Creation, and its various aspects, are a combination of Shiv and Shakti. Shiv is the vehicle, Shakti is the fuel that propels it. If fire is Shiv, the heat and light is Shakti. If wind is Shiv, its speed and carrying capacity is Shakti. If earth is Shiv, its forbearance and fertility is Shakti.
The nine days and nights of Navratras mark nine different aspects of Shakti – Shailputri, Brahmcharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri and Aparajitha. Shakti is that which creates, preserves and also destroys. For a beginner, these may be broadly understood as triple forces of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The 9 devis originate from these 3 devis which in turn have their origin in Adi Shakti.
The first three days are dedicated to Devi Durga. She is the devi of spiritual evolution and governs the transformation of the Universe, also called Yogmaya. She is the consort of Lord Shiv. In the human body, she corresponds to the tamas guna and region from chest to head. During these days sadhak stops having spicy food and performs a havan at the morning and evening sandhya with the chants invoking Ma Durga. Offerings of kala til along with ghrit are made and desi cows upla and palash samedha are used.
The next three days are dedicated to Devi Lakshmi. She governs and preserves physical creation and its various aspects, also called Maya. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu. In the human body, she corresponds to the rajas guna and region between navel and chest. In these days, sadhak stops intake of anna and only light foods are ingested in order to keep the body light. Havan for Ma Lakshmi is done at the two sandhyas by making offerings of a sweet along with ghrit.
The last three days are dedicated to Devi Saraswati. From her emanates gyan and all forms of arts, she is the devi of creation, also called Mahamaya. She is the consort of Lord Brahma. In the human body, she corresponds to the sattva guna and region navel downwards. In the last three days, the sadhak only consumes water and juice and havan for Ma Saraswati is performed at the two sandhyas by making offerings of ghrit and guggal.
On the 10th day, complete fast is kept and once more Ma Durga or Ma Kali is invoked as on this day Ravan had invoked Ma Kali and Lord Ram had invoked Ma Durga. This process brings about the required re-alignment. After this, the sadhak performs his sadhna and chants specific mantras as prescribed by his/her Guru. With yog sadhna, all the energies that are invoked come to the sadhak. When yagya is performed under guru sanidhya with right bhaav (thought), the form of Devi manifests in Yagya agni, as is a common experience at Dhyan Ashram.
Navratras are days to prepare your body in order to accept the new energies of the coming season. For 9 days you realign your body and after that on the 10th day accept new energies.
Dhyan Foundation will be doing Shakti mantra yagyas during navratri. March 19th onwards, at Dhyan Ashram Yagyashala, Register on www.dhyanfoundation.com
Ashwini Guru Ji is the energy and inspiration behind various initiatives of Dhyan Foundation. He is the Guiding Light of Dhyan Foundation and an authority on the Vedic sciences. His book, ‘Sanatan Kriya, The Ageless Dimension’ is an acclaimed thesis on anti-ageing. Dhyan Foundation conducts regular sessions on Sanatan Kriya worldwide.Log on to www.dhyanfoundation.com or mail to dhyan@dhyanfoundation.com for more.
