Yaa Devii Sarvabhuuteshu Maatrirupena Sansthitah
Yaa Devii Sarvabhuuteshu Shaktirupena Sansthitah
Yaa Devii Sarvabhuuteshu Shaantirupena Sansthitah
Namastasyaih Namastasyaih Namastasyaih Namo Namah !

Salutations to the Divine Mother of the Universe, who exists in all beings in the form of intelligence, energy and mercy. I bow to the mother Durga.

What is Navaratri?
Navratri is a festival of nights. This festival lasts for 9 days with three days each devoted in worshipping Maa Durga, the Goddess of courage, Maa Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of wisdom and knowledge. During the fest of Navratri, devotees perform several rituals such as fasting and religious dances (ex : Dandia) to please Goddess Durga.

When is Durga Navratri in 2008?
Usually, the 9 – day Navratri festival begins on the first day of Ashwayuja month (Ashwayuja Padyami). In 2008, Navratri begins on 30th September, Tuesday. On this day, ‘Durga Kalasha Sthapana’ is done with utmost devotion. The festival of Navratri ends on 9th October, Thursday. On this day, devotees celebrate Dussehra / Dasara.

Who is Goddess Durga?
Goddess Durga is a form of Devi, the supreme goddess. Goddess Durga is considered as the mother of Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. She is the fiercer, demon-fighting form of Lord Shiva’s wife, Goddess Parvati. She is also called with many other names such as Parvati, Ambika, Kali, Bhavani, Amba, Jagajjannani, Devi, Shambhavi, Parameshwari, Shakti, and Jagadeeshwari.

Appearance of Goddess Durga:
The Puranas and Agamas described the aspects of Goddess Durga in various ways. Iconography of Goddess Durga also varies consequently. Goddess Durga is usually pictured as having ten arms holding Sword, Conch, Discus, Rosary, Bell, Wine cup, Shielf, Bow, Arrow, and Spear. She is also called as ‘Simhavahini’, because most often she is shown riding a lion.

Goddess Durga is dressed in royal and elegant red cloth and has glittering ornaments decorating her personage. Her hair is gorgeously dressed up in a crown (kireetam or karandamukuta). She wears and holds various tools that reflect her divine supremacy. Her pleasant looks have a prosperous expression of mercy and bliss. Devotees believe that she looks at them with blessing eyes. They also believe that the people who have done bad things see extreme anger in her eyes.

Celebrate Navratri – Pray Goddess Durga for Peace and Prosperity

Jai Durga – Jai Jai Durga