Things to Learn in Navratri
AGRITA CHHIBBER
The Hindu goddess Durga is the subject of the celebration of Navaratri.
In Sanskrit, the word Navaratri means “nine nights,” with nava standing for “nine” and ratri for “nights.”
Nine incarnations of Devi are worshipped during the course of these nine nights and ten days. Goddess Durga is thought to be a fusion of Lakshmi, Parvati, and Saraswati, the goddess trinity. In other words, during Navaratri, the Trinity is venerated. The nine sacred days of Navaratri are divided into three days for each goddess.
1. Get Rid of Negative Habits
The Mother is invoked as a strong force known as Durga during the first three days in order to purge all of our vices, impurities, and flaws. The followers beg the goddess to erase their flaws during these three days. To accept the heavenly and spiritual energy of the goddess, devotees pray to be made pure.
2. Success is Attributed to Positivity: Be Upbeat
The Mother is revered during the following three days as Lakshmi, a giver of spiritual prosperity who is thought to have the ability to bestow on her worshippers an endless supply of wealth. We get rid of our bad attitudes over the first three days, thus throughout the next three days, positive attitudes take their place.
3. Knowledge is Power: Knowledge is Important
The final three days are devoted to the worship of the mother as Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom. A person needs knowledge to have a fulfilling life. In addition to being the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati is also Shakti, the giver of wisdom. One cannot achieve heavenly knowledge without letting go of bad tendencies and without having abundance of love, inner serenity, and calmness.
To find the way of wisdom, we must first purify ourselves. The devotees receive shakti (energy) from the goddess Saraswati in order to learn.
4. Respect for Women Is Important
The celebration of the Goddess is called Navaratri. Hence, in mythology, women have always held the highest positions. On the eighth day of Navaratri, Kanya Pooja is held, during which nine young girls are regarded as the nine manifestations of the goddess Durga. They are revered as if they were goddesses.
Those who follow them wash their feet and give them presents like new clothing. Since ancient times, this practise has been carried out in India to symbolise the value of women.
5. Self-Regulation
Self-control, having the right perspective, and remaining calm are all signs of strength.Fasting is a discipline-building practise. During Navaratri, devotees observe fasting for the full nine days. Fasting not only improves our spirituality but also our self-control. It prepares our body and mind to be ready for any adversity in life. One can live a life of self-discipline for the rest of the year by engaging in restraint for nine or ten days.
In this approach, fasting teaches its practitioners the need of avoiding all forms of antisocial behaviour as well as unmannerly speech and conduct.
6. The Influence of Dedication
(Supporting one’s obligations is the finest form of worshipping God.)
We are currently in the Kali Yuga phase of the Creation cycle, according to the Hindu Vedas. It appears that we are living through the darkest, cruellest, and most terrible period in human history. We are currently the furthest away from discovering God within ourselves. Unheard-of physical disorders are being discovered, atrocities are being done that make it easier to walk away than to try to intervene, and betrayals are so pervasive that it’s difficult to even trust your own family.
7. Seva: The path of selflessness
There are many different kinds of Seva in the Hindu context, but no matter which one you select, your service must be selfless and performed without expecting anything in return.
8. Keep Learning
You can’t keep winning if you stop learning. Learning new things is open to people of all ages. The Navaratri holidays are a great time to research your faith, try out a new food, and learn more about it. Having fun while learning is possible! Attempt to comprehend the fundamental purpose of the nine days of Durga Maa worship and propagate this understanding throughout the world.
9. Belief: A Path to Happiness
Allow your faith to outweigh your fear. There will be times when life seems hopeless and there is no easy way out. During those times, you’ll just have to get by. We must maintain our faith, particularly throughout that period of our lives. Even though it may not be what you want to do, you must keep up your devotion, help others even though your own heart is aching, and stand up for what is right no matter how many people criticise you for it.
Why?
Because it prevents us from entirely crumbling, gives us the willpower to keep going, and gives us faith that some sort of divine spirit is watching over us. Absolutely, our faith may help us get through difficult times and into good ones.
I sincerely hope you enjoy the article and will spread the word to your loved ones and well-wishers.
Ultimately, the lessons of Navaratri should teach us to be good human beings, carry out good deeds, and nurture our capacity for love, affection, and compassion. Everybody’s sole religion should be spirituality.
[Agrita Chhibber is from Jammu]
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