Navratri, the festival celebrated four times a year, includes two hidden Navratris and two manifest Navratris. Among these, Chaitra Navratri holds special significance in Hinduism. It marks the beginning of the new year and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga for nine days. This year, Chaitra Navratri begins on April 9, 2024. Each Navratri, Goddess Durga arrives on Earth riding different vehicles. Let’s explore which vehicle Goddess Durga will be riding this time.
Vehicle of Goddess Durga
During every Navratri, Goddess Durga arrives on Earth riding different vehicles. This year, Goddess Durga will be arriving on a horse. It is believed that when Goddess Durga arrives riding a horse, it is not considered auspicious as it signifies warfare.
Significance of Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga for nine days. Navratri holds significant importance in Hinduism, symbolizing the power and glory of Goddess Durga. It is a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga’s power and victory over evil. Chaitra Navratri marks the first Navratri of the year and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga for nine days. Navratri symbolizes the victory of good over evil and provides devotees with an opportunity for self-purification and spiritual advancement. During this time, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga and pray for the fulfillment of their desires.
The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga
During Navratri, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga. These nine forms are:
- Shailputri: Daughter of the King of Mountains Himalaya.
- Brahmacharini: Goddess who observed severe penance.
- Chandraghanta: Goddess who bears the moon on her forehead.
- Kushmanda: Goddess who created the universe from the cosmic egg.
- Skandamata: Mother of Lord Skanda.
- Katyayani: Daughter of Sage Katyayana.
- Kaalratri: Goddess with a dark complexion.
- Mahagauri: Goddess with a fair complexion.
- Siddhidatri: Goddess who grants Siddhis or divine powers.
Activities During Navratri
During Navratri, devotees engage in various activities such as:
- Puja and Archana: Devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga by visiting temples and installing her idols at home.
- Fasting: Many devotees observe fasts during Navratri, consuming only fruits, milk, and light meals for nine days.
- Installation of Kalash: On the first day of Navratri, many households install a Kalash symbolizing Goddess Durga.
- Kanya Pujan on Ninth Day: On the ninth day of Navratri, Kanya Pujan is performed where nine young girls are worshipped.
- Celebration of Dussehra: Dussehra, marking the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, is celebrated on the tenth day of Navratri.
Remedies During Chaitra Navratri
- Cleanliness of the House: Clean your house thoroughly before Navratri as Goddess Durga is pleased with cleanliness.
- Installation of Kalash: Install a Kalash in your home on the first day of Navratri.
- Continuous Light: Keep a continuous light burning in your home throughout Navratri.
- Regular Puja: Perform regular puja of Goddess Durga during Navratri.
- Charity: Engage in acts of charity and kindness during Navratri.
- Fasting: You may observe fasting according to your wish during Navratri.
- Chanting Mantras: Chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Durga during Navratri.
- Havan: Perform Havan during Navratri.
By performing these remedies and observing Navratri with devotion, one can receive the blessings of Goddess Durga and attain prosperity and happiness.