Chaitra Navratri Festival: History and Religious Significance

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Chaitra Navratri Festival has been a long-standing tradition with a tremendous amount of religious value. We also know that Navratri undeniably is one of the biggest Hindu festivals across the nation celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm.

History of Chaitra Navratri

The Chaitra Navratri story is one of the most critical branches in history, which holds deep religious and spiritual significance. It is a classic illustration of the ‘victory of good over evil’. There are many tales we associate with the Chaitra Navratri festival. Let us go through a few of them. According to Brahma Purana, this is the Day of Chaitra Pratipada when Lord Brahma started making the universe under the command of Goddess Durga. Hence, according to the Hindu calendar, this day is considered the first day of the year. It is also believed that the Matsya avatar of Lord Vishnu was incarnated on the third day of Chaitra Navratri to establish Mother Earth. Chaitra Navratri’s 9th day, known as ‘Navami’ or ‘Ram Navami’, honours the birth of Lord Rama, who is one of the great avatars of Lord Vishnu. 

According to another legend, Goddess Parvati once desired to pay a visit to her parents for nine days. So she took permission for the same from Lord Shiva and started the voyage to her parent’s house. During this period, She took the form of goddess Durga and exterminated the demon called ‘Mahishasura’.

Chaitra Navratri significance & importance

The essence of Chaitra Navratri is to identify, embrace, acknowledge and celebrate the holy power of the Shakti, which represents the feminine energy. On a spiritual status, the auspicious time of Navratri is the most acceptable time to look inwards and to examine, reflect and self-introspect. It is the best time to elevate spiritually and come closer to the Supreme Consciousness. It is a powerful time to meditate, offer devotions with prayers, attain peace of mind and manifest things you want. Another aspect of celebrating Chaitra Navratri is celebrating and welcoming the new season. Chaitra Navratri is one of the best times to recognise our inner strengths and revere Maa Durga and her nine forms while being grateful to Mother Nature for providing food, land, water and shelter. On each day of Navratri, prayers to every incarnation of Goddess Durga is of utter significance. 

Astrological significance:

Chaitra Navratri plays a meaningful role as per Hindu Astrology. It is when Sun re-enters the first zodiac sign, the Aries, after travelling to all the 12 zodiac signs.

Navratri puja brings prosperity and fortune to the household. Maa Durga endows the family with health, wealth, wisdom and success.

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