This festival too, like the other Navaratris is celebrated for nine days starting from the new moon of the month of Purattasi, and formally commencing from the next day—popularly knowns as Asvayuja Shukla Pratipada (prathamai), and is also known as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati Pooja. This occasion brings immense joy to practitioners, as it is a time of devotion and celebration. During this period, women and men create decorative displays of dolls, known as Kolu, and observe the nine days as a unique festival. Daily, they invite women to their homes, offer them treats like sundal and turmeric, sing devotional songs, and revel in the festivities. According to the Devi Mahatmiyam, this period commemorates Parashakti’s triumph over demons such as Mahishasura, Shumbha, Nishumbha Chanda, Munda, and Raktabeeja, in various forms, to protect the gods. Parashakti is revered as Chandika Parameshwari, and is also called Chamunda since her form and temples are associated with the Navakshari mantra. This Goddess is said to have chanted the Akshara Laksha. The Devi Mahatmiyam, a seven-part text comprising 700 mantras, holds significant spiritual value, and its recitation is believed to require Yogyatha, or a level of spiritual readiness. The text is regarded as a divine revelation by the Goddess herself, of which a part exists in the Markandeya Puranam. “एकैवहं जग ि तीया का ममापरा” “It is only I who exist in this Jagat, and but who could be my second” (It is only Devi who exists in the world, and the universe itself is Her) The only eternal power in the world is the Goddess, and there is no other. All adornments and incarnations belong to her alone. As Saraswati, she grants knowledge and education; as Mahalakshmi, she bestows wealth and sustenance; and as Chamundi Durga or Mahakali, she dispels the fears of her devotees. Despite her many names and forms, the essence of the Goddess remains the same, embodying profound philosophical truth through her various manifestations and decorations. Once, in the country of Kosala, King Dhruvasindhu ruled with two wives. Upon his death, tradition dictated that his first wife’s son, Sudarshana, should inherit the throne. However, the king’s second wife conspired to crown her own son and banished Sudarshana and his mother to the forest. They sought refuge at Bharadwaja Rishi’s ashram, where Sudarshana devoted himself to the worship of Shakti. Pleased by his unwavering devotion, the Mother appeared to him, granting him the divine powers needed to overcome the conspiracy and reclaim his rightful place as king. Seeing Sudarshana’s growing power, the king of Kashi married his daughter to him, forging an alliance with Kosala. This alliance provoked the king of Kosala into battle, where Sudarshana emerged victorious, killing him and becoming the ruler of Kosala—as was meant to be. In gratitude to the Goddess who granted him victory, Sudarshana celebrated for ten days, a tradition believed to have evolved into the modern Navaratri festival. Sharad Navaratri begins on Shukla Pratipada (prathamai) and concludes on Navami, followed by Vijaya Dashami. It is said that listening to or reading the story of Ambal, especially on Ashtami and Navami, protects one from ailments like measles and helps eliminate planetary defects. This practice is also believed to reunite those who are estranged. For those pursuing arts such as music, dance, and sports, or beginning the sacred practice of Vidyabhyasam (Aksharabhyasam), Vijayadashami during Purattasi is considered auspicious. Saraswati Pooja, celebrated during these nine days, honors the Goddess Saraswati, also known as Sharada. The festival emphasizes the need for education, wealth, and courage—qualities essential for a prosperous life. Worship during this time venerates the Goddess in her three aspects: (kalaimagal[sarswathy], Malaimagal[parvathy] and Alaimagal[lakshmi]) with the month of Purattasi itself being associated with Mercury. Everything in life requires power. Just as eyes are needed to see and ears to hear, the faculties we possess enable us to function and achieve success. Without them, life’s potential remains unrealized. To accomplish any task, a source of power is essential, and the ultimate provider of all power is Parashakti. Parashakti is formless, akin to electricity—it cannot be seen but can only be felt. However, when we choose to give this energy a form to worship, it manifests with special attributes. It is said that upon waking each morning, one should first look at their hands and envision Lakshmi at the fingertips, Saraswati in the middle, and Durga at the base, offering prayers to them. Wealth is the foundation of human life, and thus Mahalakshmi, the deity governing wealth, is essential to guide its wise use. Saraswati, the embodiment of education, follows as the guide to wisdom and understanding. Lastly, courage and strength to protect and uphold all achievements are symbolized by Durga. By offering prayers to these three powers each morning, one can invite all the benefits of life with ease. This daily practice was once a staple of traditional life but has gradually diminished, becoming limited to special occasions. Festivals like Navaratri and Shivaratri are observed to ensure that such devotion is maintained at least during these sacred periods. During Navaratri, initiated Shrividya devotees perform Navavarana Pooja in accordance with the Shri Vidya Paddhati, worshipping the divine forms of Lalitha and Durga.
