DEVI NAVARATRI in Mysore, from 25.9. – 4.10.2014
celebrated by Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji
The festival of ADIPARASHAKTI, THE MOTHER OF THE UNIVERSE
Nava means nine and also new. Ratri means night; the night that brings NEWNESS
in worshippers Life. This festival is tasking place in the month of Ashwayuja
(Libra, Sept./ Oct.). According to the ancient Indian Astrology (moon calendar)
it derives its name from the star “Ashwini” which is the first star among the
27 star-constellations. The month which has the star Ashwini on the fullmoon
day is called Ashwayuja. The festival commences on the first day of the bright
half of Ashwayuja.
Just to invoke THE BLESSINGS OF MOTHER GODDESS on the life of individuals we
are worshipping SRI MAATA during Navaratri according to the Zodiac signs in
vedic Astrology.
She is worshipped in Her different aspects of manifestations. As the
embodiment of time she is KALI. To the seeker of learning she is SARASWATI.
The votary of wealth and prosperity beholds her as LAKSHMI. And as the
supporter and sustainer of the Universe she is RAJARAJESHWARI. She is the
Empress of all the worlds and HER ABODE IS SRI CHAKRA.
The method adopted by Sri Swamiji for worshipping DEVI during the nine days of
Navaratri is known as ‘’SAPTARISHI NAVARANA DURGI PUJA. Sri Swamiji has
evolved a METHOD OF HIS OWN in performing the elaborated SHAKTI PUJA. It cannot
be found in any particular book. It is a synthesis of both the known and the
unknown forms of SRI MAATA available in the Shastras. Sri Swamiji says : “My
method is very different! There is no witness, no example!
I AM DOING TAPAS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE WHOLE WORLD!
The object of this Puja is to bring about the ‘’PRASANNATA’’, THE GRACE OF THE
DEVI through the worship and praise of Her attendants who are known asPRAKRITI
MAATAS (the different aspects of Nature). The Prakriti Maatas are personified
and described as nine incarnations of the Devi in the scriptures. The nine
forms are:1. GOWRI, 2. RAJARAJESHWARI, 3. DURGI-LAKSHMI, 4. MEENAKSHI, 5.
PARASHAKTI, 6. VISHAALAAKSHI, 7. SARASWATI,
8. CHANDI DEVI, 9. SHAKTI DURGI.
They are known as SRI CHAKRA NIVAASINIS, (having their abode in Sri Chakra)
and BEEJAAKSHARA SWAROOPINIS, (being in the form of Seedletters).
To reach the Devi the worshipper has to pass NINE FORTS (Aavaranas) and
appease each of the custodians. He has to make nine “Pradakshinas”
(circumambulations) to enter each Fort. During every Pradakshina Pujas are to
be performed in all directions according to the Prakriti tattwas (aspects of
Nature). Around the Mandapam nine “Kalasas” are kept in plates representing the
nine Planets.
Nine types of grains corresponding to the nine Planets grown in these plates
over the period of the ceremonies.
As an inseparable limb of the Navaratri ceremonies Srii Swamiji is performing
the traditional “KUMARI PUJA”, worshipping of 16 maiden under 14 years of age
invoking in each of them one particular aspect of the Devi. (symbolizing the
16 Kalas of the moon).
Sri Swamiji wears each day beautiful silksarees in different colour
combinations and ornaments according to that days aspect of the Devi. In
deeply concentrating on Sri Swamiji’s performance devotees can experience the
presence of Sri Devi very strongly.
While the Puja is going on excellent musicians from all parts of India are
performing their art. Vedic Pandits praise the Devi with beautiful Vedic hymns.
. Sri Matre Namaha
