HINDU FASTS & FESTIVALS : 3-2.




3. Durga Puja or Navaratri-2.



MOTHER DURGA

The Saviour from all Sorrows and Dangers

The Durga Puja is celebrated in various parts of India in different styles.

But the one basic aim of this celebration is to propitiate Shakti, the Goddess in Her aspect as Power, to bestow upon man all wealth, auspiciousness, prosperity, knowledge (both sacred and secular), and all other potent powers.

Whatever be the particular or special request that everyone may put before the Goddess, whatever boon may be asked of Her, the one thing behind all these is propitiation, worship and linking oneself with Her.

There is no other aim.

This is being effected consciously or unconsciously.

Everyone is blessed with Her loving mercy and is protected by Her.



Durga Puja or Navaratri commences on the first and ends on the tenth day of the bright half of Aswayuja (September-October).

It is held in commemoration of the victory of Durga over Mahishasura, the buffalo-headed demon.

In Bengal Her image is worshipped for nine days and then cast into water.

The tenth day is called Vijaya Dasami or Dussera (the “tenth day”).

Processions with Her image are taken out along the streets of villages and cities.


Swami Sivananda

To be continued  ....




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