Why we worship Mother Goddess on Navratri? We think this energy is only a form of the Divine Mother, who is the mother of all, and all of us are her children. “Why mother; why not father?”, you may ask. Let me just say that we believe that God’s glory, his cosmic energy, his greatness and supremacy can best be …
Read More »What is Navratri Kolu or Navarathri Golu?
What is Navratri Kolu or Navarathri Golu? Bommai Kolu or Bommala Koluvu is the artistic display of dolls by women during Navratri and Dussehra in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and among certain communities in Kerala. The dolls, called Kollu or Golu, represents the durbar or assembly of Goddess Durga. This assembly is held just before Mother Goddess ventures on …
Read More »What are Pooja rituals done daily during Navratri?
What are Pooja rituals done daily during Navratri? Navratri, the festival of nights, lasts for 9 days with three days each devoted to worship of Maa Durga, the Goddess of Valor, Maa Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge. During the nine days of Navratri, feasting and fasting take precedence over all normal daily activities …
Read More »What are Navratri Customs?
Navratri Customs: Navratri is a very important and popular festival of India. It comes twice on a year, once around March-April and the second time, around September-October. The nine days and nights of Navratri are entirely devoted to Mother Goddess. Throughout this period, fasts, strictly vegetarian diets, japa (chanting mantras in honor of the Goddess Shakti), religious hymns, prayer, meditation …
Read More »How is Navratri Pooja Thali Decorated?
How is Navratri Pooja Thali Decorated? Navratri is the festival of Goddess Durga. The nine days festival is celebrated in different ways in the country but is very grand in Gujarat and West Bengal. Also known as Durga Puja, the festival marks the onset of autumn. The Navratri decorations start few days before the festival. Navratri puja thali decoration ideas: …
Read More »Who is Kaal Ratri? 7th Form of Durga
Kaal Ratri is the seventh form of Mother Durga and is worshiped on the seventh day of Navratri. She has a dark complexion, disheveled hair and a fearlessness posture. A necklace flashing lightning adorns her neck. Who is Kaal Ratri? She has three eyes that shine bright and terrible flames emanate from her breath. Her vehicle is the donkey. Her …
Read More »Who is Maha Gauri? 8th Form of Durga
Maha Gauri is worshiped on the eighth day of Navratri. Her power is unfailing and instantly fruitful. As a result of her worship, all sins of past, present and future get washed away and devotees get purified in all aspects of life. Who is Maha Gauri? Maha Gauri is intelligent, peaceful and calm. Due to her long austerities in the …
Read More »Who is Katyayani? 6th form of Mother Durga
The sixth form of Mother Durga is known as ‘Katyayani’, who is worshiped on the six day of Navratri. Katyayani: The legend behind her name goes thus: Once upon a time, there was a great sage called Kata, who had a son named Katya. Kata was very famous and renowned in the lineage of saints. He underwent long austerities and penance …
Read More »Who is Skanda Mata? 5th Form of Durga
The fifth aspect of the Mother Durga is known as ‘Skanda Mata’ – the mother of Skanda or Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen by gods as their commander in chief in the war against the demons. Who is Skanda Mata? She is worshiped on the fifth day of Navratri. She is accompanied by the Lord Skanda in his infant form. …
Read More »Why Navratri comes twice a year?
Why Navratri comes twice a year? Every year the beginning of summer and the beginning of winter are two very important junctures of climatic change and solar influence. These two junctions have been chosen as the sacred opportunities for the worship of the divine power because: Navratri comes twice a year The festival of Navratri occurs twice every year. One …
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