Navaratri, the festival of Nine Nights
Sri Gurubyo Namaha
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Matr Roopena Samstitha I
Namastasyai, Namastasyai, Namastasyai Namo Namaha II
What is Navaratri?
Nava means Nine and Ratri means Night.. and so, Navaratri, in essence is the celebration through prayers (during the evenings / nights) on the 3 divine Energy principles manifesting as Devi in the form of Durga (Strength), Lakshmi (Wealth) and Saraswati (Knowledge). On a closer observation, one would find that these 3 key aspects are extremely important for each of us to lead a healthy, happy and prosperous life. And in a way, the Navaratri festival is a focussed effort to harness our internal capabilities through prayers, spiritual observances, sharing and charity for the welfare of each of us, our dear ones and the entire humanity.
The culmination of this unique festival is marked by Vijaya Dashami, which signifies victory of good over evil, complete eradication of all negativities with an extremely positive outlook for success in all our future endeavors.
The first three days of Navaratri
The first 3 days are dedicated to prayers for Durga Devi to grant us Strength. While physical strength is important, Mental strength is the most important factor for us to overcome any challenges. And, knowledge is the key for one to acquire this mental strength. So our prayers to Durga Devi is summarized in this one slokha below:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्ति-रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shakti Roopena Samstitha I
Namastasyai, Namastasyai, Namastasyai Namo Namaha II
The next three days of Navaratri
The next 3 days are dedicated to prayers for Lakshmi Devi to grant us Wealth, which is a very important factor governing all aspects of our lives. How should one go about earning and spending this wealth? Our Shaastras say that Education or Knowledge is the key to earn wealth, and only a well-educated and cultured person can put this well-earned wealth to use for Dharmik purposes, and Dharma alone will give happiness. Vidya->Dhanam->Dharmam->Sukham
विद्या ददाति विनयम, विनयाद् याति पात्रताम्।
पात्रत्वात् धनमाप्नोति, धनात् धर्मं ततः सुखम्॥
Vidya Dadati Vinayam, Vinayadyaati Paatrataam I
Paatratvat Dhanamaapnoti, Dhanaat Dharmam Tatah Sukham II
So our prayers to Lakshmi Devi is summarized in this one slokha below:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु लक्ष्मी-रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Lakshmiroopena Samstitha I
Namastasyai, Namastasyai, Namastasyai Namo Namaha II
The last three days of Navaratri
The last 3 days are dedicated to prayers for Saraswati Devi to grant us Knowledge, the single biggest differentiating factor for entire human kind. A knowledgeable person will find solutions to all problems, innovate and improve for success in all endeavours, and be peaceful, calm and happy in all situations. Knowledge is of 2 kinds: One that helps us to lead our objective life happily and the other most important knowledge is that which will make us Eternally Happy, here and now: the knowledge of the Ultimate Truth known as Atma Gnanam or Brahma Gnanam.
So our prayers to Saraswati Devi is summarized in this one slokha below:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु बुद्धि-रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Bhuddhiroopena Samstitha I
Namastasyai, Namastasyai, Namastasyai Namo Namaha II
In all our prayers to Sri Durga-Lakshmi-Saraswati, the underlying factor is knowledge. And, it is with this Knowledge, one emerges victorious on the Vijaya Dashamii day to lead a life of peace, prosperity, happiness and harmony!
Brahmavidya Foundation as an Organization is dedicated to enable one and all acquire both the objective and subjective knowledge, the time-less wisdom for eternal happiness….the goal and endeavor of all humankind.
One cannot attach a value to the invaluable knowledge gained through the Gita and Upanishad programs conducted by The Brahmavidya Foundation. Here is an opportunity to discharge our duty and become a great contributor for the noble causes taken up by the Brahmavidya Foundation.
Please donate liberally and be bestowed with the blessings of Trinity of Goddesses: Durga-devi, Lakshmi-devi and Saraswati-devi
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शांति-रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shantiiroopena Samstitha I
Namastasyai, Namastasyai, Namastasyai Namo Namaha II
May the Trinity of Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati bestow you and your dear ones with peace, prosperity, health and above all the wisdom for a harmonious life!