NAVRATRI - INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
This article is more
helpful to do worship (Puja) in short time for people who are religious and having
tight schedule.
Introduction:-
The most important Navratri in a year is the
Sharadiya Navratri which begins on the first day of the bright half of Ashvin
or Ashwayuja (September-October) as per Hindu calendar. The most important is
the Chaitra Navratri or the
Navaratri in March-April. This is also known as Vasant Navratri or Ram Navaratri.
The other two Navratris are Magh Navratri (January – February) and
Ashad Navratri (June – July). These two Navratris are known as Gupt Navratris
and are mainly observed only in certain regions of North India.
Thus there are four important Navratris in a year in a Hindu lunar
calendar.
Story of Navratri /
Durga Pooja
Durga Saptsati is a book in which Devimahatmya is recited during
the Navaratri and Durga Pooja. It symbolized the victory of good over
evil.
Devi-Mahatyma extols the greatness of Durga in 700 hymns grouped
into 537 sections and therefore it is also known as Durga Sapta Sati. It
details the exploits of the goddess in her three major forms: Kali, Lakshmi and
Saraswati, representing the three fold energy: strength, wealth and wisdom. The
most famous episode is Durga killing Mahishasur.
Birth of Mahishasur
Legend has it that two sons of Danu called Rambha and Karambha
performed penances to gain more powers. Rambha performed the austerities by
standing amidst five ritual fires called Panchagni and Karambha by standing in
neck-deep in water.
Indra, the lord of the gods, felt threatened by such intense
austerities and took the form of a crocodile and killed Karambha. Rambha, who
came to know about his brother’s death, increased the intensity of his
austerities and won several boons from gods like great brilliance, beauty,
invincibility in war. Most importantly, the boon that he will not be killed by
humans or Gods or Asuras (demons).
After receiving the boon, he was roaming in
the garden of Yaksha and there he fell in love with a
female-buffalo. To express his love Rambha took the form of a male-buffalo and
copulated with the she-buffalo. But soon a real male buffalo discovered Rambha
in the garden and killed him.
Rambha’s inflated ego made him not to ask the boon of
invincibility from animals. And an animal happened to be the reason for his
death.
The female-buffalo, who was pregnant, decided to kill herself in
the funeral pyre of Rambha. She jumped into the pyre and from the pyre sprang
up a mighty asura (demon) with the head of a buffalo and human body. This was
Mahishasur.
Mahishasur Defeats Gods
Mahishasur defeated the gods and the demons. He attacked the
heaven and captured it and made ‘devas’ his slaves. He proclaimed that he is
now Indra – the lord of the gods. The gods led by Brahma approached Vishnu and
Shiva and appraised them of the situation.
The actions of Mahishasur caused intense anger in the Trimurtis.
The anger emerging out of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva combined to the take the
shape of a terrible form and this was Durga (Goddess).
It is said that the flames of fire that gushed out of the eyes of
the Trimurtis – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva – formed a mountain, brilliant like a
million suns. Out of this mountain, Durga took shape as the Goddess, more
powerful than all the gods.
Goddess
Durga kills Mahishasur
When the goddess was seen by Mahishasur, he fell in love with her
and sought to marry her. The goddess promised to marry him, if he defeated her
in the battle. A terrible combat ensued and continued for nine days. Finally,
Durga assumed the terrifying form of Chandika and pinned Mahishasur down with
her foot and pierced his neck with her spear and she cut his head off with her
sword.
The legend about the killing of Mahishasur is found in many
Puranas and therefore there are slight variations in the story. The story is
also found in Vamana Purana, Varaha Purana, Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, Devi
Bhagavatam and Kalika Purana.
Navratri Puja Vidhi (Procedure) -
Prerequisites to the Navratri Pooja -
The devotees must
procure the following list of products before the Navratri Starts.
-An idol or a picture
of goddess (the one which depicts all the 9 devis is recommended if possible).
- A decorative dupatta
or saree, which are mostly red or green in colour for the goddess’s idol or
photograph.
- A brass, copper or
earthen Kalash (pitcher) filled with pure and clean water. Ganga water is also
recommended.
- The Durga Saptshati
book for reciting in front of the chowky before or after the aarti.
- A bundle of sacred thread
Kalawa aka Moli.
- A small bottle of
Perfume (new)
- A handful of Areca
nuts (Supari). (Optional)
- 5-7 Beetel Leaves. (Optional)
- Incense Sticks,
Dhoop Sticks, Matches and cotton balls (Batti) for the diyas.
- Ghee or oil to
enlighten diya (one small bottle).
- The traditional
powders viz. turmeric (haldi), Gulal, red sindoor, sandal wood (chandan powder) and Vermillion (Roli).
- Some Flowers or
floral garlands to offer Goddess and to beautify the chowky (wooden/metal
table).
- 5 Different types of
fruits and Sweets to be served as Prasad.
- A sitting mat if
possible.
- One medium sized
metal pot (which is used for Havan)
- A small bundle of
wood (which is kept in metal pot to enlighten fire for Havan)
Navratri Pooja is
offered to request the almighty Goddess for peace, prosperity and sustenance of
the same. It is very important to perform pooja after taking bath and to wear
new or washed clothes and to follow the right method of pooja.
- First to ensure very
clean and tidy surroundings for the Navratri Puja. As it is a very well-known
fact that, “Cleanliness is Godliness.” Below are the navratri puja procedure
rituals, which one need to follow..
Sthapana
First clean water
should be filled in the pitcher/ Kalash. Now keep the neem tree leaves/mango
tree leaves at the opening in a coverall formation and lidding the same by
placing a coconut amidst the leaves. This pitcher is placed in front of the
idol or photograph at the praying location. The best time for the Sthapana is
considered to be in the early hours of the morning.
If people opt to
instil an Akhand Jyot (never ending lamp) for the 9 days, At least one
person should be there to stay in the house throughout the duration of the
Navratri and ensure that Akhand Jyot continues to remain enlighten throughout
the nine d. Akhand Jyot is lit at the time of Sthapana.
Pooja Routine for 9
Days –
1. After the Sthapana, devotee should put one
round circle ( Teeka ) on the forehead of the Goddess idol/picture after dipping index
finger in roli ,sindoor , sandal wood powder and turmeric successively (after
mixing them in water).Now devotees offer flowers/garland, red new cloth piece, Prasad.
Keep areca nuts on beetle leaves in a washed plate in front of Goddess
picture/idol. Take sacred thread /moli/kalava in hand and touch it to the Goddess.
Now devotees can tie up a piece of thread on their right hand wrist and apply
one circle of wet turmeric/roli/sindoor/chandan (sandal wood) powder on their
forehead too. (This is an acupressure point in the center of the forehead
between two eyebrows. When it is pressed by finger while putting circle known
as “teeka”, can cure many diseases e.g. migraine, increase vision and
concentration etc.).
2. Enlighten agarbatti in front of Goddess and spray perfume around picture/idol of Goddess Durga.
3. Keep cotton
ball dipped in ghee/oil in diya (a small pot) and enlighten it after saying
“Jai Mata” or Goddess Durga mantra.
4. Devotees should follow a strict routine for
praying two times i.e. morning and evening. In the morning, the verses from the
Durga Saptashati are to be recited after singing the hymn (Aarti) along with
ringing bells/any musical instruments .Nowadays everybody is busy so devotees
can do Durga chalisa and Aarti once or twice in a day with pure heart. The links of Durga Chalisa (a thin book with
few pages) and Aarti are given below:-
Aarti link:-
Chalisa link:-
DURGA CHALISA
Namo Namo Durge Sukh Karani, Namo Namo Ambe
Dukh Harani
Nirankaar Hai Jyoti Tumhari, Tihoun Lok Phaili Ujiyaari
Shashi Lalaat Mukh Maha Vishala, Netra Laal Bhrikoutee Vikaraala
Roop Maatu Ko Adhik Suhaave, Darash Karat Jan Ati Sukh Paavey
Tum Sansaar Shakti Lay Keena, Palan Hetu Anna Dhan Deena
Annapoorna Hui Tu Jag Paala, Tum hi Aadi Sundari Baala
Pralayakaal Sab Naashan Haari, Tum Gouri Shiv Shankar Pyari
Shiv Yogi Tumhre Gun Gaavein, Brahma Vishnu Tumhein Nit Dhyavein
Roop Saraswati Ko Tum Dhara, De Subuddhi Rishi Munin Ubaara
Dharyo Roop Narsimha Ko Amba, Pargat Bhayi Phaadh Kar Khambha
Raksha Kari Prahlad Bachaayo, Hiranyaykush Ko Swarg Pathaayo
Lakshmi Roop Dharo Jag Maahin, Shree Naarayan Ang Samahin
Ksheer Sindhu Mein Karat Vilaasa, Daya Sindhu Deejey Man Aasa
Hinglaaj Mein Tumhi Bhavani, Mahima Amit Na Jaat Bakhaani
Matangi Aru Dhoomawati Mata, Bhuvaneshwari Bagala Sukhdaata
Shree Bhairav Taara Jag Taarini, Chhinna Bhaal Bhava Dukh Nivaarini
Kehari Vahan Soh Bhavaani, Laangur Veer Chalata Agavaani
Kar Mein Khappar Khadag Viraajey, Jaako Dekh Kaal Dar Bhaajey
Sohe Astra Aur Tirshoola, Jaate Uthat Shatru Hiya Shoola
Nagarkot Mein Tumhi Viraajat, Tihoun Lok Mein Danka Baajat
Shumbh Nishumbh Danuj Tum Maare, Rakt Beej Shankhan Sanghaare
Mahishasur Nrup Ati Abhimaani, Jehi Agh Bhaar Mahi Akulaani
Roop Karaal Kaalika Dhaara, Sen Sahit Tum Tihi Sanghaara
Pari Gaargh Santan Par Jab Jab, Bhayi Sahaay Maatu Tum Tab Tab
Amarpuri Aru baasav Lokaa, Tab Mahima Sab rahey Ashokaa
Jwaala Mein Hai Jyoti Tumhari, Tumhein Sadaa Poojey Nar Naari
Prem Bhakti Se Jo Yash Gaavein, Dukh Daridra Nikat Nahin Aavein
Dhyaave Tumhein Jo Nar Man Laayi, Janam Maran Taako Chhuti Jaayi
Yogi Sur Muni Kahat Pukaari, Yog Na Ho Bin Shakti Tumhaari
Shankar Achaaraj Tap Keenho, Kaam Krodh Jeet Sab Leenho
Nishdin Dhyan Dharo Shankar Ko, Kaahu Kaal Nahin Sumiro Tumko
Shakti Roop Ko Maram Na Paayo, Shakti Gayi Tab Man Pachitaayo
Sharnagat Huyi Kirti Bakhaani, Jai Jai Jai Jagadamb Bhavaani
Bhayi Prasanna Aadi Jagadamba, Dayi Shakti Nahin Keen Vilambaa
Moko Maatu Kashta Ati Ghero, Tum Bin Kaun Harey Dukh Mero
Asha Trishna Nipat Satavein, Moh madadik sab binshaavein
Shatru Naash Kijey Maharani, Sumiroun Ikchit Tumhein Bhavaani
Karo Kripa Hey Maatu Dayala, Riddhi Siddhi De Karahoun Nihaala
Jab Lagi Jiyoun Daya Phal Paoun, Tumhro Yash Main Sadaa Sounaoun
Durga Chalisa Jo Nar Gaavey, Sab Sukh Bhog Parampad Paavey
Devidaas Sharan Nij Jaani, Karahoun Kripa Jagadamb Bhavaani
AARATI
:-
Jai ambe gauri maiyaa jai shyamaa gauri
Tumako nish din dhyaawat hari bramha shivaji || Jai..||
Maang sindoor viraajat teeko mrigamad ko
Ujjwal se dou naina chandrabadan neeko || Jai..
Kanak samaan kalevar raktambar raje
Rakt pushp gal mala kanthan par saaje || Jai..
Kehari waahan raajat khadag khappar dhari
Sur-nar-munijan sewat tinake dukhahari || Jai..
Kaanan kundal shobhit nasagre moti
Kotik chandr diwaakar rajat sam jyoti || Jai..
Shumbh-nishumbh bidaare mahishasur ghati
Dhumr vilochan naina nish din madamati || Jai..
Chand-mund sanghaare shordit beej hare
Madhu-kaitabh dou maare sur bhayaheen kare || Jai..
Bramhaani rudraani tum kamala raani
Aagam nigam bakhaani tum shiv pataraani || Jai..
Chaunsath yogini gaawat, nritya karat bhairu
Baajat taal mridang, aru baajat damaru || Jai..
Tum hi jag ki mata, tum hi ho bharata
Bhaktan ki dukh harata, sukh sampati karta || Jai..
Bhuja chaar ati shobhit, varamudra dhaari
Manwanchhit fal paawat, sewat nar naari || Jai..
Kanchan thaal virajat, agar kapur baati
Shrimalaketu mein raajat, koti ratan jyoti || Jai..
Shri ambe ji ki arati, jo koi nar gaavey
Kahat shivanand swami, sukh-sampati paavey || Jai..
5. Many people fast during the 9 days wherein
they eat proper food only one time in the day and are allowed to eat on Falhaari
Aahar (Fasting food e.g fruits, milk ) during the other times. Some
people fast first day and last day of Navratri also.
6. On the last day,
devotees do Havan (putting drops of ghee into fire) with Mantra of Goddess
Durga as given below :-
[Mantras to the goddess
Durga are famous in Hinduism and are very effective for creating positive
change in your life.]
Devotees invite 9
girls (below 10 years) and wash their feet one by one and make them sit with
respect. They are symbolic of 9 forms of Goddess. Devotees put round circle of
roli on their forehead and offer them nice pure vegetarian food in 9 plates for
each of them . In the last devotees give them gifts (money or anything). After
finishing Pooja devotees break coconut which was kept on Kalash and distribute
it among people. This festival teaches us how to love and respect human beings also.
Traditional dresses in Navratri:-
Who doesn’t love Navratri? Nine nights of endless fun, dancing,
music, sweets, mouth watering food, and colorful traditional garments, make
this festival an all-time favorite for everyone. Women and girls eagerly wait
all year for this occasion to flaunt their feminine charm and different
gorgeous looks every night. Chaniya Choli is the
traditional costume of Navratri festival, and it’s still the most preferred
outfit by women for Garba Nights( Dance of people in front of Goddess idol for 9 days in the night during Navratri ).
Gujarati Mens Traditional Dresses ... Exciting garba dress for navratri nights. Yes! ...
kediya dhoti in navratri.
Men wear Kurta ,Pajama also :-
Plan your 9 days dress / saree/Kurta-Pajama colors:-
Navratri’s
Fasting Food:-
The Navratri Fasting
Sacrificing personal
interests is also considered as a part of praying to the Almighty. Thus, many
men and women observe navratri fast during the span of the festival. The
process of fasting during the Navratri is believed to be explained by the
divine Goddess herself to an ardent devotee of hers. It is believed that proper
fasting during the Navratri brings success and prosperity to individuals and
their families. People who exercise fasting are known to have better metabolism
in their routine lives and make healthier as well.
Fasting in navratri is
one of the best rituals of navratri festival, which is performed by the
devotees till nine auspicious days. Some devotees keep fasting only on the
first day of navratri and on the eighth/ninth day of navratri (Ashtami/Navami )
while some devotees keep fast
continuously until nine days of navratri and break the fast after the final day
of Navratri after “Havan”.
People who keep fasts
during the Navratri days are expected to refrain from consumption of many food
items like :-
Onion
Lentils
Asafoetida, Mustard Oil, Fenugreek Seeds
Non-veg Foods, Eggs
Ice Creams purchased from the market but you
use homemade Ice Cream.
Coffee
Alcohol
Smoking
Cutting of Hairs and Nails
Do not shave beard during navratri fasting
days ( if possible )
Common Salt is not used, you can use Rock Salt
(Sendha Namak)
Delicious, Healthy Fasting foods :-
Soaking Time: 3 hours.
Preparation Time: 12 mins
Cooking Time: 5 mins
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
Method
1. Combine the sago(sabudana) and ¾
cup of water in a deep bowl, mix well and keep aside to soak for 2 hours. Keep
aside.
2. Heat the oil in a deep
non-stick pan and add the cumin seeds.
3. When the seeds
crackle, add the potatoes, sago, salt, peanuts, coriander, green chillies,
curry leaves, lemon juice and sugar, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2
minutes.
4. Serve hot.
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2. Kuttu
Pancake ( Diabetic Snacks)
Soaking Time: 2 hours.
Preparation Time: 8 mins Cooking Time: 25
mins Makes 8 pancakes
Ingredients
Method
1. Combine
the Buckwheat and curd with 2 tbsp of water in a deep bowl and mix well. Cover
with a lid and keep aside to soak for 1 hour.
2.
Blend the buckwheat-curds mixture to a coarse
mixture without using any water.
3.
Transfer the coarse mixture into a deep bowl,
add the ginger-green chilli paste, coriander, turmeric powder, bottle
gourd, salt and 1 tbsp of water and mix well. Keep aside.
4.
Heat a non-stick pan (griddle) and grease it
using few drops of oil.
5.
Pour one tb. spoon of the batter on it and
spread in a circular motion to make 4” diameter thick circle.
6.
Cook, using 1/8 tsp of oil, till it turns
light brown in colour from both the sides.
7.
Serve hot with mint and coriander chutney.
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Feast while fasting! it is tea time snack made with fasting ingredients like
water chestnut flour, sendha namak and charoli.
For dough:-
1 cup- water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta)
1/4 cup-arrawroot
1/4 cup- ghee
1 tea spoon - sendha namak (white rock salt)
ghee for frying
For Filling:-
1 cup- Chironji/chiroli (soaked in water for 2-3 hours)
1 tea spoon- chilli powder
1 tb.spoon-jeera(cumin) powder
2 tea spoon- coriander powder (dhania)
2 tea spoon - sendha namak (white rock salt)
1/2 tea spoon- cardamom powder
2 tb.spoon- ghee
For the samosa
filling:-
Remove the husk of the chironji and grind coarsely.
Heat the 2 tbsp ghee, in a pan and add the zeera. When it splutters, add
chironji and rest of the filling ingredients.
Saute over low heat till mixture is well fried. Leave to cool.
For the samosa dough:-
Place the water, ghee and 1 tsp salt in a pan and bring to a boil.
As soon as it comes to a boil, put in the singhare ka atta and arrowroot and mix well, over
low heat, till it collects together in the center.
Take the dough off the heat and leave to cool.
METHOD
-Roll
dough (using dry flour or arrowroot if it sticks) into 1/8" thick rounds,
3" diameter, and cut into halves.
-Take one half, wet the edges. Fold the straight edge at the center and join
overlapping the other edge to form into a cone.
-Press the overlapping portion, and fill the cone with the filling, and press the
edges together to seal the Samosa. Repeat, with the rest of the pieces.
-Heat the ghee and over high heat, add as many samosas as come in without
touching.
-Lower the heat to medium and fry to a golden brown on either side.
-Serve
hot.
4. Makhana (Lotus Fruits) kheer
Ingredients:-
·
Milk - 1 liter
·
Makhane (Lotus fruit) - (Cut each lotus fruit in four
pieces) (1 cup)
·
Cashew Nuts - 20-25 (cut each cashew in 5 to 6 pieces)
·
Dried Raisins - 4 tbsp (Remove the stems and clean with cotton)
·
Almond - 20-25 (Cut them lengthwise in 7 to 8 pieces)
·
Chironji (charoli) – 1 tbsp
·
Sugar - ½ cup (100 grams)
·
Cardamom - 5-6 (Peeled and grinded)
How to make makhane with Dry fruits Kheer
Take any utensil with heavy bottom and add milk.
Keep it on flame for boiling.
After the milk has boiled, put all the dry
fruits in the milk and stir with the stirring spoon and mix. Cook the kheer on
low flame for half an hour, and keep stirring after every 2 to 3 minutes. You
will see that the kheer has become thick. Dry fruits and milk should fall
together.It means kheer is ready to eat.
Now add sugar to the kheer and let it cook for
another 5 minutes. The kheer is ready now. Turn off the burner.
Mix grinded cardamom in the kheer .
Take out the kheer in a bowl and eat, either hot
or cold as you like.
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