Sharad Navratri Festival

The Significance Of Sharad Navratri Festival

According to the Hindu calendar, Sharad Navratri occurs in the lunar month of Ashwin (Sept-Oct) and has Dussehra or Vijayadashmi on the 10th day. The significance of Sharad Navratri lies in 3 important events.

They are - Maa Durga’s 9-day combat against demon Mahishasura, Durga Puja and the win of Lord Rama over Ravana. Devotees, especially Gujaratis, celebrate Shardiya Navratri with Garba and Dandiya dancing and singing folklore all night.

Women, especially in Maharashtra, Gujarat and West Bengal, wear different colours each day. These colours are based on the position of planets during the nine days.

Sharad Navratri Rituals - Puja Vidhi

The Sharad Navratri rituals are highly regarded throughout the nine days to please Maa Durga, who also takes care of the planetary positions in our birth chart. Here is the nine-day Puja Vidhi of Sharad Navratri Festival step-wise.

1. Kalash Sthapana or Ghatasthapana: On the first day, purify the puja area, fill a Kalash with water, place mango leaves around its neck, and place a coconut on top of it to symbolise the deity's presence.
2. Invocation (Avahana) of Goddess Durga: After setting up the Kalash, invoke Goddess Durga by chanting specific mantras and performing the Avahan Mudra, welcoming her divine presence into your home.
3. Lighting the Akhand Jyot: Light a ghee or oil lamp (diya) that remains lit throughout the nine days, symbolising the continuous divine energy and auspiciousness.
4. Offering (Upachara) to the Goddess: Present fresh flowers, incense, sandalwood paste, kumkum, and traditional food offerings (naivedya) like fruits and sweets to the deity daily, expressing devotion and gratitude.
5. Recitation of Mantras and Aarti: Conclude the daily puja by reciting Durga Saptashati or other devotional hymns, followed by performing the aarti to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga.
6. Keep Fast: Keep fast for all nine days or on the first and last day of Shardiya Navratri. On the ninth day, feed young girls (Kanya Pujan).

Benefits of Sharad Navratri Based On Zodiac Sign

Sharad Navratri festival, a nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, offers unique benefits for each zodiac sign. Here's how individuals can utilise its energies:

• Aries (March 21 – April 19)

This Shardiya Navratri, Aries may find opportunities for marriage and favorable outcomes in love. It's also an auspicious time for health improvements and financial gains. Brahmacharini Puja on day 2 and Katyayani Puja on day 7 will be especially lucky for them.

• Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Taurus might experience success in career and business ventures during this Sharad Navratri festival. It's a favorable period for financial investments and improving stability. Kalaratri Puja on day 8 (Durga Ashtami) will bring them luck.

• Gemini (May 21 – June 21)

This Navratri brings inner peace and harmony to Geminis. This period encourages self-reflection and spiritual growth, aiding in mental clarity and balance. Praying to Maa Kushmanda on day 4 and Maa Skandamata on day 6 will be highly beneficial.

• Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Cancerians may encounter new opportunities for personal growth during Navratri. It's an auspicious time to pursue creative interests and hobbies. Moreover, the day of Shailputri Puja on day 1 will mark positive outcomes for them.

• Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leos might see increased progress in their careers during Sharad Navratri. Networking and forming new connections are particularly favored. Performing Katyayani Puja on day 7 will prove lucky for Leo people.

• Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Shardiya Navratri offers Virgos success in educational pursuits and intellectual growth. Exploring new ideas and concepts can lead to significant personal development. Maa Skandamata Puja on day 5 of this festival will bring great blessings to them.

• Libra (September 23 – October 23)

Libras may experience financial stability during Sharad Navratri festival. It's a suitable time for making important financial decisions and investments. Perform Mahagauri Puja on day 8 and Chandraghanta Puja on day 3 for fruitful results.

• Scorpio (October 24 – November 22)

Shardiya Navratri provides Scorpios with opportunities for spiritual growth and enlightenment. Engaging in self-study can lead to deep realisations. The second day of Sharad (Brahmacharini Puja) will be lucky for them.

• Sagittarius (November 23 – December 21)

Sagittarians might find success in career and business ventures during Navratri. Networking and building professional connections are beneficial. Participate in Chandraghanta Puja on day 3, especially to achieve positive results for your future goals.

• Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Sharad Navratri brings new opportunities of personal growth for Capricorns. Pursuing creative interests during this time can lead to peace of mind. The Skandamata Puja on day 6 is particularly auspicious for you.

• Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Aquarians may experience increased spiritual awareness during Sharad Navratri. Focusing on personal growth and self-improvement is highly favored. They should particularly be active during Chandraghanta Puja on day 3 for Devi’s favours.

• Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Pisceans might find success in achieving their career goals during Shardiya Navratri. Networking can lead to significant progress, but avoid ill will and negative thoughts. Participating in Durga Puja on day 8 of Sharad will be auspicious for you.

Popular Stories Behind Sharad Navratri

The story behind Shardiya Navratri festival explains why we celebrate the victory of good over evil and the rise of goodness in the darkest of nights. Devotees highly regard these stories in aarti and mantras.

• Triumph Of Goddess Durga Over Mahishasura

The legend of Sharad Navratri revolves around Goddess Durga's fierce battle with Mahishasura, a powerful demon who terrorised the heavens. After nine days of intense combat, she defeated him on the tenth day, signifying the victory of good over evil. This day is celebrated as Vijayadashami.

• Win of Lord Rama Over Ravana

Another legend states that Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga during Sharad Navratri to gain her blessings before his battle against Ravana. His victory in Lanka reinforced the power of divine grace–Maa Durga.

Summary

Sharad Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga's victory over demon Mahishasura. Observed in autumn (Ashwin month), it involves fasting, prayers, and traditional dances like Garba. Each day honours a different manifestation of Durga, concluding with Vijayadashami, symbolising good's triumph over evil.

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