There are 2 special Navratris celebrated every year. Sharad Navratri during the month of Ashwin (September/October) – this is the most important Navratri. The second is Chaitra Navratri during the Hindu month of Chaitra. The last day of Chaitra Navratri is celebrated as Ram Navami the birth anniversary of Lord Rama.
“Chaitra means the beginning of a New Year. So the New Year begins with nine days of turning inwards; prayer, meditation, and chanting. Recognizing the Divinity in the whole creation, and enlivening that aspect“ –Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
It is said that worshipping the Goddess with love and devotion during these 9 days is supposed to be one of the best remedy for all the 9 planets.
The Sanskrit meaning for Durga is a place that is protected and cannot be reached by evil forces. The word Durga also means invincible, unbeatable and undefeated.
She is considered to be the combined forms of Goddess Kali, Goddess Saraswati, and Goddess Lakshmi.
Devi Durga is also known as Mahishasurmardini which translates to slayer of a mighty evil buffalo demon called Mahishasur, which represents tamo-guna, the dark quality of inertia, ignorance, and laziness.
Chaitra Navratri begins on 22nd March in USA and on 22nd March in India.
For local timings and for the details related to the worship of the form of Goddess and mantras download the align27 app.
You can tap the link below for a write up about every aspect of Devi Durga in detail.
- Pratipada Tithi Day 1 – Shailaputri (March 22)
- Dwitiya Tithi Day 2 – Brahmacharini (March 23)
- Tritiya Tithi Day 3 – Chandraghanta (March 24)
- Chathurthi Tithi Day 4 – Kushmanda (March 25)
- Panchami Tithi Day 5 – Skandamata (March 26)
- Shashti Tithi Day 6 – Katyayani (March 27)
- Saptami Tithi Day 7 – Kalaratri (March 28)
- Ashtami Tithi Day 8 – Mahagauri (March 29)
- Navami Tithi Day 9 – Siddhidhatri (March 30)
Offerings
After you finish your mantra chanting, offer the following to Goddess Durga with utmost love and devotion.
- Shailaputri – Ghee
- Brahmacharini – Sugar and Fruits
- Chandraghanta – Milk and Kheer
- Kushmanda – Malpua
- Skandamata – Bananas
- Katyayani – Honey
- Kalaratri – Jaggery
- Mahagauri – Coconuts
- Siddhidhatri – Sesame Seeds
Thank you for this beautiful guidance to dedicate my devotion to the Divine Mother during these 9 nights …
With gratitude,
Dhyana 💖