Durga Saptashati in Hindi

 What is Navratri?

Chaitra Navratri, a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. This year it begins on April 9th, 2024, and concludes on April 17th, 2024. This nine-day celebration signifies the victory of good over evil and is observed with great zeal and devotion across India. Each day is associated with different forms of the goddess and specific rituals. Devotees engage in fasting, prayers, and special rituals to seek blessings and spiritual purification. Homes and temples are adorned with colourful decorations, and devotional songs fill the air. It's a time of joy, reflection, and spiritual rejuvenation, fostering a sense of community and devotion among worshippers. Chaitra Navratri culminates with Ram Navami, the birth anniversary of Lord Rama, adding further significance to this auspicious period.

Significance of Chaitra Navratri

Chaitra Navratri, also known as Vasant Navratri, starts from the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra or Chait. The festival holds significant importance as it marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion all over India. All Vedic rituals and festivals are in sync with the environment we live in. Thus, most festivals have a connection to the celestial or astronomical movements impacting earth. The Chaitra Navratri begin with the Spring Equinox. The spring equinox is a momentous astronomical event that occurs when the Sun is directly above the equator, resulting in equal amounts of daylight and darkness. It marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere.

The spring equinox is significant as a time of renewal, rebirth, and growth. It is celebrated as a time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and the awakening of nature from its winter slumber. In many spiritual and religious traditions, the spring equinox is associated with themes of balance, harmony, and transformation. It is a time to reflect on the balance between light and darkness in our lives, and to seek harmony and alignment with the natural cycles of the universe.It’s a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the constant cycles of death and rebirth that we all experience. It is a time to celebrate new beginnings, honour the growth and transformation of the natural world, and renew our connection with the spiritual energy of the universe. In sync with this we celebrate the Chaitra Navratri. It’s a time to celebrate the victory of good over evil, the beginning of a new year, and the rejuvenation of nature.

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 Chaitra 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, Chaitra 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.

 
The Durga Saptashati is now available in Hindi Translation to listen to on my website- and my YouTube channel. Change your life and bring in prosperity, wealth, good health and stability by observing the Navratri. Love and Blessings. Astro Kanu

#astrokanu #Navratri