Chaitra Navratri has begun in India. We all know about Navaratri – the festival of Raas Garba, in this post let’s know about Chaitra Navratri.
Do you know, in a year, India celebrates Navratri four times? But, the Chaitra Navratri and Ashwin month Navratri are lavishly celebrated. The whole of India celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm.
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Like said, in a year India celebrates Navratri four times. That is in the Hindu month Chaitra, Ashadh, Ashwin, and Magh. Chaitra, considered to be the first month of the Hindu Lunar Calendar is the beginning of the Hindu new year. So this Navratri is well known as Chaitra Navratri. It falls between the spring and the summer season in March or April. Hence, Chaitra Navratri is also known as Vasant Navratri.
Like Ashwin month’s Navratri that happens in October-November, Chaitra Navratri is also observed for nine days by worshipping the nine different forms of Maa Durga. Moreover, all rituals and customs are also the same as the Ashwin Navratri.
Pratipada is the first day of the new year of the Hindu Lunar calendar. The day from which the Chaitra Navratri Festival begins. Thus, people begin their new year with Navratri and by worshiping the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
The celebration begins from the first day of Chaitra month known as Pratipada. It ends on the ninth day called Navami.
Maa Shailputri’s worship is done for good fortune on the first day of Navratri. Shailpurti means the daughter of the mountain. It refers to Goddess Parvati, an avatar of Maa Durga, who was the daughter of King Himalaya.
Maa Brahmacharini worship is done on the second day of Navratri. Brahmacharini means a female who is engaged in religious learning. At first, Goddess Parvati was unknown about her previous birth. Goddess Parvati realized her divine love towards Lord Shiva with time. She performed rigid penance to get him. Maa Brahmacharini is the determined and devoted form of Goddess Parvati or Maa Durga. So, Maa Brahmacharini is a symbol of determination, devotion, and sacrifice.
Maa Chandraghanta is worshiped on the third day of the Navratri. After getting married to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati starting wearing a bell-shaped half-moon on her forehead. This half-moon looked beautiful on her forehead. So, she was called Maa Chandraghanta. Maa Chandraghanta’s worship is done to achieve respect and reputation in life.
Maa Kushmanda’s worship is done on the fourth day of the Navratri Festival. The meaning of her name is the cosmic egg. She’s believed to have created the world with her smile. She is also known as the smiling Goddess. Her worship is done to get wealth and good health.
Skandamata means the mother of Skanda or Kartikeya. This form is with her son sitting in her lap. She is the fifth form of Maa Durga. The one who worships her is blessed with power, fame, and wealth.
Katyayani Mata is the fiercest and the sixth form of Maa Durga. This form was taken by the Goddess to destroy the demon Mahishasur. It is believed she removes all the obstacles causing the delay of marriage.
Kalaratri Maa’s worship is done on the seventh day of the Navratri Festival. Its also believed that she removes all the obstacles from life. Also, she destroys all sorts of negative energies and demons. She is believed to be the most violent form of Maa Durga.
Mahagauri is the eighth and the most beautiful form of Maa Durga. One who worships her is blessed with peace, well-being, and knowledge.
Siddhidatri Mata is the ninth form of Maa Durga. Its believed she blesses her devotees with perfection and all sorts of achievements in life.
Its believed that the birthday of Lord Rama falls on the last day of Chaitra Navratri. So, the last day of Chaitra Navratri is another festival named Ram Navami.
Chaitra Navratri is more prevalent in the Northern Indian states. It begins in Maharashtra with Gudi Padwa and with Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
The festival begins on the first day of Vikram Samvat, that is, from Chaitra Pratipada. According to the Puranas, on the first day of Navratri, Goddess Adhyashakti or Adishakti took the Avatar. Also, this was the day, when God Brahma started creating life (evolution).
The only festival celebrated four times a year is Navratri. But of them, two Navratras are the prime one that is Chaitra and Ashwin month Navratri. One celebrated at the beginning of summer, in Hindu month Chaitra. And the other at the beginning of the winter in Ashwin month.
Navratri falls when Solar energy affects us the most. These are the best times for harvesting crops, relief from cold, and the formation of clouds to bring rain. Changes in the environment also result in changes in our minds, soul, and body. This is the best time to worship the holy powers.
To maintain physical and mental balance, fasting is also done. People keep fast for the entire Navratri Festival or the first and eighth days. They worship Goddess Durga and celebrate the victory of Good over evil.
According to astrology, this is the day, the sun completes the cyclic excursion in 12 zodiac signs. This day marks the beginning of the summer season, with the sun, entering the fiery sun-sign Mesh or Aries to begin its next excursion.
Navratri is a festival of a new beginning, purifying the soul, body, and mind. Quitting all the bad habits and adopting the good ones. It also has a significant role in reducing stress and bringing peace to life. I hope this festival of Navratri brings happiness to your life. Happy Chaitra Maas Navratra to all readers.
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