Why on the first 9 days, Hindus perform
worship of Goodess Durga in the manner of
a festival in the 1st and 8th month of Hindus
Calender?
What
is the reason of the Navratra falling in the
first and the eighth month?
There are 6 seasons in India but most of us
only realise the onset of summer or winter
in the month of “Chaitra” and
“Ashwin” respectively, which are
the 1st and the 8th months of Hindu Calendar.
As all of us are aware, drastic climatic changes
increase the risk of infection / disease in
human body. Probably this was the main reason
why our ancient ancestors kept the provision
of “fasting” during these first
9 days so that body machine will get a break
from routine and cleanse itself. Besides when
for 9 days, the lamp of ghee or oil will be
burnt in the house along with the essence
of aloe, camphor etc., it will sanctify the
home, kill germs and make us healthy. Added
to this when one worships the Goddess Durga
(Shakti / Power) – by keeping oneself
celibate and preserves the essential “Satvas”
of the body, one does feel energized and revitalized.
Since it is celebrated as a family festival,
it also increases harmony and togetherness
in the family.
This
is also a period for successful worship by
chanting Mantras from “Shri Durga Saptashti”
or “Valmiki / Tulsi Ramayan”,
or other powerful mantras like “Ram
Raksha Stotra” etc. which can be easily
mastered during this period. The happiness
and bliss which one gets after this routine
can only be known by the worshippers.
There
are other views also like that these festivals
were actually started to celebrate the “crops”
which one reaps during these periods and were
actually community worship occasions. Whatever
be the reason – one should never waste
these auspicious times and must use it for
one’s upliftment.
