Navratri and number 9

What is Navratri?

Navratri, or Navaratri, is a Hindu festival to worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Shakti/Devi). It is usually celebrated in the month of October; the dates, however, are determined by the lunar calendar. The word Navaratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit (nava means nine and ratri means night).

Significance of the Nine Nights

The Navratri commences on the first day (pratipada) of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashwin. The nine days of the Navratras are devoted to Maa Durga, Maa Lakshmi and Maa Saraswati, with each goddess being worshipped for three days, respectively.

1st to 3rd Day: The initial days of the Navratras are dedicated to Maa Durga, the Goddess of Valor. During the first three days, Maa Durga is dressed in red and mounted on a lion, and her various incarnations are worshipped. On the very first day of Navratri, barley seeds are sown on a bed of mud prepared in the puja room.

4th to 6th Day: The next three days are devoted to Maa Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. She is dressed in white and mounted on an owl, and is worshipped for peace and prosperity.

7th & 8th Day: The final days are dedicated to Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge. She is being worshipped to acquire spiritual knowledge. Yagna, or holy fire, is performed on the 8th day of the Navratras.

Mahanavami: The 9th and final day of the Navratras is called the Mahanavami, the day when the festival of Navratri culminates. On this final day, nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped and it is known as Kanya Puja.

The festival of Navratri is one of the most celebrated festivals among the Hindus. Dancing, feasting and fasting become the daily routine for the Hindus during the nine days of the Navratras. Although it is celebrated all across India, the festival of Navratri is most popular in Gujarat and Bengal. While Dandiya and Garba Raas are the highlights of the Navratras in Gujarat, people in Bengal pamper themselves with new, bright clothes and indulge in feasting sweets during this festive season.

Now, it is that time of the year again when one needs to get into the festive mood and start chanting 'Bolo Durga Maiyya ki Jai!!!'

Numerological meaning of number 9

This festival is celebrated for nine days. What is the importance of number 9 in numerology? Read on to find out the significance and numerological meaning of number 9:

In numerological world, number 9 is ruled by the Planet Mars. People with ruling number 9 are aggressive, courageous, dashing and quick. They are naturally attracted to people born between July 21 and August 20 and between November 21 and December 20. They also have an affinity for those governed by the numbers 3, 6 and 9. They are very lucky as far as career and financial status are concerned.

In numerology, if you are born on the 9th of the month, you are considered a fighter. You are aggressive and don't stop until you reach your goal. You have a fiery temperament and a dashing personality. You are full of vigour and vitality. You are brave and do not flinch from confrontation or conflict. You are exceedingly devoted to your friends and will go to any lengths to help them. You always sympathize with the underdog. Though you act in good faith, the lack of tact and delicacy in your manner often causes you to be misunderstood. You will need to be more discrete, especially when dealing with friends and relatives.