Navarathri

Navrathri is celebrated all over the world for nine days during the month of Purattasi (September-October). It is a celebration of the victory of Goddess Durga or Paraskthi over the demon king Mahishasura. On the tenth day Vijaya Dhasami, the day of victory , is observed with all religious fervor. Symbolically it is said to be the victory of good over evil.

Mythological significance of Navarathri

Worship of Goddess Parasakthi is rooted firmly in India.Sakthi is considered the embodiment of Supreme Power- according to Devi Mahatmiyam, a sacred book on the Avatar (incarnation) of Parasakthi she is the all pervading power of devotion, peace, wisdom, rest, hunger, shadow, thirst, patience, bashfulness, luster, wealth, scriptures, compassion, happiness and fear.

According to Devi Mahathmiyam (from Markandeya Purana), Parasakthi is the embodiment of Icha Sakthi, Kriya Sakthi and Gnana Sakthi and is the better half of the Supreme God , and She takes various forms as Parvathi, Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Durga in different Avatars.

The Avatar of Parasakthi, according to Hindu mythology is described like this: When the Devas were troubled by the Asuras, they took it to the Lords- Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. The anger of gods against the Asuras took the form of a bright light which spread all over the universe and later appeared in the form of a woman who shone brilliantly.

While Lord Siva created a Thrishul out of his own, Mahavishnu created a wheel out of his Chakrayudh and all the Devas followed suit by giving armour to Devi. Devi Parasakthi, armoured and bedecked with beautiful ornaments fought with the demons, destroyed the evil and regained peace.

In India , the victory of Goddess Durga is celebrated for nine days. The festival is called Sharada Navarathri. In the month of Purattasi, after the Mahalaya Amavasya, starting from the first day of the lunar month, till the Vijayadasami day the state takes a festive look, with many homes displaying beautiful dolls of Gods and Goddesses, in steps or tiers. This festival is also called 'Kolu' which means the Ambal or Ambigai.

In a symbolic way of worship, besides the daily pujas, and special Aarthis, women folk (Sumangalis) of the neighbourhood are invited to these houses and offered Thamboolam (betel leaves, flowers and vermilion).Young girl children are also given a warm welcome as many consider them as a form of Devi Herself.