General Reviews
Spiritual
Personal Story
Jai Mata Di - First Day Of Navratra
Jai Mata Di!! So today is the first day of Navratri and also HINDU NAV VARSH! May Maa Durga bless each one and fill your life with happiness. So coming back here, I am a big devotee of Maa Durga, hence, Navratri is no less than a festival for me and my family. These 9 days of Maa Durga fill our house with so much positivity.
For those who don't know, these nine days are considered very auspicious and those celebrating Navratris don't consume anything containing onion/garlic and of course No Non-Veg! (On a regular day I am a hardcore non-vegetarian but during Navratri, it's a strict NO!). Doing pooja in the morning and evening is a must along with singing aartis of Maa Durga.
Also, this is the first time I have fasted during Navratri. Never have I ever been a fan of fasting, but this time something from within told me to do it. I am glad I did. Let us dig into what avatars of Maa Durga these 9 days symbolise:
- Day 1 of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, who was the daughter of the Himalayas. She has the combined power of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and she rides a bull.
- Day 2 is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini who is the epitome of penance and celibacy. She symbolizes the journey towards moksha.
- Day 3 is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta who has a moon on her head. She carried weapons and rides a lion, this beautiful goddess symbolise bravery and strength.
- Day 4 is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda who created the universe with her laughter and let go of the darkness. She has ten hands and she blesses every soul with purity.
- Day 5 is dedicated to Maa Skanda Mata, she is the mother of heroic warrior Skanda and she symbolises divinity. She is depicted as holding a baby and showering blessings.
- Day 6 is dedicated to Maa Katyayani. She is depicted as seated on a Lion and has 3 eyes and 4 hands.
- Day 7 is dedicated to Maa Kalratri. This beautiful goddess is depicted as dark-skinned and fierce holding a dagger. She helps all her devotees from evil.
- Day 8 is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, the wife of Lord Shiva, who is extremely fair-skinned. She wears white clothes and carries a trishool and a damru. She represents peace and wisdom.
- Day 9 is dedicated to Maa Sidhiratri. She is said to bestow supernatural powers to her devotees and is depicted as sitting on a lotus in bliss.
Hope you will be able to understand the importance and significance of Navratris. Jai Mata Di.