Why Navratri is Celebrated Twice in a Year?
Navratri is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism, where devotees worship the Divine Mother, Goddess Durga, in her nine forms over nine days. It’s a time of spiritual upliftment, fasting, and seeking blessings for prosperity, protection, and spiritual growth. But have you ever wondered why Navratri is celebrated twice a year? Let’s dive into the deeper meaning behind this and explore the two Navratris, their purpose, and the astrological insights that guide this unique tradition.
दुर्गा नाम स्मरणादेव विघ्न सर्वे विनश्यन्ति।
कर्मसिद्धिर्भवत्येव साक्षाद् दुर्गा त्वं परमेश्वरि॥
By merely remembering the name Durga, all obstacles vanish, Success in actions is achieved directly, O Durga, the supreme goddess.
दुर्गे स्मृता हरसि भीतिमशेषजन्तोः।
स्वस्थैः स्मृता मतिमतीव शुभां ददासि॥
O Durga, remembering you removes the fears of all beings. Remembering you when healthy grants great wisdom and well-being.
दुर्गा नाम च जपेम हि सर्वसौख्यफलप्रदम्।
रोग नाशं परं शान्तिं दुर्गा त्वं देहि मे प्रिये॥
We chant the name Durga, the giver of all auspicious results, O Durga, the one who destroys all diseases, grant me supreme peace, my beloved.
Why Navratri is Celebrated
Navratri, which means “nine nights,” is a time to honor Goddess Durga, the Shakti herself. During these nine days, her different avatars, from Maa Shailaputri to Maa Siddhidatri, are invoked for protection and blessings. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
It is believed that during Navratri, Goddess Durga descends from her celestial abode to bless her devotees, protect the righteous, and destroy negative energies. It’s a powerful period where the divine shakti energy is invoked for spiritual and material well-being.
Which Are the Two Navratris?
While Sharad Navratri, celebrated in the autumn, is the most popular, there is another Navratri known as Chaitra Navratri, celebrated in the spring. These are the two major Navratris observed every year:
Sharad Navratri: Celebrated in the month of Ashwin (September-October), this is the most widely celebrated Navratri. It culminates in Dussehra, which marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and the defeat of Mahishasura by Goddess Durga.
Chaitra Navratri: Celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March-April), this Navratri is associated with the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It ends with Ram Navami, the birth of Lord Rama.
How Deities' Powers Peak During Specific Times
विद्या समस्तास्तव देवि भेदाः।
स्त्रियः समस्ता सकला जगत्सु॥
त्वया एकया पूरितमम्बयैतत्।
का ते स्तुति: स्तव्यपरा परोक्तिः॥
All knowledge is your manifestation, O Goddess. All women in the world are your forms. You alone fill this entire universe. How can anyone adequately praise you?
In Hinduism, each deity’s energy becomes more active during specific times, enhancing the connection with devotees. For example, during Shravan, Lord Shiva’s energy peaks, and devotees observe fasts and offer prayers. Similarly, Lord Vishnu’s energy is powerful on Ekadashi, making it an ideal day for spiritual practices.
During Navratri, the energy of Goddess Durga is at its strongest. Her divine presence is invoked through pujas, fasting, and mantra chanting, as it’s believed she descends to bless her devotees, offering protection and removing negativity. Navratri is a time of spiritual growth, powered by Shakti (Divine Feminine Energy).
Why Two Navratris? The Reason Behind It
Both these Navratris are linked to the seasonal transitions and hold great spiritual significance. According to the Vedic shastras, these two times of the year are considered the most auspicious for invoking the divine energy of Shakti.
Astrological Insights:
In Hinduism, cosmic energies shift with the seasons, and these periods of change (from winter to spring and from summer to autumn) create an ideal environment for spiritual practices. The universe is in balance, making it easier for devotees to connect with the divine. Navratri is observed to align our internal energies with the cosmic energies of the universe.
• Chaitra Navratri: This Navratri is celebrated in the spring, symbolizing renewal and growth. The earth is waking up after the cold winter, and it’s a time for rejuvenation. Spiritually, this is a period of new beginnings.
• Sharad Navratri: This is celebrated in the autumn, symbolizing the harvest season, when nature begins to retreat after a period of abundance. Spiritually, this Navratri is about reflection and gratitude for the year’s blessings.
Thus, the two Navratris are celebrated to maintain the balance between growth and reflection, aligning human life with the cycles of nature.
Differences Between the Two Navratris
Seasonal Significance:
• Chaitra Navratri coincides with spring (new beginnings, renewal).
• Sharad Navratri is celebrated during autumn (harvest, reflection).
Festivities:
• Chaitra Navratri is less commercialized compared to Sharad Navratri, which sees larger festivities, fairs, and cultural events.
• Sharad Navratri is associated with Dussehra, a grand celebration across India, while Chaitra Navratri ends with Ram Navami.
Rituals and Celebrations:
Though the core rituals of fasting, prayers, and worship of Maa Durga remain the same, the local customs and traditions can vary between the two.
What to Do During These Two Navratris?
Whether it’s Chaitra Navratri or Sharad Navratri, the spiritual practices remain aligned with invoking Goddess Durga’s blessings. Here’s what you can do during these sacred nine days:
• Fasting: Many devotees observe fasts during these days to purify the mind and body, focusing on spiritual growth. You can fast for all nine days or choose specific days such as the first and last day of Navratri.
• Durga Puja: Performing Durga Puja daily is considered auspicious. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, and special foods to the goddess and chant mantras to invoke her blessings.
• Reciting Durga Chalisa: Reading the Durga Chalisa is a powerful way to connect with the energy of Maa Durga and seek her protection and guidance during these nine days.
• Meditation and Mantra Chanting: Chanting mantras like the 32 Names of Maa Durga can amplify your spiritual practices and help you align with the energy of the Maa Durga.
• Donating and Helping Others: During Navratri, helping the needy and donating food or clothes is considered highly meritorious. It brings good karma and purifies the soul.
• Kuldevi Worship: Many families worship their Kuldevi (family deity) during Navratri to seek blessings for protection and family well-being.
Navratri is celebrated twice a year to maintain the balance between nature’s cycles and our spiritual journey. Both Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri are opportunities for spiritual growth, reflection, and renewal. By fasting, meditating, and worshipping Maa Durga during these periods, devotees can cleanse their body, mind, and soul, inviting divine energy into their lives.
Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam