The nine-day Maha Navratri is dedicated to the nine forms of Maa Durga and will start from September 26, 2022, with the Ghadasthapana rite, and it will go until Dussehra or Vijayadashami on October 5, 2022.
During the nine days, or on the first two or last two days, people observe fasting. This year, Maha Navami will be celebrated on October 4, while Durga Ashtami falls on October 3. A monster named Mahishasura was slain by Goddess Durga following a protracted struggle lasting nine days, which came to an end on the tenth day as Vijayadashami. As a result, she is referred to as Mahishasuramardini or the slayer of Mahishasur.
Historical Facts About Durga Puja
The nine forms of the Goddess are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. The first day begins with the worship of Mata Shailputri, who is said to be the consort of Lord Shiva and possesses power comparable to that of the trinity of the gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. The second day is dedicated to Bhramacharini Mata, the goddess who practises austerity and blesses the devotees with serenity and joy.
In accordance with mythology, Lord Ram is said to have worshipped all nine incarnations of Goddess Durga in order to receive her abilities before the battle with Ravana. Lord Ram successfully won back Sita on the tenth day, commonly known as Vijaya Dashmi or Dusshera.
It is told in the Devi Bhagavata Purana that on the day of Mahalaya when the ancestors return from the earth, Lord Durga comes to the earth with her family and members. According to the day on which Navratri begins, Maa Durga comes every time in different vahans. The arrival of the mother in different vahans is also a sign of the future, which shows how the coming year will be.
This year the vahans of the Maa Durga will be an elephant as Navratri is starting from Monday. In this regard, it has been written in the Devi Bhagwat book that at the beginning of Navratri on Sundays and Mondays, the mother comes on an elephant, due to which there is a lot of rain.
The arrival of the Maa Durga on an elephant is indicating that this year there will be heavy rainfall and due to this farmers will get benefits in agriculture.
