Vasantha Navarathri
Vasantha means “spring” Nava means “Nine” and ratris means “Nights”. Vasantha Navarathri or the nine nights of spring, fall in the Vedic calendar in the month of Chaitra (spring). The Divine Mother or the Adiparashakti (Supreme Power) in one of her immanent forms manifests through the Nature, as flowers blossom and trees turn green in spring. Hence, Spring is the season of rejuvenating of life and natures turns beautiful with all animals coming back from their hibernations, birds chirping and flying happily in the sky, grass turns lush green, all plants and trees blooming with colorful flowers and fruits. As for the Mother Earth, She is the provider of vegetation, shelter and nourishment to everyone. Therefore the Hindu Shastras claim that – The reverence for the earth spares us catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods and tsunamis. The Divine Mother’s transcendent power showers prosperity and joy to all Her devotees who pray perform Pooja which is offer prayer through the rituals such as (1) Abhishekam – the bathing ceremony and (2) Homa – the fire ceremony.
As we all know, time is the key to many things in life. For every event to attain success or run smoothly, grow and thrive well, it is essential that the event must begin at right time for it develop and grow successfully. Nature reflects this example with the onset spring, resulting in the growth and re-growth of all grass, plants, trees, flowering etc. Similarly for all our mental (Manasika), spiritual (Adhyatmika), material (Lokaika) progress, prosperity and success, it is important that we initiate things or events during the Holy, Auspicious time of Vasantha Navarathri. Just like seedlings grow fast, nurture and establish well during the spring with right amount of sunlight, soil and water. Similarly, Birds build nests, lay eggs and take good care of their little ones. Our prayers offered to the Mother Divine with humble devotion and unlimited gratitude, during this auspicious time of Vasantha Navarathri will result in yielding mental peace and good health, financial growth and prosperity, victory over obstacles and success in all events and such many other benefits.
Vedic Yagya Center will be performing Special Poojas (the rituals such as Abhishekam – the holy bathing ceremonies to the Deities and Homas – the fire ceremonies with the offerings of lotus flowers, Honey, some special herbs) during the Vasantha Navarathri – the Nine Sacred Nights of Spring. The schedule of various events by Vedic Yagya Center is as follows:
During Vasantha Navarathri, Nature which is the Representation of God is in the most Generous Form like a mother is to the child. Hence the Mother Divine is prayed to and Her blessings are sought after.
Mother Divine is known by innumerable names, one of which is – Sri Mahalakshmi (The great Goddess of wealth & Prosperity).She is offered lotus flowers: “Padmapriye Padmini Padmahaste Padmalaye, Padmadalaya dakshi……” (One who resides in Lotus, Looks like Lotus, Smells like lotus, loves & holds lotus flowers, and has eyes that are shaped like lotus petals). According to the scriptures Mantra Maharnava, the Lakshmi Homas (the fire ceremony with lotus flowers) offered with complete love, faith and devotion to the Divine Mother during this Holy Vasantha Navarathi time is extremely propitious. The great Godess showers prosperity to all (Growth in riches, Success in business, Progress in all parts of life, better financial, better financial opportunities, gaining lost wealty & glory etc.).
Meaning of Vasanta Navaratri:-
Vasanta Navaratri - The main purpose of celebrating this Navaratri is to welcome seasonal changes as the other festivals of the year start with Vasanta Navaratri. The tradition of worshipping the power of Shakti is followed as it was started by our ancestors.
All though Vasanta Navaratri is dedicated to nine forms of Shakti but Rama and Hanumana are also worshipped during this period, as God Rama was born on the last of day Navaratri, which is also called Ram Navami. The other legend that is associated with this festival is the story of prince Sudarsana, who won the battle against King Yudhajit after with the help of Shakti. After the victory prince Sudarsana worshipped Devi along with his wife and Father-in-law, as Devi was pleased, she ordered them to perform her havan and other means during the Vasanta Navratri. Since then this Navaratri is celebrated as Vasanta Navaratri. Sri Rama and Lakshmana being the descendants of King Sudarsana also performed havan during Vasanta Navaratri and as a result Devi helped them in the recovery of Sita.
The Story (or) Origin of Vasanta Navaratri:-
In days long gone by, King Dhruvasindu was killed by a lion when he went out hunting. Preparations were made to crown the prince Sudarsana. But, King Yudhajit of Ujjain, the father of Queen Lilavati, and King Virasena of Kalinga, the father of Queen Manorama, were each desirous of securing the Kosala throne for their respective grandsons.
They fought with each other. King Virasena was killed in the battle. Manorama fled to the forest with Prince Sudarsana and a eunuch. They took refuge in the hermitage of Rishi Bharadwaja.
The victor, King Yudhajit, thereupon crowned his grandson, Satrujit, at Ayodhya, the capital of Kosala. He then went out in search of Manorama and her son. The Rishi said that he would not give up those who had sought protection under him. Yudhajit became furious. He wanted to attack the Rishi. But, his minister told him about the truth of the Rishi’s statement. Yudhajit returned to his capital
Fortune smiled on Prince Sudarsana. A hermit’s son came one day and called the eunuch by his Sanskrit name Kleeba. The prince caught the first syllable Kli and began to pronounce it as Kleem. This syllable happened to be a powerful, sacred Mantra. It is the Bija Akshara (root syllable) of the Divine Mother. The Prince obtained peace of mind and the Grace of the Divine Mother by the repeated utterance of this syllable. Devi appeared to him, blessed him and granted him divine weapons and an inexhaustible quiver.
The emissaries of the king of Benares or Varanasi passed through the Ashram of the Rishi and,
when they saw the noble prince Sudarsana, they recommended him to Princess Sashikala, the daughter of the king of Benares.
The ceremony at which the princess was to choose her spouse was arranged. Sashikala at once chose Sudarsana. They were duly wedded. King Yudhajit, who had been present at the function, began to fight with the king of Benares. Devi helped Sudarsana and his father-in-law. Yudhajit mocked Her, upon which Devi promptly reduced Yudhajit and his army to ashes.
Thus Sudarsana, with his wife and his father-in-law, praised Devi. She was highly pleased and ordered them to perform Her worship with havan and other means during the Vasanta Navaratri. Then She disappeared.
Prince Sudarsana and Sashikala returned to the Ashram of Rishi Bharadwaja. The great Rishi blessed them and crowned Sudarsana as the king of Kosala. Sudarsana and Sashikala and the king of Benares implicitly carried out the commands of the Divine Mother and performed worship in a splendid manner during the Vasanta Navaratri.
Sudarsana’s descendants, namely, Sri Rama and Lakshmana, also performed worship of Devi during the Vasanta Navaratri and were blessed with Her assistance in the recovery of Sita.
Rituals Followed in Vasant Chaitra Navratri:-
Pooja is started after taking bath in the morning and wearing new clothes. Before the pooja kalash is filled with water and mango leaves are placed at the mouth of the kalash. Tie the moli on the pitcher of the Kalash. The idol or picture of Maa Durga should be kept in pooja room and worship her with roli, chawal, flowers, kumkum and balepatra. After that add a burning coal to the clay pot and pour ghee over it. To make the coal burning one can use Kapoor over it. Ghee needs to be added to coal at regular intervals so that the light can be on during the pooja. After the completion of pooja encircle the flame for three times and join the hands. Durga Saptashati or Devi Kavach can be enchanted during the pooja. On the last day Lord Rama is being worshipped by keeping the mandap in the north side of the house and making the Vedi in the middle. . Shri Ram and Sita’s idol is being kept on the vedi and the mantra is being recited followed by diya, rice, incense sticks, flowers and scent. After this kapur and diya with either one wick or five wicks is being lit in ghee and aarti is being conducted.
Significance of Vasant Chaitra Navratri:-
Navratri Pooja helps to invoke energy aspect of God in the form of universal mother, who is considered to be the removal of miseries of life. Worship of Shakti reconfirms the scientific theory that energy is imperishable. Lord Rama is being worshipped in the country as an inspiration of an ideal man. The one who is true and good in every aspect in being a perfect man, a mighty king, an ideal son, a wonderful husband, an ideal brother and a great father. He is simply not sought as a hero but a perfect man.
Benefits of Vasant Chaitra Navratri:-
Vasant Chaitra Navratri pooja brings happiness and prosperity in the life. Maa durga releases the person from all the distress of life to live a happy life. Worshipping all forms of Shakti makes the person to inculcate all the Shakti in oneself. A person achieves knowledge, strength and wealth. Lord Rama is worshipped to achieve wisdom, happiness, prosperity and longevity. People also keep fasts on Ram Navami to get rid of all the sins that they committed in their life. It is believed that people keeping fasts on this auspicious day are blessed with all the things that they desire.
Day 1:-
The FIRST day of the celebration, we propitiate the Goddess Bharathi.
Bharathi – The Goddess of Music and Poetry
The word Bharathi in Sanskrit has 42 meanings; the most prominent of them is “to relieve.” Music, in whatever genre and form, is one of the best forms of stress relief. Bharathi is the Goddess who should be invoked by all those who are in the field of music, song, and poetry.
Significance:-
On this day, the Moon will be in the star Ashwini, in the sign Aries. The Moon shares this sign with Mercury. This is the apt day to seek blessings and involve the Goddess of Music and Poetry. This is the right day to convert your impulses into thoughts and your thoughts into actions.
Meditate on the Goddess Bharathi by focussing on your throat, i.e. Vishudhi Chakra.
Mantram:- AUM BHARATHYAI NAMAHA for 9 times
Day 2:-
The SECOND day of the celebration, we propitiate Goddess Saraswathi.
Saraswathi – the Goddess of Creative Intelligence
Creativity is the seed for creation. Creativity triggers are ever-active for those whose minds, intellect, and alertness are in perfect harmony with each other. Saraswati represents creativity that unites vital cosmic energy and human life-force. The Sanskrit word rasa means “flavor.” Those who are in the field of arts should exclusively focus on the form of Saraswathi.
Significance:-
On this day, the Moon will be in the star Bharani, in the sign Aries. The Moon shares this sign with Mercury. The star lord Venus is exalted in the sign Pisces, ruled by Jupiter. On this Venusian energy day, it is good to invoke the Goddess of Creative Intelligence. This day will help you excavate your inner urge for creativity.
Meditate on Goddess Saraswathi by focussing on your naval area, i.e. Manipura Chakra.
Mantram:- AUM SARASWATHYAI NAMAHA for 9 times
Day 3:-
The THIRD day of the celebration, we propitiate two Goddesses, Sharadha and Hamsavahini.
Sharadha – The Goddess of Deeper Knowledge
Invoking this form of the Goddess helps us in finding methods to gain deeper insights in whatever fields that we are working in. Those who are in the field of research and development should definitely invoke her.
Significance:-
On this morning, the Moon will be in the star Krittika, in the sign Taurus. This star refers to the fire element, which relates to the ability of the mind to assimilate new knowledge. The star lord Sun will be in the sign Pisces, ruled by Jupiter, along with exalted Venus. This is the best day to commence any research activity, to satiate your thirst for knowing more and widening the scope of your information and learning.
Meditate on Goddess Sharadha by focussing on your heart chakra, i.e. Anahata.
Mantram:- AUM SHARADHAAYAI NAMAHA for 9 times
Hamsavahini – The Goddess of Thoughts and Mental Awareness
Hamsavahini literally means “one who rides a swan.” Invoking this form of the Goddess will help you discriminate between right and wrong thoughts. By constantly watching your thoughts, you rise to that awareness level where your mental antennas are always tuned to attract positive, powerful, and beneficial thoughts from the universe.
Significance:-
On this evening at 6:00 p.m. IST, the Moon will be in its own star, Rohini, in the sign Taurus. This is the best day to delve deeper within yourself to observe the type of thoughts that surface in your mind the most. Pray for tuning your mental antenna to rid yourself of negative thoughts, anxiety, and illusionary fear about your future.
Rohini refers to the growing one, so invoking positive thoughts and energy by invoking the Goddess of thoughts and seeking her help to tune your mind to conduce positive thoughts will give exponential results.
Meditate on Goddess Hamsavahini by focussing at the meeting point of your eyebrows, i.e. Ajna Chakra.
Mantram:-AUM HAMSA VAAHINYAI NAMAHA for 9 times
Day 4:-
The FOURTH day of the celebration, we propitiate Goddess JAGATIKHYATA.
Jagatikhyata –The Goddess of Fame and Popularity
Jagat means “world,” and kyata means “fame.” Jagatikhyata endows one with great fame and popularity. She basically is the rewarding Goddess who rewards one for their good deeds for the collective benefit. She creates opportunities for you to open up to the world and perform many meritorious deeds within your capacity from time to time.
Significance:-
On this day, the Moon will be in the star Mrigasira, in the sign Gemini. The star Mrigasira is ruled by the Mars. This day is filled with martian energy. The day lord and the star lord is Mars. The Moon also receives the aspect from Mars. The energy of this day makes invoking the Goddess of Fame easier to bestow opportunity and popularity.
Meditate on Goddess Jagatikhyata by focussing on your heart chakra, Anahata
Mantram: -AUM JAGATI KHYATAYAI NAMAHA for 9 times
Day 5:-
The FIFTH day of the celebration, we propitiate Goddess VAGEESHWARI.
Vageeshwari – The Goddess of Speech
Vaak means “word,” and Eshwari means “one who rules over.” Vageeshwari, the goddess of Speech, when meditated upon relieves us from defective speech and helps us in using the right words at the right time. Aspiring orators, those in the profession of teaching, and every professional who needs the “gift of gab” to run their business should invoke Vageeshwari.
Significance:-
On this day, the Moon will be in the star Arudra, in the sign Gemini, ruled by Mercury. The star lord Rahu will be in the 3rd House from the Moon; the 3rd House signifies the House of Speech. The Moon will be in the sign ruled by Mercury, who signifies speech and communication. This is the perfect day to ask for Vaak sidhi and take a vow to speak positive and kind words.
Meditate on Goddess Vageeshwari by focussing on your throat area, i.e. Vishudhi Chakra.
Mantram:- AUM VAGEESHWARYAI NAMAHA for 9 times
Day 6:-
The SIXTH day of the celebration, we propitiate two Goddesses, KAUMARI and BRAHMACHARINI.
Kaumari – The Goddess of Beauty and Charm
Kaumari means “a young maiden.” This form of the Goddess gives you beautiful thoughts that lead to charming words and stunningly great actions.
Significance:-
On this day, the Moon will be in the star Punarvasu, in the sign Gemini, ruled by Mercury. The star lord is Jupiter, and he will be in the sign Leo. This is the perfect day to expand your inner beauty, which in turn will reflect outwardly. This is also the best day to start loving the body parts you hate the most or comment about the most.
Meditate on Goddess Kaumari by focussing at the meeting point of your eyebrows i.e. Ajna Chakra
Mantram:- AUM KAUMAARYAI NAMAHA for 9 times
Brahmacharini – The Goddess Who Holds the Logic of the Universe Creation
Brahmacharini literally means “one who practices celibacy,” but the context here is that of one who holds the logic behind the creation of the universe. Brahma is the creator of all the worlds, while the intelligence that worked behind the action of creation is that of the Goddess. Hence, she is referred to as Brahmacharini, meaning “one who remains with Brahma” in the form of intelligence.
Astrological Significance
On this day, the Moon will be in the star Punarvasu, in the sign Gemini, ruled by Mercury. The star lord is Jupiter, and he will be in the sign Leo. This is a good day to seek logical intelligence and to become more creative in whatever you do. This is also the right day to seek compassion and unconditional love towards fellow beings.
Meditate on Goddess Brahmacharini by focussing at the meeting point of your eyebrows i.e. Ajna Chakra.
Mantram:- AUM BRAHMACHAARINYAI NAMAHA for 9 times
Day 7:-
The SEVENTH day of the celebration, we propitiate Goddess BUDDHIDATRI.
Buddhidatri – The Goddess Who Instills Intelligence
Intelligence is the manifestation of multiple factors. It is a combination of the right thoughts, retention of knowledge acquired through various sources, memory recall, and other brain competencies. The Goddess instills and inspires all those faculties, and hence she is referred to as Buddhidatri. Budhi means “intelligence,” and dhatri means “giver.”
Significance:-
On this day, the Moon will be in its own sign, in the star Pushya, ruled by Saturn. Star lord Saturn will be in the 5th House from the Moon, which is the House of Intelligence. The Moon’s placement in its own sign in the star of the intellectual planet makes it very strong. This is the perfect day to enhance your memory and intelligence. This is a good day to recollect, and to retain your good memories and destroy the hurtful ones.
Meditate on Goddess Budhidhatri by focussing at the meeting point of your eyebrows, i.e. Ajna Chakra.
Mantram:- AUM BUDHIDATRYAI NAMAHA for 9 times
Day 8:-
The EIGHTH day of the celebration, we propitiate Goddess VARADAYINI.
Varadayini –The Goddess of Boons
Vara means “boon,” and Dayini means “the bestower.” Any wishes that you have and aspirations to be achieved can be articulated in the form of a prayer and offered at the feet of the Goddess. She helps you realize your dreams.
Significance:-
On this day, the Moon will be in the star Ashlesha, in the sign Cancer, ruled by the Moon. This day is very apt for receiving boons from the Goddess after showing your gratitude to your ancestors and those who have helped you in your life. This day has the good energy of the planets and stars to receive whatever you want with full faith from the Goddess of Boons.
Meditate on Goddess Varadayini by focussing on your heart chakra, i.e. Anahata.
Mantram:- AUM VARADAAYINYAI NAMAHA for 9 times
Day 9:-
The NINTH and concluding day of the celebration, we propitiate two Goddesses: KSHUDRAGHANTA and BHUVANESHWARI.
Kshudraghanta – The Obstacle Remover
The Sanskrit word Kshudra means “terrible or vicious.” Ghanta literally means “bell.” The Goddess is the obstacle remover. She works inside you in a very fascinating way. The more you connect to her, the more her power grows inside you. She strengthens your intuitive power and gives greater awareness about the impediments possible so that you are capable of prevention. She helps you more when you help others.
Meditate on Goddess Kshudraghanta by focussing at the meeting point of your eyebrows, i.e. Ajna Chakra for intuition. You can alternatively focus on your navel area (Manipura Chakra) to dispel fear.
Mantram:- AUM KSHUDRAGHANTAAYAI NAMAHA 9 times each, focussing on Manipura, followed by Ajna.
Significance:-
On this day, the Moon will be in the star Magha, in the sign Leo, ruled by the Sun. The Moon will be sharing this sign with benevolent Jupiter and Rahu. They will receive the aspect from Ketu. This day helps remove all the curses from the past, especially harming animals and reptiles. This will help remove the obstacles that are delaying your progression and success.
As the Moon is associated with Jupiter and Ketu, this day will help you get knowledge to become aware, intuitiveness, and spontaneity by praying to the obstacle-removing Goddess.
Bhuvaneshwari – The Goddess of Universal Consciousness
Bhuvana means “the world,” and Eshwari means “the ruler.” All knowledge should finally lead to the knowing of the self, and thereby the knowing of the universe. Bhuvaneshwari bestows this knowing on those who seek this knowledge. She is the complete incarnation of the Mother Goddess, the ultimate Shakti, who manifests as the force of action in the nucleus of every cell of your being.
Significance:-
On this day, the Moon will be in the star Magha, in the sign Leo, ruled by the Sun. The sign lord Sun will be in an exalted position. The Moon will receive the aspect from Ketu. The Sun is the soul and life-giver. The Moon in this star helps on this day to purify our souls. This is the right day to access the universal energy and seek the blessings of the Goddess.
Meditate on Goddess Bhuvaneshwari by focussing on the crown of your head, i.e. Sahasrara Chakra
Mantram:- AUM BHUVANESHWARYAI NAMAHA for 9 times
Awaken the Shakti – Vasant Navratri
Shakti means “power.” The invocation of Shakti becomes necessary to overcome the negative energies creating unfavorable situations in your life.
During this Vasant Navratri, let the Goddess of Wisdom and Creation:
Destroy all our impurities, vices, and defective thoughts.
Open up the secrets of correct thinking, sound, and speech.
Give us strength and will to transform ideas into the right actions.
Provide divine help in our academic and literary pursuits, music, dance, and creative arts.
Bestow upon us inexhaustible wealth and the abundance to sustain both our own life and the lives of others.
Confer on us the spiritual mastery, transform us, and elevate our consciousness.
The Vasant Navratri also coincides with Ram Navami, which falls on the ninth day of the Chaitra month. Due to this correlation, Vasant Navratri is also known as Ram Navratri.
The above mantras, when practiced for 9 days, will help you witness a high upsurge of energy. Spiritually, this signifies a progressive movement toward satvic principles, eventually resulting in liberation from the imperfections of life.
