Navratri begins today!
One of the auspicious nine day festivals, Durga puja has begun from today onwards.
The nine-day-long festival will be observed from September 26 and will conclude on October 5, 2022, and is one of the biggest festivals celebrated majorly over west Bengal and nearby areas.
During the long 9-day festival, devotees worship Lordess Durga along with the deities of Saraswati, Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Karthik.
Significance: According to Hindu mythology, before the era of Lord Rama, Chaitra Navratri was the most important time to worship Goddess Durga. However, the importance of Chaitra Navratri decreased and shifted to Durga Puja during the era of Lord Rama.
According to Puranic legends, God Rama worshipped Goddess Durga before going to war with Ravana. It is also considered that Lord Rama performed Chandi Homa and sought the blessing of Goddess Durga before going to war. Since it was the untimely invocation of Goddess Durga, the worshipping of the Goddess during this time is also called Akal Bodhan. Also, since Lord Rama achieved victory over Ramana, this time is believed to be the most appropriate to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga and to perform Chandi Homa.
9 Days Importance and meaning; All nine days of Navratri have its own significance Day 1 of Navratri begins by worshiping Goddess Shailputri, daughter of the king of mountains, Parvati who is worshiped as the wife of Lord Shiva.
Second day of Shardiya Navaratri, Goddess Brahmcharini (second avatar of Goddess Durga) is worshiped to attain moksha.
Third day of Shardiya Navaratri, Goddess Chandraghanta is worshiped and she is a symbol of peace, and prosperity in life.
Fourth day of Shardiya Navaratri, Goddess Kushmanda is worshiped and she is considered the originator of the Universe.
Fifth day of Shardiya Navaratri, Goddess Skandmata is worshiped and she is the representation of the vulnerability of a mother who can fight anyone when anyone troubles her children.
Sixth day of Shardiya Navaratri, Goddess Katyayani is worshiped and she symbolizes courage.
Seventh day of Shardiya Navaratri, Goddess Kal Ratri, and the fiercest form of Goddess Durga is worshiped.
Eighth day of Shardiya Navaratri, Goddess Maha Gauri, representing intelligence, peace, prosperity and calm is worshiped.
On the ninth and final day, Goddess Siddhidatri is worshiped and she is known for having supernatural healing powers.
The Brief. Sign up to receive the top stories you need to know right now.