The vibrant festival of Navratri is just around the corner, and devotees of Maa Durga, also known as Adi Shakti, are gearing up for grand celebrations. Hindus observe four Navratris annually, but it’s the Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri that take center stage. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Shardiya Navratri 2023, which falls during autumn in the lunar month of Ashwin.
Shardiya Navratri 2023: A Celebration of Goddess Durga
Shardiya Navratri is a nine-day festival that commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, earning her the title of Mahishasura Mardini. Each of these nine days is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Maa Durga, known as Navdurgas. The festivities kick off with Ghatasthapana and culminate with Maha Navami. Let’s take a closer look at these nine days:
Day 1/Pratipada – October 15: Ghatasthapana and Maa Shailputri Puja
Ghatasthapana, the first significant ritual of Navratri, marks the beginning of nine days of celebration and the invocation of Goddess Durga. Devotees perform Ghatasthapana during the first one-third of the day while Pratipada prevails. On this day, Maa Shailputri is worshipped.
Day 2 – October 16: Maa Brahmacharini Puja
Day two is dedicated to the worship of Maa Brahmacharini, the unmarried form of Maa Parvati. It is believed that Goddess Brahmacharini governs Lord Mangal, the provider of all fortunes.
Day 3 – October 17: Maa Chandraghanta Puja
On the third day, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta, the married avatar of Goddess Parvati. After marrying Lord Shiva, she adorned her forehead with half Chandra (moon) and became known as Goddess Chandraghanta.
Day 4/Chaturthi – October 18: Maa Kushmanda Puja
Maa Parvati, taking the form of Maa Siddhidatri, resided within the center of the Sun, radiating energy into the universe. This form is known as Kushmanda, and she is worshipped on the fourth day.
Day 5/Panchami – October 19: Maa Skandamata Puja
Day five is dedicated to Maa Skandamata. After Maa Parvati transformed into Lord Kartikeya (Lord Skanda), she came to be known as Maa Skandamata. Worshipping this form of Goddess Parvati bestows blessings from Lord Kartikeya.
Day 6/Shashti – October 20: Maa Katyayani Puja and Saraswati Avahan
On the sixth day, devotees pay homage to Maa Katyayani and perform Saraswati Avahan, invoking the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom.
As we continue through Shardiya Navratri, stay tuned for the remaining three days, where we will explore the significance of each day’s puja and rituals.
Stay updated with the Navratri Calendar 2023: Ghatasthapana to Maha Navami, Know All Details of 9 Days to ensure you don’t miss any essential aspects of this auspicious festival.
Delving Deeper: Navratri Fasting and Rituals
What are the 9 days of Navratri 2023?
Unlocking the Nine Days of Shardiya Navratri 2023
Shardiya Navratri 2023, a festival of immense significance, spans nine days of devotion and celebration. Each day holds unique rituals and reverence:
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October 15 – Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja: The festival commences with Ghatasthapana, the invocation of Goddess Shakti. Devotees pay homage to Maa Shailputri on this day.
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October 16 – Brahmacharini Puja: Day two is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini, the unmarried form of Maa Parvati.
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October 17 – Sindoor Tritiya and Chandraghanta Puja: On this day, worshippers revere Goddess Chandraghanta, the married avatar of Goddess Parvati.
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October 18 – Kushmanda Puja and Vinayak Chaturthi: Maa Parvati’s transformation into Maa Kushmanda is celebrated, and it coincides with Vinayak Chaturthi.
Stay engaged as we delve deeper into the remaining days of Shardiya Navratri 2023, unraveling the essence of this auspicious festival.
On what is Durga Maa coming in 2023?
Durga Maa’s Arrival in 2023
In the month of October, the auspicious Shardiya Navratri is set to commence on October 15, 2023, ushering in nine days of devotion. The culmination of these festivities will lead to the grand celebrations of Durga Puja and Dussehra on October 24, 2023. This Navratri, which falls during the Ashwina Month, holds deep religious significance, marking the arrival of Goddess Durga.
What happens in 9 days of Navratri?
The Essence of 9 Days of Navratri
Navratri is a dedicated festival honoring Goddess Durga, with each of the nine days dedicated to worshiping her nine divine forms. The final day, Rama Navami, commemorates Lord Rama’s birthday, earning it the name "Rama Navaratri" in some regions. This festival aligns with the spring harvest in many areas, while in others, it corresponds to the harvest season, making it a diverse and vibrant celebration.
What are the 9 days of Navratri Dussehra?
Navratri spans nine days during the Ashvin month, typically falling in September-October of the Gregorian calendar. These nine days are dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. The culmination of this festivity is marked by Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, celebrated on the tenth day with great fervor and enthusiasm.
Which day wise Navratri is in 2023?
Navratri Day-wise Schedule for 2023
Here’s the day-wise breakdown of Navratri 2023:
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Navratri Day 2, Dwitiya – October 16, 2023: Celebrate with Brahmacharini Pooja.
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Navratri Day 3, Tritiya – October 17, 2023: Reverence to Chandraghanta.
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Navratri Day 4, Chaturthi – October 18, 2023: Worship Maa Kushmanda.
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Navratri Day 5, Panchami – October 19, 2023: Devotees celebrate Skandmaata.
Stay tuned for the remaining days of Navratri 2023, as we continue this joyous journey of devotion.
How to keep Navratri fast 2023?
Maintaining a Navratri Fast in 2023
For those observing the fast during Chaitra Navratri 2023, here are essential fasting guidelines to follow:
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Avoid Tamsic Foods: Refrain from consuming tamasic foods such as alcohol, non-vegetarian dishes, onions, and garlic.
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Vegetable Curry: While preparing vegetable curry, you may use ingredients like tomatoes and coriander seeds, but be mindful to exclude certain items like brinjal, okra, and mushrooms.
Observing these fasting rules will help you maintain the spiritual sanctity of Navratri while keeping your dietary choices in line with the traditions.
