Nine Forms Of Shakti
Dear Soul People,
As the leaves start to don their autumnal hues and a gentle chill laces the evening air, there’s a palpable shift in the cosmic rhythm that whispers of something profoundly significant. It’s a time when the earth starts to hum with the vibrations of devotion and divinity, a time when the veil between the material and the spiritual worlds grows tantalisingly thin. Yes, dear seekers of the soul, it’s the season of Navratri – an enchanting and spiritually charged celebration that beckons us to delve into the depths of our inner selves, embarking on a transformative journey filled with worship, fasting, dance, and unshakable faith. Join me as we unlock the profound significance of Navratri and allow its radiant energy to illuminate our spirits.
Day 1- Pratipada –
Ma Shailaputri- The Mountain Maiden
The festival begins with a burst of energy celebrating Ma Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains, symbolizing strength.
The Legend– After Goddess Sati’s self-immolation, Goddess Parvati took birth as Lord Himalaya’s daughter and came to be known as Ma Shailaputri. She has two hands and carries a Trishul in her right hand a lotus in the left, while she mounts on a bull.
The Chakras -Ma Shailputri is the celestial guardian of your “Root Chakra,” that mystical energy centre at the base of your spine. By honouring her in worship, you send your moon-related troubles packing.
Offering of the Day- Pure Ghee
Colour Significance– White, the colour of the day represents purity, peace and meditation.
The lesson– Just like her, we too can be rock-solid in our resolve to face life’s challenges.
Day 2- Dwitiya
Ma Brahmacharini- The Yogic Ascetic
Channel your inner yogi as we honour Brahmacharini, the goddess of meditation and self-control.
The Legend- With lotuses attached to her body, she governs Lord Mangal, the provider of all fortunes, while her white saree represents purity. Born as the daughter of the mighty Himalaya, and her beauty as stunning as a Himalayan sunrise, yet, instead of basking in her natural charm, she chose the path of asceticism. She embarked on a journey of rigorous penance and meditation, earning her the name “Brahmacharini,” which means one who practices devout austerity. Her unwavering determination and commitment to spiritual growth serve as a reminder that true beauty lies within, and the pursuit of wisdom and enlightenment is a journey worth undertaking.
The Chakras– Ma Brahmacharini reigns over the “Swadhisthana Chakra,” which is your second energy centre located just below the navel, which is associated with creativity, relationships, and emotional balance. When you pay homage to her, you tap into her power to harmonize these aspects of your life. By worshipping, virtues such as penance, renunciation, dispassion and restraint improve inherently.
Offering of the Day- Sugar
Colour Significance- Red, the colour of the day, signifies fearlessness and beauty.
The lesson– Stretch your body, stretch your mind, and find that Zen-like balance amidst life’s chaos.
Day 3-Tritiya
Ma Chandraghanta- The Cosmic Warrior
Embrace your inner warrior with Devi Chandraghanta, who with her half-moon-shaped bell, is all about bravery.
The Legend – When Lord Shiva went to King Himavan’s palace to marry Ma Parvati, her mother, Maina Devi, fainted looking at his unconventional avatar with a snake around his neck, unkempt hair and a procession of ghosts, sages, goblins and ghouls. It was then that Ma Parvati prayed to Lord Shiva, who then appeared as a Prince, and then they got married. As she mounts on a tiger, Ma Chandraghanta carries a Trishul, Gada, Sword, Kamandal and one hand in Varada Mudra on the left. She holds a lotus, arrow, Dhanush, Japa Mala and one hand in Abhaya Mudra on the right.
The Chakras– With her third eye open, Ma Chandraghanta’s energy flows through the “Manipura Chakra,” which is the third energy centre located at the solar plexus, linked to your personal power, self-confidence, and courage. When you invoke her presence, you invite her influence to help you cultivate inner strength and face life’s challenges with bravery.
Offering of the Day– Kheer
Colour Significance– Royal Blue, the colour of the day, signifies good health and prosperity.
The lesson– Fight your fears with the might of a thousand lionesses and let your courage shine through.
Day 4- Chaturthi
Ma Kushmanda- The Cosmic Creator
Have you ever heard of cosmic laughter? That is Devi Kushmanda, the cosmic egg creator, who fills our hearts with joy.
The Legend- When Lord Vishnu started creating the universe, there was darkness all around. Then, a formless light spread everywhere when Ma Khushmanda smiled, lighting up the universe in all its glory. It is believed that she is the source of light and even the sun gets the energy, light and heat from the goddess. Riding on a lioness, she has 8 hands and holds a kamandal, dhanush and kamal on the right, and amrit kalash, jap mala, gada and chakra on the left, giving her the title of Devi Ashtanhuja.
The Chakras – Ma Kushmanda presides over the “Anahata Chakra,” which is the fourth energy centre located at the heart and is associated with love, compassion, and emotional balance. When you pay homage to Ma Kushmanda, you connect with her energy to foster love and kindness in your heart, promoting emotional well-being and harmony in your relationships.
Offering of the Day– Malpua
Colour Significance -Yellow, the colour of the day, signifies joy and brightness.
The lesson- Let her contagious laughter infect you as you bask in the cheeriness of existence.
Day 5- Panchami
Ma Skandamata- The Nurturing Mother
Honouring the power of motherhood, Panchami celebrates Skandamata, the mother of Skanda (Lord Kartikeya)
The Legend – By virtue of being the mother of Lord Shiva’s son, Kartikeya, the Goddess got her name, as a four-armed deity. She carries the lotus in two of her arms and holds little Skanda, Lord Kartikeya, in her lap with one of the right hands, as she sits on a lotus.
The Chakras – Ma Skandamata’s influence radiates through the “Vishuddha Chakra,” which is the fifth energy centre located at the throat and is connected to communication, self-expression, and the power of the spoken word. When you revere Ma Skandamata, you seek her guidance to enhance your communication skills, find your voice, and express yourself authentically.
Offering of the Day – Bananas
Colour Significance – Green, the colour of the day, signifies new beginnings and great development.
The lesson– Just like a mother who nurtures her child’s talents, she encourages us to discover our potential and talents.
Day 6- Shashthi
Ma Katyayani- The Fearless One
It’s Shashthi, and Katyayani takes the stage, wielding her sword with grace, symbolising sheer determination and resilience.
The Legend – Created from the combined energies of the Gods- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva to kill the demon Mahishasur, she is riding a lion as she holds a lotus and a sword in her left hands, while keeping the right hands in Abhaya and Varada Mudras.
The Chakras – Ma Katyayani’s energy flows through the “Ajna Chakra,” which is the sixth energy centre located between the eyebrows, often referred to as the “Third Eye Chakra”, empowering one with intuition, wisdom, and inner vision. When you honour Ma Katyayani, you align with her to awaken your intuitive abilities, expand your wisdom, and gain insight into the deeper truths of existence.
Offering of the Day – Honey
Colour Significance – Grey, the colour of the day, signifies zeal and determination to destroy evil.
The lesson – With willpower, we can cut through life’s entanglements like a hot knife through butter.
Day 7- Saptami
Ma Kalratri- The Dark Divine
Saptami brings out the fierce goddess Kalratri. She’s the embodiment of destruction – not in a scary way, but as a gentle reminder that sometimes, you’ve got to destroy the old to make room for the new.
The Legend – Believed to be the most ferocious avatar of Navdurga, she rides on a donkey while she carries a sword and a deadly iron hook in her left hands, and her right hands are in Abhaya and Varada Mudra. She is the destroyer of ignorance and darkness that are spread around the universe and is also called Ma Shubhankari.
The Chakras – Ma Kalratri’s influence resides in the “Sahasrara Chakra,” also known as the “Crown Chakra”, situated at the top of the head and is associated with spiritual connection, divine knowledge, and universal consciousness. When you revere Ma Kalratri, you invoke her energy to help you connect with higher spiritual realms, attain enlightenment, and experience a sense of oneness with the universe.
Offering of the Day – Jaggery
Colour Significance – Orange, the colour of the day, signifies happiness and positivity.
The lesson – More often than not, the house needs demolition before rebuilding the mansion.
Day 8- Ashtami
Ma Mahagauri- The Serene Goddess
The serene Maha Gauri graces us on Ashtami who is all about purity and forgiveness.
The Legend – Considered to be the most mesmerising avatar of Navdurga, it is believed that Ma Mahagauri performed intense penance to please Lord Shiva and seek his blessings to marry him. She succeeded in winning his heart and becoming his Ardhangini. She rides on a bull or a white elephant and carries a Trishul and a Damru in her hands.
The Chakras – Ma Mahagauri’s energy is also associated with the “Ajna Chakra or the “Third Eye Chakra’, located between the eyebrows, which is linked to intuition, inner wisdom, and spiritual insight. When you honour Ma Mahagauri, you connect with her to awaken your intuitive abilities, expand your wisdom, and gain a deeper understanding of spiritual truths.
Offering of the Day – Coconut
Colour Significance – Peacock Green, signifies wisdom and the courage to achieve all your dreams.
The lesson – Cleanse your soul of grudges, negativity, and judgment, and fill it with love, compassion, and a sense of oneness.
Day 9- Navami
Ma Siddhidatri- The Divine Giver
On the final day of Navratri, we celebrate Devi Siddhidatri, the granter of wishes.
The Legend – When the universe began, Lord Rudra worshipped Adi-Parashakti- the Supreme Goddess. While she had no form, she appeared as Ma Siddhidatri who sits on a lotus, riding on a lion, while her right hands hold a mace and Sudarshan Chakra and her left hands holds a lotus and a shank. She is surrounded by Gandharvas, Yakshas, Siddhas and Asuras.
The Chakras – Ma Siddhidatri’s influence is associated with the “Sahasrara Chakra,” also known as the “Crown Chakra.” This chakra is located at the top of the head and is connected to spiritual awakening, higher knowledge, and universal consciousness. By venerating Ma Siddhidatri, you align with her energy to help you connect with divine realms, achieve spiritual enlightenment, and experience a profound sense of unity with the universe.
Offering of the Day – Sesame Seeds
Colour Significance – Pink, the colour of the day, signifies hope and prosperity.
The lesson – Make a wish on the brightest star, believe that the universe conspires to fulfil your heart’s desires, and let the divine swirl their magic wand over you.
For more questions & and details, please contact us at +91-905124455
Love,
Chharu.
Related posts
A Journey of Soul-Searching
Dear Soul People, I am fortunate that in my line of work, I am always meeting new people and so many of them become a part of my extended family. There is always so much I get to learn through these interactions with them and today, I wanted to share one such interaction with […]
How do the 7 chakras impact your mental health?
Dear Soul People, Chakras, though they might seem like a cosmic puzzle, can actually be beautifully simple. Just sending some good vibes in their direction can work wonders. Each of these energy wheels has its own favourite colour and role, and you can play matchmaker through clothing, foods, crystals, essential oils, or even moving your […]
Monthly Lucky Colour Signifcance
Dear Soul People, Colours have a life of their own. In ancient Egyptian times, sun-flled rooms with coloured glasses were used to treat a lot of physical and mental ailments. Over the years, scientifc research has also proven that colours can impact our energy, perception and receptiveness towards diferent goals in life. While I share […]
Post a comment