Navratri - the festival of divine feminism and Meditation

What is Navratri?

Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrating Divine Feminism. This festival spans nine days and nights, during which various forms of the Goddesses, particularly Goddess Durga and Parvati, are revered. Navratri honors different manifestations of divine energy, listed below, and their triumphs over formidable demons.

1. Shailputri

2. Brahmacharini

3. Chandraghanta

4. Kushmanda

5. Skandamata

6. Katyayani

7. Kaalratri

8. Mahagauri

9. Siddhidatri

One notable victory was over the powerful demon Mahishasura, who could not be slain by any man or God. On the 10th day, Goddess Durga emerged victorious. It is believed that Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, was advised to worship the Goddess to secure victory over his foe Ravana. During each of the nine days of this battle, Rama worshipped a different form of the Goddess and ultimately achieved victory on the day following Navratri, known as Vijaya Dashami/Dusshera/Dasara.

What does Navratri mean at the spiritual level?

अन्नं प्राणो मनो बुद्धिर्– आनन्दश्चेति पञ्च ते । कोशास्तैरावृत्तः स्वात्मा, विस्मृत्या संसृतिं व्रजेत्

॥१.३३॥

Annam praanah manah buddhih ānandah iti pañca te, košā taih aavritah svātmā vismritiyā samsritim vajet (1.33)

Panchadasi

The human being consists of several layers or sheaths. The outermost is the annamaya kosha (अन्नमय कोष), or the physical body, nourished by food. The next layer, within the physical body, is the pranamaya kosha (प्राणमय कोष), or the vital body, sustained by water. The vital body, or mental body called manomaya kosha (मनोमय कोष), resides within the pranamaya kosha and is nourished by the subtle elements of our diet. Within the mind is the buddhi (बुद्धि) or intellect, a highly refined form of thought. Within the intellect is the final kosha, Anandamaya kosha, or sheath, known as the causal body, through which we experience bliss during deep sleep.

According to Vedic culture, there are many occasions when the universe aligns energies with the human body and mind, encouraging a transition from the annamaya kosha to the Anandamaya kosha.

Nature plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. It is one of the most effective ways to connect with divine energy. It is said that during the summer solstice (when the Sun reaches its northernmost point of the equator, marking the start of summer) and the winter solstice (marking the shortest day and longest night of the year), the sun reaches extremes. During Navratri, the sun is in the middle, balancing day and night, making it an ideal time for meditation. During Navratri, the environment is conducive to effortless meditation. Meditating during these nine days of the Navratri festival has a lasting effect. The mantras and chants during Navratri help us enter a meditative state more effectively, rejuvenating us and carrying the energy forward for months.

How to meditate during Navratri?

Begin your day by cleansing yourself (taking a shower and wearing clean, comfortable clothes). Perform rituals like lighting a ghee lamp, an incense stick, or a dhoop cone in front of an idol. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. After a few breaths, chant the Navratri beej mantra below:

Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Viche.

Meaning: Om = Sound of Universe.

Aim = Mahasaraswati.

Hrim = MahaLakshmi.

Klim = Maha Kali.

Chamundaye = Chamunda, Slayer of Evil & Devil.

Vichhe = Shield.

OM AIM HREEM KLEEM CHAMUNDAYE VICHCHE is the complete mantra. It signifies that the worship of Goddess Durga removes all types of evil effects, unfavorable influences of negative planets, bad luck, health issues, or problems caused by enemies. This mantra helps create harmony in our relationships.

Repeat the above mantra 108 times continuously at least once during these nine days (recommended daily for 9 days). If you have friends and family, involve them in the rituals and meditation practice. It is believed that practicing in a group multiplies and accelerates the benefits. When everyone meditates together during Navratri, the group consciousness can elevate you faster. This is also why Vedic culture encourages everyone's participation during festivals and rituals.

Note that there are various ways to meditate and perform rituals during Navratri. The above is the simplest method I follow for 9 days. I hope you try it and experience the energy for yourself.