Issuu

Shardiya Navratri Shardiya Navratri

Vakratunda

Mahakaya Suryakoti

Samaprabha।

Nirvighnam Kuru

Me Deva SarvaKaaryeshu Sarvada॥

Natraja Media ²«eckakäe² k dkgk¸a ad «®k¸ edkaH O½® ²e®Ôkce² kc½de g®a«hkc de²kgI ²cka edka «²¸²I Ôkde edk¸kgI ÔkceÔe®² ad ½ch ®eH O½® «½bkca¸k² a®e

aÔakabe ¸ ÔkeÕ ke a¸ k²²½½HcH F® ®e kf®a¸k c¸ac¸ ½² a¸J

EakJa¸®azaedka@gakHc

OUR TEAM

Navaratri: Honoring the Power and Grace of Maa Durga

Navaratri is more than a festival—it is a spiritual journey that honors the many faces of the Mother of the Universe. Whether as the nurturing goddess of compassion or as the fierce Ma Kali, She comes to protect, guide, and uplift. As we celebrate this sacred time, may our hearts be open to Her presence in every form. As the auspicious time of Navaratri approaches, it gives me tremendous joy to share a few words about our Divine Mother. I have been told I can be long-winded and have therefore been given a space allocation. This is wise—for even if the whole world were filled with books, they would not be enough to recount even a fraction of Her glory.

In this issue, we explore a few of Her forms. There are many others, some of which may appear terrifying to those unfamiliar with our Divine Mother. One of the more fearsome forms is Mother Kali. When depicted, She may strike terror into many hearts. Yet, to those who love and are devoted to Her, She is always compassionate and surrounds us with Her protection. Why then, we may wonder, would the Mother of the Universe—She who shines with the brilliance of a million suns and whose beauty is beyond description, even for the most gifted poets and orators—choose to appear in such a frightening form?

The answer lies in Her purpose. She manifests differently according to what must be accomplished. As any mother knows, there comes a time when she must summon her inner Kali if her children are threatened. In the same way, every form of the Divine Mother, no matter how gentle or fierce, is still Her—each directly tied to the mission She came to fulfill.

One of the first stories I heard of Her was the tale of Lord Ganesha being beheaded by Lord Shiva. I watched this in a video beautifully illustrated with striking artwork. To this day, I can still see that image clearly in my mind’s eye. Her hair was dark and flowing. Her face—fierce, yet beautiful. Her eyes—ablaze with fiery intensity. She radiated unbridled, unstoppable power. Dressed in brilliant red, with ten arms and armed with the weapons of the gods, She rode a lion—unconquerable, invincible, Divine.

As we celebrate Navaratri, may our hearts remain steadfast in faith, honoring our gracious, protective, and all-powerful Mother.

Wishing you all a blessed Navaratri. May the love and grace of our Divine Mother be with you always.

Jaya Maa Durga!

Hari Om

Navratri

Navratri Navratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to Ma Durga in her nine forms, symbolising the triumph of divine power over negativity and ignorance. It is celebrated to purify the self, invoke strength, prosperity, and wisdom, and to honor the victory of dharma over adharma. It isn’t just once a year — it’s observed four times annually, though the two main ones are celebrated widely.

The Four Navratris

1.Chaitra Navratri (March–April)

Begins on the first day of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra. Ends with Ram Navami (birth of Shri Ram).

2.Sharada (Shardiya)

Navratri (September–October)

Begins on the first day of the month of Ashwin. Ends with Vijayadashami / Dussehra (victory of Ma Durga over Mahishasura, and of Shri Ram over Ravan).

This is the grandest and most widely celebrated Navratri.

3.Magha Navratri (Jan–Feb)

Starts on the first day of Magha month.

Culminates in Vasant Panchami / Saraswati Puja. Lesser known, but followed by spiritual seekers.

4.Ashadha (Gupta)

Navratri (June–July)

Observed quietly, often by those engaged in tantra, upasana, and sadhana.

Not a public festival, more for spiritual practice.

Each Navratri allows devotees to reset — physically (through fasting), mentally (through discipline), and spiritually (through prayer and self-reflection).

1 Kindlyconsultyourlocaltemple,ashramforareaprayertimes.

Navratri

Nine nights of Shakti: They symbolise nine steps of spiritual evolution — from removing negativity (Kali), to gaining virtues (Lakshmi), to attaining wisdom (Saraswati).

Fasting – to purify body and mind, and channel energy towards devotion.

Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) – invoking Ma Durga’s presence in a sacred pot.

Daily Aarti & Bhajans –to praise and connect with the goddess through devotion.

Chanting & Recitation –reading Durga Saptashati or other hymns for protection.

Offerings (Naivedya) –fruits, sweets, and special dishes offered in worship.

Planting Barley – symbol of growth, renewal, and blessings for prosperity.

Kumari Puja – honoring young girls as embodiments of the Devi.

Garba/Dandiya dances –joyful community celebrations in honor of Ma Durga.

Feasting on Ashtami/Navami –breaking the fast with prasad, often after kanya puja.

DURGA NAV AVATAR DURGA NAV AVATAR

The term Nav Durga refers to the nine divine manifestations of Goddess Durga that are venerated during the sacred festival of Navratri. Each form embodies a unique aspect of Shakti, the universal energy, guiding devotees from material awareness to spiritual awakening.

Together, they form a complete path of inner transformation—beginning with discipline and courage, moving through devotion and wisdom, and culminating in peace and liberation.

DURGA NAV AVATAR DURGA NAV AVATAR

Nav Durga is a symbolic journey. The sequence of her forms illustrates how human life, when aligned with righteous action (dharma) and devotion (bhakti), evolves toward perfection. Worship of the Nav Durga is thus more than a ritual—it is a reminder of the strength that lies within, the resilience required to overcome obstacles, and the grace that flows when one lives in harmony with higher truth.

For centuries, sages and devotees have invoked the Nav Durga to conquer inner weakness as much as external adversity. She is celebrated as the mother who protects, the warrior who destroys injustice, and the divine force that nourishes all life. In this way, Nav Durga becomes both a spiritual philosophy and a living tradition, uniting communities in faith, discipline, and joy during Navratri and beyond.

Three Shakti Aspects

One Goddess in 3 Stages

1 Shailputri (Daughterof

the

The Devi Mahatmya groups these nine into three clusters of three days, each reflecting one of Ma Durga’s main cosmic aspects:

First cleansing Days 1–3: Mahakali (Tamas-shakti) –destruction of impurities, ego, darkness.

Then empowering

Days 4–6: Mahalakshmi (Rajas-shakti) – active energy, wealth, power, and victory.

Days 7–9: Mahasaraswati (Sattva-shakti) – wisdom, devotion, spiritual upliftment.

VIJAYADASHAMI

(VictoryofDharmaoverAdharma,DeviasAparajita isworshipped)

So, while outwardly devotees worship all 9 forms, inwardly the focus is on this progressive journey. It reflects how spiritual growth moves from purification → strength → knowledge.

Symbolizes triumph of good over evil (Maa Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, Rama’s victory over Ravana); brings success, prosperity, and righteousness

The Birth of Maa Durga

(Ref: Devi Mahatmya, Markandeya Purana)

Alongtimeago,therewasapowerfuldemon kingnamedMahishasura.

Hehadperformedsevereausterities andreceivedaboonfrom LordBrahma.

“Nomanorgodshall beabletokillyou.”

Proudofthisboon, Mahishasura becamearrogant. Hedefeatedthe gods,tookover heaven,andbegan troublingthethree worlds.

The Birth of Maa Durga (continued...)

ThedefeatedgodswenttotheTrimurti—Brahma, Vishnu,andShiva—andpleadedforhelp.

HearingofMahishasura’scruelty,thethreesupreme godsbecameveryangry.

Fromtheirfaces,eyes,and bodiesblazedforthbeams ofdivinelight(tejas).That lightfromallthegods united,formingtheradiant figureofawoman—Maa Durga. Thus,shewasliterally createdfromthecombined strengthofallgodsand theelements,makingher theembodimentofShakti (cosmicpower).

The Birth of Maa Durga (continued...)

Then,eachgodgavehertheirweapon:

Shivagavehera trident(trishul).

Vishnugavehera discus(chakra).

Varunagavehera conch(shankha).

Agnigavehera spear.

Indragavehera thunderbolt(vajra).

Vayugavehera bowandarrows.

Suryagaveherthe brillianceofhis rays.

Finally,Himalayagaveheralionashervehicle.

The Birth of Maa Durga (continued...)

Thusarmedand radiant,Maa Durgaroared mightily,shaking theheavensand earth.Herroar reached Mahishasura,who rushedtofighther. Forninedaysand nights,MaaDurga battled Mahishasuraand hisdemonarmy. Onthetenthday, shestruckhim downwithher trident,restoring peacetotheworld.

ThisiswhysheiscalledMahishasuraMardini(the slayerofMahishasura),andwhywecelebrate Navratri(ninenightsofbattle)and Vijayadashami/Dussehra(thedayofvictory).

✨ M®a U E²²eceJ Maa D½®ga Õa² b® f® ¸he cbked «Õe®² f a gd²I ²hÕkg ¸ha¸ ½¸ka¸e ²¸®eg¸h ce² Õhe dkÔke f®ce² ` ® «e«e ` ½k¸e agak²¸ kz½²¸kceH

Did you know? Did you know?

Reference: Devi Mahatmya (Markandeya Purana), 2.2

Durga means “the invincible one” – The name comes from the Sanskrit root “dur” (difficult) + “ga” (to go), meaning one who is difficult to defeat.

Reference: Devi Mahatmya, 2.18–2.25

Ma Durga has ten arms, symbolizing protection from all directions – Each arm holds a weapon given by different deities (trident from Shiva, discus from Vishnu, thunderbolt from Indra, etc.).

Reference: Devi Mahatmya, 2.18–2.25

Ma Durga’s vehicle is a lion – The lion represents courage, power, and her mastery over animalistic instincts.

Reference: Devi Mahatmya, 2.12–2.16

She represents the union of feminine and masculine energies –Even though she received weapons from male gods, the power to use them fully was only in her.

Reference: Lalita Sahasranama, names like “Bhakta-vatsala” (loving her devotees)

Durga ma is worshipped as both fierce and motherly – Fierce against demons, but nurturing like a mother towards devotees.

Who was Mahishasura, and how did Maa Durga defeat him?

What are the nine forms of Durga (Navadurga) worshipped during Navratri?

What is Ma Durga’s vehicle (vāhana)?

From where did Maa Durga draw her weapons and strength before fighting Mahishasura?

When do we celebrate Navaratri?

Which form of Maa Durga is worshipped as the bestower of wisdom and siddhis (spiritual powers)?

What does the name Durga mean in Sanskrit, and why is it significant?

Why do devotees celebrate Navratri for nine nights ?

What is observed on the tenth day?

HIDDEN OBJECT

Mahishasura

Trishul

Coconut

Dhol

Dandiya

Diya

Rangoli

Simha

Lotus

Conch

Bhakt

Kalash

Mala

Brahmacharini

khetri

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

WordList

1.Durga

2.Devi

3.Shakti

4.Parvati

5.Kali

6.Mahishasura

7.Asura

21.Temple

॥ AARTI SHRI AMBA JI ॥

Jai Ambe Gauri Maiya, Jai Shyama Gauri I Tumako Nishadin Dhyavat, Hari Bramha Shivari II

Jai Ambe Gauri II

Mang Sinduur Biraajat, Tiko Mrigmadko I Ujjvalse Dou Naina, Chandravadan Niko II

Jai Ambe Gauri II

Kanak Saman Kalevar, Raktambar Raje I Raktpushp Gal Mala, Kanthan Par Saje II

Jai Ambe Gauri II

Kehari Vahan Rajat, Khadg Khappar Dhari I

Sur Nar Munijan Sevat, Tinke Dukhahari II

Jai Ambe Gauri II

Kanan Kundal Shobhit, Nasagre Moti I Kotik Chandra Divakar, Sam rajat Jyoti II

Jai Ambe Gauri II

Shumbh- Nishumbh Vidare, Mahishasur Ghati I Dhumr Vilochan Naina, Nishadin Madamati II

Jai Ambe Gauri II

Chand-Mund Sanhare, Shonit Bij Hare I Madhu-Kaitabh Dou Mare, Sur Bhayahin Kare II

Jai Ambe Gauri II

Bramhani, Rudrani,Tum Kamala Rani I Agam Nigam Bakhani,Tum Shiv Patarani II

Jai Ambe Gauri II

Chausath Yogini Gavat, Nritya Karat Bhairu I

Bajat Tal Mridanga, Aur Baajat Damaru II

Jai Ambe Gauri II

Tum Hi Jag Ki Mata, Tum Hi Ho Bharata I Bhaktan Ki Dukh Harta, Sukh Sampati Karta II

Jai Ambe Gauri II

Bhuja Char Ati Shobhi,Varamudra Dhari I

Manvanchhit Fal Pavat,Sevat Nar Nari II

Jai Ambe Gauri II

Kanchan Thal Virajat, Agar Kapur Bati I Shrimalaketu Mein Rajat, Koti Ratan Jyoti II

Jai Ambe Gauri II

Shri Ambeji Ki Aarti, Jo Koi Nar Gave I Kahat Shivanand Svami, Sukh-Sampatti Pave II

Jai Ambe Gauri II

Durga Devi Stotram by Smt. Bhanumati

Narasimhan | Art of Living

Û½¸½HbeUcSJ]hÕO²k=D¸XMhIÔLbQF~RR

Durga Chalisa (Superfast)

Manjeera Ganguly

Û½¸½HbeUTMäeCIUO²k=¸JÕ«®XA~V®g«e

Aigiri Nandini with Lyrics

Nova Spiritual India

Û½¸½HbeUVDbÛB²CzLYO²k=Vää¸Qä½cFEO

Durga Ji Aarti,ANURADHA

PAUDWAL,Devi Aarti

T-Series Bhakti Sagar

Û½¸½HbeU]®KAOaSQIO²k=JFÛcDegZkU

Navaratri