WORSHIP OF SHAKTI-DEVOTION MATTERS MORE THAN MANTRAS:MAHENDRA TIWARI

WORSHIP OF SHAKTI-DEVOTION MATTERS MORE THAN MANTRAS:MAHENDRA TIWARI

11-OCT-ENG 10

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------------India is a sacred land of festivals and celebrations. Every festival celebrated here holds its own unique spiritual and cultural significance. Among these, *Sharadiya Navaratri* holds a particularly distinguished and sacred place. 'Nava' means nine, and 'Ratri' refers to a period of nights; it is a holy span of nine nights and ten days during which the special grace of *Adi Shakti* (Primordial Energy)—Mother Bhagwati—showers upon the entire universe. Navaratri is not merely an ordinary fast or celebration; it is a rare opportunity for the purification of the human mind and soul and for the accumulation of divine energy. This period paves the way for us to awaken our inner energy and move from the darkness of ignorance—prevalent in life—towards the light of knowledge.

*Sharadiya Navaratri* arrives at the transition point between the end of the monsoon season and the onset of winter. Nature adorns itself in a new guise during this time, and the entire atmosphere is imbued with a sense of freshness and sanctity. Throughout these nine nights, nine distinct forms of Mother Durga are worshipped. Each form carries a unique message and significance. These forms of the Mother inspire us with courage, patience, compassion, and the spirit of victory as we navigate the various stages and struggles of life. This festival of worshipping *Shakti* (Divine Power) teaches us that possessing such power is essential for upholding truth and righteousness (*Dharma*). Peace and progress cannot even be imagined without *Shakti*. This power is not merely physical; it is also mental and spiritual.

According to the worship rituals outlined in the 'Aaram Se' column published in the *Hindi Milap* newspaper, the observance of Navaratri is simple, systematic, and deeply devotional. Any auspicious or sacred undertaking invariably begins with the worship of Lord Shri Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Even during Navratri worship, it is considered mandatory to first remember and worship Lord Gajanan. The devotee makes a *Sankalp* (solemn vow) while holding sacred water, *Akshat* (unbroken rice grains), and flowers in their hand. A *Sankalp* is a form of firm resolve. The devotee prays to the Mother, saying, "O Jagadamba (Mother of the Universe), I invoke You from the depths of my heart to fulfill my vow through this sacred worship and fast." Following the *Sankalp*, the ritualistic worship commences using water, *Akshat*, and *Kumkum* (vermilion).

The first step in the main sequence of worship is the invocation and meditation (*Dhyan*) of the Mother. Closing their eyes, the devotee meditates upon that divine and magnificent form of Mother Bhagwati—the form she assumed when Lord Vishnu was immersed in *Yoganidra* (cosmic slumber) and she manifested to slay the fearsome demons Madhu and Kaitabh in order to protect the universe. This stage of meditation serves as a means to liberate the mind from worldly concerns and focus it entirely at the Mother's feet. When the mind becomes fully concentrated, one begins to experience the Mother's presence within the heart.

After meditation, the ritual of bathing the Mother takes place. First, the idol or *Yantra* of the Mother is bathed with pure, sacred water. Subsequently, a bath with *Panchamrit* is performed. *Panchamrit* is a mixture of five highly sacred ingredients: cow's milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar. While performing the bath, the devotee holds the sentiment: "O Mahadevi, this exquisite *Panchamrit*—prepared from milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar—is presented in Your service; please accept it." Following the *Panchamrit* bath, the deity is bathed once more with pure water to ensure the Mother's sacred image is completely cleansed.

After the bath comes the stage of *Shringar* (adornment) of the Mother. Exquisite and sacred garments are offered to Mother Bhagwati. Along with the main garment, an *Upavastra* (an additional or supplementary cloth) is also offered. Following this, a *tilak* of sandalwood paste and vermilion is applied to the forehead, symbolizing good fortune and marital bliss. The Mother Goddess is adorned with a garland of fresh, fragrant flowers. While offering the sacred attire, the devotee prays: "O Goddess, I dedicate to You this exquisite and captivating garment, beautifully embellished with intricate floral patterns, *zari* (gold/silver thread) work, and decorative borders." This act of adornment teaches us to cultivate beauty, purity, and virtuous qualities in our own lives.

After the adornment, *Bhog* (sacred food offering) is presented to the Goddess, and the *Deep Darshan* (showing of the sacred lamp) takes place. Various fine offerings (*Naivedya*), seasonal fruits, and delicious sweets are placed before the Goddess with deep reverence. Subsequently, fragrant incense and a lamp are lit and shown to Her. The light of the lamp symbolizes knowledge, while the fragrance of the incense reflects the purity of our prayers; this light conveys the message of dispelling the darkness of ignorance and evil.

The final stage of the worship involves the *Aarti*, *Pradakshina* (circumambulation), and a prayer for forgiveness. Camphor is specifically used for the *Aarti*; wicks—arranged in sets of one, three, five, seven, or more—are lit alongside the camphor to perform the auspicious *Aarti* of the Goddess. Camphor burns away completely, leaving no residue; this signifies that our ego, too, should be utterly consumed and dissolved in the presence of the Mother. After the *Aarti*, the devotee performs *Pradakshina* by turning around in a circle at their place. Finally, the most significant part is the prayer for forgiveness. With folded hands, the devotee prays: "O Mother, I possess neither profound knowledge of devotion to You nor familiarity with the complex mantras of worship. Please accept—with Your boundless grace—the worship I have offered according to my limited intellect and capacity, deeming it complete, and forgive all my errors." The most fundamental and significant essence of Navratri worship is that even if one forgets a mantra or misses an offering item during the ritual Even if some rituals are missed, there should be no diminution in the seeker's devotion and faith. Jagadamba—the all-benevolent Mahadevi—is pleased even with worship performed out of ignorance or in excess, for she looks only at the sincere sentiment of her devotees. Purity of heart holds greater importance than ritualistic formalities.

This sacred festival also conveys a profound social and spiritual message. It teaches us that the Goddess resides within every woman in the world. Respecting women, upholding their dignity, and according them their rightful place in society constitutes true worship of the Goddess. No act of worship or observance of a fast can bear fruit unless women are respected in society. It is through this worship of *Shakti* (Divine Power) that the darkness of ignorance and vice pervading our personal and social lives is dispelled.

That is why *Sharadiya Navaratri*—occurring just before the grand festival of Diwali—is not merely a celebration; it is a vital spiritual prelude to the festival of lights. During Navaratri, we cultivate inner strength and purity so that, on Diwali, we may fully illuminate the lamps of our inner selves with the light of truth and knowledge. This entire period paves a divine path leading us from darkness to light, from falsehood to truth, and from mortality to immortality. The true significance of this festival lies in the hope that this worship of the Mother fills our lives with happiness, peace, prosperity, and immense success.