Celebrating Shardiya Navratri: A Royal Court of Devotion
- Understanding the Significance of Worship and Offerings During the Nine Days
TFP Bureau Report, Oct 18, 2023 : Navratri, a festival celebrated four times a year according to scriptures, holds special significance during the Chaitra and Shardiya Navratri for the common populace. The other two Gupt Navratri festivals are revered by sages and saints in their unique way.In tomorrow’s issue, we will delve deeper into this spiritual celebration.
Honoring Mother Goddess on…
Chaturthi, Panchami, and Shashthi Tithi
During Chaturthi of Navratri, devotees worship a form of Mother Goddess associated with the origin of the universe from her womb, known as Goddess Kushmanda. Offering Malpua to the Mother Goddess on this day is believed to enhance the decision-making power of her devotees.
On the fifth day of Navratri, Mother Skandamata is revered. As the mother of Kumar Kartikeya, worshippers believe that by honoring her and offering bananas, they attain all blessings while keeping their bodies healthy through fasting.
The sixth day of the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Katyayani. Born as the daughter of sage Katyayan due to his intense penance, the Mother Goddess is offered honey during the puja, believed to increase the worshippers’ attractiveness.
Seeking Blessings from the Divine
In Chhattisgarh, several Shakti Peethas where devotees’ wishes are believed to be fulfilled by merely glimpsing the Mother Goddess.
Prominent among these are Maa Mahamaya Devi in Ratanpur, Bilaspur district,
Maa Bamleshwari Devi in Dogargarh, Rajnandgaon district,
and Maa Danteshwari Devi in Dantewada, Bastar district. Devotees flock to these temples seeking the blessings of the Goddess.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s issue, where we explore how to worship Mother Goddess on the Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami days of the festival.
