Navratri, an important Hindu festival celebrated for nine days, takes its name from the Sanskrit words “nava” meaning nine and “ratri” meaning night. Usually falling in September or October according to the Gregorian calendar, the Navratri festival holds immense cultural, religious and social significance within India and among Hindu communities around the world.
Basically, Navratri is the celebration of various incarnations of Goddess Durga, the divine feminine energy that embodies the qualities of power, purity and divinity. Devotees seek his blessings for prosperity, happiness and protection during this auspicious period. Navratri festival also symbolizes the victory of good over evil, commemorating the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. This victory is a powerful metaphor for the pervasiveness of light over darkness and the ultimate victory of righteousness over malice.
Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a specific form of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navadurga. Fasting, meditation, prayer and self-reflection are common practices during this time, which aim to purify the mind, body and spirit.
The nine days of Navratri festival are not only a spiritual endeavor but also a time of vibrant cultural and social celebration. Traditional dance forms like Garba and Dandiya Raas are integral parts of Navratri, serving as an expression of joy and celebration of life.
Mantras and prayers are of utmost importance in Hinduism, which are important means of spiritual practice and devotion.
A mantra is a sacred sound, word or phrase, often in Sanskrit, that is repeated with deep concentration during meditation or prayer. It has deep significance and is believed to have powerful vibrations that can affect a person spiritually and mentally. When chanted sincerely, mantras create a strong spiritual connection, allowing the person to experience inner peace and closeness to a higher power in whom they believe.
Rhythmic chanting of mantras not only reduces stress and anxiety, but also promotes a calm state of mind, thereby promoting relaxation. Mantras contain positive energy, which acts as a source of healing for the mind, body and spirit. They are known to ward off negative energies and enhance overall well-being. In fact, chanting specific mantras with pure intentions and faith is seen as a way to manifest desires and receive blessings and guidance from the divine.
Mantras also provide a means of expressing gratitude and devotion, giving thanks for blessings, and receiving continued divine guidance and protection. Ultimately, mantras have the power to purify the soul, elevate consciousness, and help individuals transcend the physical realm and connect with the spiritual realm. The power of mantras and prayers lies in the faith, sincerity, and deep resonance with which they are recited, nourishing the soul, promoting spiritual growth, and finding solace in the presence of the divine.
Mantras that will help you achieve your aspirations
Navratri festival is dedicated to the nine forms or incarnations of Goddess Durga. Each day symbolizes the importance of that one incarnation of the Goddess. The mantras of the nine incarnations are also dedicated to him. Reciting and chanting these during Navratri brings immense positive energy to the person and their home.
Here we are listing nine Devi Mantras, chanting which can help you achieve your dreams.
First day – Mata Shailputri
Shailputri is the first form of Goddess Durga, who symbolizes the power of the mountains. Her name comes from “shaila,” meaning mountain, and “putri,” meaning daughter. He has a trident in his right hand and a lotus in his left hand, which displays his power and purity.
Mantra – Om Devi Shailputryai Namah.
Or Goddess Sarvbhuteshu Maa Shailputri in the form of an institution.
Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namo Namah.
Day 2 – Devi Brahmacharini
Brahmacharini represents discipline and dedication. “Brahma” means penance, and “Charini” means follower. She holds a rosary in her right hand and a vessel of water in her left hand, symbolizing her devotion and rigorous practices.
Mantra – Om Devi Brahmacharini Namah.
Or Goddess Sarvabhuteshu Maa Brahmacharini as an institution.
Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namo Namah.
Third day – Goddess Chandraghanta
Chandraghanta is a symbol of beauty and bravery. “Chandra” means moon, and “Ghanta” means bell. She adorns a bell-shaped mark on her forehead and wields various weapons, showcasing her strength and grace.
Mantra – Om Devi Chandraghantaayi Namah.
Or Goddess Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta in the form of institution.
Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namo Namah॥
Day 4 – Goddess Kushmanda
Kushmanda symbolizes creativity and cosmic energy. She has many arms, bearing weapons and symbols of power, representing her creative energy and the vastness of the universe.
Mantra – Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah.
Or Goddess Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kushmanda as an institution.
Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namo Namah॥
Day 5 – Goddess Skandamata
Skandamata, mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya) represents maternal love and protection. She cradles her son Skanda and has four hands, symbolizing her nurturing and caring nature.
Mantra – Om Devi Skandamatay Namah.
Or Goddess Sarvbhuteshu Maa Skandamata as a institution.
Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namo Namah॥
Day 6 – Goddess Katyayani
Katyayani is a symbol of courage and bravery, who appears to fight evil forces and fulfill an important purpose. He is depicted with four to 10 hands, holding various weapons, symbolizing his bravery and fearlessness.
Mantra – Om Devi Katyayanai Namah.
Or Goddess Sarvabhuteshu Maa Katyayani as an institution.
Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namo Namah॥
Day 7 – Devi Kalratri
Kaalratri is a fierce form, known as the destroyer of ignorance and darkness. “Kaal” means time and death, and “Ratri” means night. He has a fierce posture, dark complexion and four hands, which symbolize his power to remove darkness and ignorance.
Mantra – Om Devi Kalratriai Namah.
Or Goddess Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kaalratri as an institution.
Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namo Namah॥
Day 8 – Devi Mahagauri
Mahagauri represents purity and peace. “Maha” means great, and “Gauri” refers to Goddess Parvati, who symbolizes purity. She is depicted in white attire, symbolizing purity and has four hands.
Mantra – Om Devi Mahagauriai Namah.
Or Goddess Sarvabhuteshu Maa Mahagauri as an institution.
Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namo Namah॥
Day 9 – Goddess Siddhidatri
Siddhidatri is the ninth form, which bestows supernatural powers and blessings. “Siddhi” means supernatural power, and “Daatri” means the giver. He has four or eight hands, which provide blessings to his devotees.
Mantra – Om Devi Siddhidatrya Namah.
Or Goddess Sarvbhuteshu Maa Siddhidatri as an institution.
Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namo Namah॥