Sharad Navratri 2016: Shardiya Navratri In 2016

Sharad Navratri in 2016 will be observed from October 1 till October 10. These nine days will give you the opportunity to appease Maa Durga and get blessed by her. Want to know how? Read this exclusive article on Sharad Navratri 2016 and unveil the answer.

Maa Durga

Sharad Navratri is an auspicious festival that demands devotees to get involved in the service of Maa Durga for around 9 days.

Durga Devi is the generator and maintainer of the material universe. She has many aspects, and her nine major aspects manifest during the 9 days and nights of Navaratri period.

The October Navaratri is known as the 'Maha' or great navaratri. This Maha Navratri or Sharad Navratri celebrates Durga devi's destruction of the Mahishasura buffalo demon.

Mahishasura terrorized Swarga-Loka and Prithvi-Loka and took over the Swarga planets (by defeating the universal Adevas). In her role as 'protector of the fortress' (Durga-Devi, 'Durg' meaning fortress), she destroyed this demon and his forces, in the course of the 9 days of the Maha Navratri.

What Is The Meaning Of The 9 Days & Nights Of Sharad Navratri?

The nine nights of Navratri period are an excellent opportunity to progress ourselves spiritually, while living in the material zone. We get an opportunity at this time to closely approach Durga-Devi. It is her energy only that takes us away from ignorance. This is because knowledge of our real spiritual state without being able to approach the spiritual zone would be extraordinarily cruel and painful.

Durga Devi Or 'Maya' Is Yogamaya Transformed

Durga Devi or Mayadevi is the shadow form of transcendental Yogamaya who is constantly meditating on Govinda, the Supreme source of all sources. Without spiritual empowerment, one cannot reach the transcendental world, where Yogamaya helps souls to serve Govinda and become transformed as devotees of the Lord.

With this knowledge, our Karma healers can approach the Navratri period for their spiritual and material benefit. Using the healing empowerment measures as taught, the Navratri period will benefit you greatly, and help you to download the energies of red, gold and silver and prosper for now and the year ahead.

Significance or importance of Durga Navratri Puja is mentioned in several Puranas and other scriptures. As every other Hindu festival, Navratri also has some particular reason or factors to celebrate or observe. Hindu culture and way of living was started with Shakti worship. In other sense, every Hindu religious legend is associated with Shakti Puja. Puranas urge that Shakti Puja is the base for Hindu culture and Hinduism.

During the time of Navratri, in some places farmers get their yield from farmyards. In those places, Durga Navaratri is celebrated jubilantly. This is the main reason behind grand celebrations of Navratri in Karnataka and Bengal.

Sharad Navratri – Tridevi Vrata

During Navratri, Goddess Durga is worshiped in nine different forms. During Navratri Puja, first three days are dedicated to Goddess Durga, the Goddess of courage; next three days to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth; and the final three days are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of wisdom and knowledge. Durga Navratri ends with Vijaya Dashami on the tenth day. Navratri festival signifies power, wealth, prosperity, and knowledge.

Lakshmi Puja Significance In Durga Navaratri

As per Hinduism, Goddess Lakshmi is the source of all types of wealth. Lakshmi puja in Navratri days, frees devotes from poverty and all other sorrows. Lakshmi is worshiped as Kamala and Mahalaxmi during Navaratri.

Durga Puja Significance In Sharad Navaratri

The triumph of good over evil is Mahishasura Mardhini. Navratri represents the demolition of Mahishasura and Shumbha Nishumbha. Mahishasura is the hidden evilness and Shumbha Nishumbha is the bad behavior of a person. Mother Goddess demolishes the both, which means Durga Puja makes one free from evil thoughts and routes him to the spiritual world.
In Eastern states of India particularly Bengal, the last four days of Navratri are observed as Durga Puja. Durga Puja is the most celebrated festival in Bengal.

Saraswati Puja Significance In Sharad Navratri

Saraswati Puja is observed from seventh day to ninth day during Durga Navratri. On Saraswati Puja day, studies are initiated for children (Vidyarambh or Vidyabyasa Arambh or Aksharabhyasa). Saraswati Puja is also observed on Shri Panchami.

Other than these three Mother Goddesses, devotees also worship Gayatri, Lalitha, Amba, Jagaddhatri, Ashtamatrikas (eight divine Mothers) and Dasa Mahavidya (10 Mahavidya Goddesses), during Durga Navratri.

Durga idols are worshiped for nine nights and immersed in water on Dasara. Three important aspects of life – the power of courage, the power of wealth and the power of knowledge, are provided during Durga Navratri to all the devotees who worship Goddess Shakti. Hence, Durga Navratri holds the credit of most celebrated festive season.

AstroCAMP wishes you Happy Sharad Navratri 2016!