Durga Saptashati in Hindi

What is Navratri? 

After Shraadh- the fortnight for Ancestor worship comes Navratri. As the name suggests the festival is - Nau Ratri- (Nine Nights) dedicated to the Devi. It starts from Padwa of the Shukla Paksha (the first date of the Bright half of the Lunar Calendar)

Navratri is celebrated across the country in different ways with fasting, celebrations and festivities. “Garbha” in Gujarat, “Durga Poojo” in Bengal and “Mata ka Jaagran” in the North, the common factor remains worshipping the different forms of the Devi. 

What is Devi?

The Devi is the all-pervasive feminine universal energy. 

This energy flows in different vibrations, resulting in different forms of the Devi:

· Sattwik- static and peaceful

· Rajasik- sustenance and expansion

· Tamasik- Destructive and cleansing

Devi Forms:

· Sattwik- Maha Saraswati

· Rajasik- Maha Lakshmi

· Tamasik- Maha Kaali

Furthermore, the Devi takes many forms to protect the universe. For each body part and direction there is a form which can be invoked to protect and alter the manifested energy there in.The foundation of the Shree Chakra is the all-pervasive energy worshipped as the Yoginis and Tripurasundari or Lalita. The Devi forms remain as energy in the entire universe which includes all Lokas and Talas. 

Types of Navratri:

On Earth we worship her as the Mother that protects us, sustains us and strengthens us. 

Navratre or Navratri is observed four times a year:

· Sharada Navratri - September/ October

· Chaitra Navratri- March/ April

· Paush- Magha Navratri- January/ February 

· Ashadh Navratri- June/ July 

Hence, each season change is welcomed with fasting which is always gluten free, it helps the body cleanse and prepare for season change and increases and boosts immunity. It’s also the worship and welcoming of the new energy of the new season. The Magha and Ashadh Navratri is not celebrated by all. These two are powerful periods of seclusion and penance and followed mainly by Rishis, Sadhus and celibates. 

The first two Navratri are recommended for all as it’s the time when Sun is about to enter Aries( Chaitra Navratri) - beginning a new Solar Cycle- New energy and when it’s about to enter Libra ( Sharada Navratri) the natural 7th house of marriage, sustenance and wish fulfilment. Sun is present in the sign of Virgo as Navratri begins which is the natural 6th house of suffering and sins. 

The Shardiya Navratri hence is the most popular one as it’s the best time to purify your sins and destroy obstacles and enemies around and with-in. Navratri worship is the simplest way to increase mental strength, overcome problems and obstacles and bring in prosperity in your life. I have personally followed this practice since my childhood and the Devi Shakti and her blessings have helped me sail through all problems in my life. 

The significance of fasting during Chaitra Navratri

 Underneath the fasting lies it’s spiritual and religious significance. By abstaining from food, devotees can purify their mind, body, and soul and focus their attention on the divine. Fasting is seen as a form of self-discipline, a way of controlling the senses, and a means of enhancing one's spiritual practice.

In addition, fasting during Navratri has several health benefits. It gives the digestive system a break and allows it to rest and repair itself. Fasting also helps in detoxifying the body and improving overall health. During this change of season and shift in energy the body is supported with fresh fruit and light foods to cleanse and adapt. Spiritually, Navratri is a time when the energy of the universe is in a state of heightened spiritual power. The nine forms of Goddess Durga represent different aspects of the divine feminine energy, and each day of the festival is an opportunity to connect with and honour that energy. Connect to the Devi this year and fast for this Navratri. If you can’t fast on all days you can try for just two days, the first and the last being the easiest and increase the number of days as you like. 

Offer Prasad on the last day of Naumi to complete the closure. Usually, fruit, gifts and Halwa poori with back chanas are given to young girls in Kanjak pooja at the end of Navratri bringing in the balance of feminity in our lives. The feminine is a powerful energy that sustains us through life and must be acknowledged. You can also chant Devi mantras and study, read or listen to the Devi Matmya- the Durga Saptashati which talks about the origin of Durga and her killing demons to keep Earth safe for Humans.

This year Navratri begins from the 3rd of October 2024. Start Devi Pooja during this time, reading the Durga Saptashati and chanting Devi mantras gives great results. Many of the mantras and stotras can be found on my YouTube channel as well. You can also listen to the entire Durga Saptashati Paath in simple Hindi language on my website astrokanu.com and on the YouTube channel @astrokanu .This Navratri join in the festival. May the Devi enter your life and home with prosperity and love. I will be writing about the various Devi forms in detail at a later time. Om Dum Durgaye Namah. Love, Astro Kanu.