What is Navratri?

Navratri, which means “Nine Nights” in Sanskrit, is a major Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine energy, also known as Shakti or Mata Rani.

Celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and by Hindus worldwide, this festival honors the triumph of good over evil through the worship of nine different forms of Goddess Durga.

Navratri, the vibrant and spiritually significant festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm across India. This nine-day festival, which symbolises the victory of good over evil, is observed by millions as they worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

Navratri – why do we celebrate it?

Navratri is a Hindu festival that spans nine nights and is celebrated every year in the autumn.

It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian cultural sphere. Theoretically, there are four seasonal Navratri.

The legend associated with Navratri speaks about the great battle between the powerful demon Mahishasura and Goddess Durga.

Each year, on each day of Navratri, an incarnation of “Goddess Durga” is worshipped to celebrate the day of her victory over Mahishasura, and the ultimate victory of ‘Good over Evil.”

Historical Roots and Cultural Significance

The origins of Navratri can be traced back to ancient times, symbolizing the eternal battle between dharma (righteousness) and adharma (evil).

Different legends associated with Goddess Durga’s battles, including the slaying of the buffalo demon Mahishasura, highlight her role as a fierce protector.

Each region in India offers its unique cultural lens on the celebration, from Gujarat’s Garba dances to Bengal’s Durga Puja.

Duration, Key Dates, and Regional Celebrations

Navratri lasts for nine days and nights, usually falling between September and October.

These dates follow the lunar calendar, with the festival culminating in Dussehra (Vijayadashami), symbolizing the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana or the defeat of Mahishasura by Goddess Durga.

Each day is associated with a form of the Goddess and is celebrated with rituals, fasting, dance, and devotion.

Regional variations, such as Sharad Navratri (Northern and Western India) and Durga Puja (Eastern India), reflect the festival’s widespread appeal.

Introduction to the Nine Forms of Mata Rani

During Navratri, each day is dedicated to worshiping a different form of Mata Rani, from Shailaputri, the embodiment of strength, to Siddhidatri, the Goddess of perfection.

These nine forms are collectively known as Navadurga.

Each symbolize distinct aspects of the feminine divine energy, inspiring devotees to reflect on spiritual growth, wisdom, and inner strength.

Navdurga Stuti Lyrics- For Relaxing the Mind

श्री दुर्गा स्तुति – श्री दुर्गा स्तुति सभी तरह के कष्टनिवारक है।
जगत जननी माता दुर्गा की स्तुति करने मात्र से से सभी कष्टों का निवारण हो जाता है।
नवरात्रि पर जरूर करे मां दुर्गा स्तुति का पाठ, तो आइये पढ़िए माँ दुर्गा की स्तुति –

।। श्री दुर्गा स्तुति ।।

जय जग जननी आदि भवानी
जय महिषासुर मारिणी मां
उमा रमा गौरी ब्रह्माणी
जय त्रिभुवन सुख कारिणी मां

हे महालक्ष्मी हे महामाया
तुम में सारा जगत समाया
तीन रूप तीनों गुण धारिणी
तीन काल त्रैलोक बिहारिणी

हरि हर ब्रह्मा इंद्रादिक के
सारे काज संवारिणी माँ
जय जग जननी आदि भवानी
जय महिषासुर मारिणी मां

शैल सुता मां ब्रह्मचारिणी
चंद्रघंटा कूष्मांडा माँ
स्कंदमाता कात्यायनी माता
शरण तुम्हारी सारा जहां।।

कालरात्रि महागौरी तुम हो
सकल रिद्धि सिद्धि धारिणी मां
जय जग जननी आदि भवानी
जय महिषासुर मारिणी माँ

अजा अनादि अनेका एका
आद्या जया त्रिनेत्रा विद्या
नाम रूप गुण कीर्ति अनंता
गावहिं सदा देव मुनि संता।

अपने साधक सेवक जन पर
सुख यश वैभव वारिणी मां
जय जगजननी आदि भवानी
जय महिषासुर मारिणी मां।।

दुर्गति नाशिनी दुर्मति हारिणी दुर्ग निवारण दुर्गा मां
भवभय हारिणी भवजल तारिणी सिंह विराजिनी दुर्गा मां
पाप ताप हर बंध छुड़ाकर जीवो की उद्धारिणी माँ
जय जग जननी आदि भवानी जय महिषासुर मारिणी माँ।