Shakti, Mahalakshmi, Saraswati and Kali – these are the many splendored forms of the sacred feminine in Hinduism. Goddess worship in India has been an unbroken tradition from the time of the Indus Valley civilization. Navratri (literally, nine nights) is the festival dedicated to her.
Why nine nights? Because three major aspects of the goddess are worshiped, each for three days. The first three days are dedicated to Ma Durga, protector against evil. During the next three days, she is worshiped as the benign Goddess Lakshmi, giver of wealth and plenitude. Finally, Saraswati is invoked for her gifts of knowledge and wisdom.Navratri falls in the lunar month of Ashwin (September-October) and is celebrated with exuberance and colorful pageantry.
Navratri begins today, Sept 19, 2009
Comments