayer. (X18, 27 or 108)

Saraswati Mantra


Om Eim Saraswatyei Namaha/Swaha
Prayer:
  • Vedanam Matram Pasya Matsham Devim Saraswati.(Behold, Saraswati, Mother of the Vedas reside in me.)
Prayer Procedure:
  • Light nine incense sticks and turn
  • Turn camphor
  • Sprinkle water on prasadam
  • Kneel down and pray.

On the tenth day – Vijaya Dasami

Prayer Procedure:
  • Worship Lord Ganesha first
  • A Ghee lamp must be lit
  • Offer prasadam (sweet meats)
  • One can offer a mixture of red white and blue white flowers
  • Chant the following mantra and prayer. (X18, 27 or 108)
Prayer:
Om Durga, Lakshmi Sarawathi ye Namaha
Prayer Procedure:
  • Once the mantra has been chanted a coconut must be offered to the Mother by turning it 3 times and breaking it and placing the 2 halves on either side of the lamp.
  • Light nine incense sticks and turn
  • Turn camphor
  • Sprinkle water on prasadam
  • Kneel down and pray.
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