What does Navaratri Mean to Me?

Every household gets busy during this period and there is flurry of activities preparing for the much awaited navaratri that comes during the month of October. Many women prepare for fasts, pujas and other festive activities.

Nevertheless the Navaratri that’s coming up is much awaited for and there is excitement for dandiya and many pendals are put up and idols of the goddess is put up and people go there with complete faith and devotion.

Navratri is celebrated four times in a year – Shardiya Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Magha Gupt Navratri and Asadha Gupt Navratri. However, out of these four, Shardiya Navratri and Chaitra Navratri are more popularly observed.

Some might feel intimidated with all the rituals and traditions and shy away from all the rituals practices. Some might even feel that it’s more a compulsion as they don’t get connected.

Everyone’s spiritual journey is different and each one have their own unique experience and path that means a lot to them. I am grateful that I was nudged to write this for those who actually shy away and refuse to get into the process of doing something.

I am writing this especially for woman, as well as men folk are welcomed to take what they feel they would like to take back with them.

1. Being a woman, these nine days you can do a simple thing of just getting dressed up with your best clothes and fine jewelry. Invite people home and do things that make you happy. Ask the other ladies to dress up too and celebrate being a woman. Acknowledge your accomplishments and inner beauty.
2. Those who can manage create a sacred bath, light a candle, make a special body scrub if you can with some gramflour, rose petals, milk, ( you can add some elaichi to bring in abundance and coffee powder to cleanse yourself of any kind of negative intrusion into the aura). You could try it once or use it all the nine days. While you enjoy the sacred bath, you could sing your favorite songs or play music or even chant any mantra if your called to.
3. Make your favorite food for each day that you like, (now if you are person you likes non-vegetarian that’s your choice) I am not here to tell you what you can eat or not eat. But it’s food that you love and yearn to enjoy.
4. Same goes with sweets and savories, each day make one sweet and savory and relish it.
5. Pamper yourself with going for a massage or something like a pedicure.
6. Those who would like to bring some more meaning to their nine days of Navaratri, can make an altar, keep something that makes them happy.
7. You can keep a goddess photo, image if that helps you feel comfortable and grounded, you can keep some like an object or kalash. Even crystals or just a vase and a candle along with it.
8. During these nine days, acknowledge the divine sitting in your heart. Don’t get caught in the drama of what to do? Do what calls out to you.
9. Take time out to mediate and you can use the simple chant of OM or if that doesn’t call out to you just focus on your breath. Let your mind, body and soul align itself and also the the universal consciousness.
10. Help the needy, feed them, give them some clothes if this is within your comfort of spending.
11. Clean your room wardrobe as well as space and remove the unwanted things that have been piling up. Remember even the festival of Diwali is round the corner. This would help you declutter your space as well as make space for new items that can come in.
12. If you are the kind of person who is free spirited, and would love to dance, this is the time to let your hair down, dance and connect to your higer self without any distractions. You can go for Dandiya or anything else that calls out.
13. Similarly if you’re a person into singing, the same applies go for some music concert, or a place where you can sing and connect to your higher-self.
14. Incase you are someone who is not connected to all this, you can take time out to sit in nature, let nature heal you, while you introspect and work on aligning your life to the universal consciousness.

The period of Navratri serves as a period of spiritual cleansing and renewal, where you can engage in prayer, fasting, meditation or anything that calls to you to purify their minds and bodies. By taking time out to observe these practices with sincerity can lead to the attainment of self realization.

It allows individuals to practice self control and attain deeper level of awareness as well as understanding the process of connecting to the universal consciousness.

Connecting with Cosmic Energies: The nights of Navratri are considered potent for spiritual practices. Sadhaks can engage in meditation, prayers, and various rituals to connect with the divine feminine energy.

Embrace the Concept of Detoxification:

1. Physical Detox: Adopting the practice of intermittent fasting or periodic detox, especially during seasonal transitions, can enhance physical health and immunity.
2. Mental Detox: Allocating time for mental health, practicing mindfulness, and focusing on eliminating negative thoughts and emotions are crucial.

Balancing Lifestyle with Nature’s Cycle:

1. Aligning with Natural Rhythms: Understanding and respecting the natural and astronomical cycles and aligning one’s lifestyle accordingly can promote holistic well-being.
2. Seasonal Eating: Adopting a diet that corresponds with the seasonal produce and climate can enhance digestion and immunity.
3. Meditation and Yoga: Incorporating spiritual practices like meditation and yoga into daily life can provide mental peace and clarity.
4. Connecting with the Divine: Engaging in spiritual practices, regardless of religious beliefs, can provide a sense of purpose and direction.

Community and Togetherness:

1. Celebrating Together: Festivals like Navratri promote community bonding. Celebrating, even in small ways, can foster a sense of belonging and togetherness.
2. Cultural Preservation: Upholding traditions and understanding the science and wisdom behind them ensures that they are preserved for future generations.

In essence, Navratri, while being deeply rooted in spirituality and religion, offers a plethora of scientific wisdom and practices that promote well-being on multiple levels. In today’s time and age we spiritual seekers, while navigating through the hustle and bustle of contemporary life, can imbibe these practices to enhance their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, thereby leading a balanced and harmonious life.
So it is

✍️ Written by
Shuddhavidyamba
(Dr. Jayapalashri Anil)
The Spiritual Princess, Samskara Healing