The 9 Days of Durga Upasana

The Hindu Heritage Society Australia has been hosting the annual Durga Ashtami celebration in Sydney for more than 25 years. This year, Sharadiya Navaratri will commence on October 3rd and run until October 12th, 2024. The HHS grand celebration night will be held on Saturday, October 12th, featuring a Devi Jagaran (Chauki). Dussehra festivities in Sydney will be observed on October 12th and 13th.

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The 9 Days of Durga Upasana

Durga Upasana during Navratri is the worship of Goddess Durga in her different forms. Navratri, meaning "nine nights," is a time of devotion, fasting, and prayer, honoring the divine feminine power. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a specific form of Goddess Durga, with rituals, prayers, and mantras offered for blessings of strength, prosperity, and protection.

The nine days are divided into three parts, each dedicated to a different goddess:

Kali     – The goddess of strength, symbolizing protection and courage.

Lakshmi     – The goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Saraswati     – The goddess of knowledge and wisdom.

Each set of three days represents the training of the human personality on three levels: physical, mental, and intellectual, symbolizing the gradual refinement required to achieve spiritual goals. While Navratri represents a symbolic nine-day period of discipline, true spiritual progress may take several months or even years.

Vijayadashmi

The tenth day, Vijayadashmi, celebrates the triumph of victory, symbolizing enlightenment. On this day, all desires (vasanas) are conquered, and self-knowledge is realized, marking the individual's journey from Jivahood (the embodied soul) to Shivahood (realization of the divine). This day signifies the victory of the spirit over matter, the triumph of divine virtues over evil, and the dispelling of ignorance through wisdom. Durga's victory embodies the triumph of good over evil and the realization of the divine self.

In contemporary terms, Saraswati represents pure science, while Lakshmi symbolizes applied science. Knowledge gained through research (Saraswati) is then applied for human progress (Lakshmi). The worship of Saraswati through learning precedes the worship of Lakshmi through the application of that knowledge for development.

The Legend of Goddess Durga

Goddess Durga was created by the combined energies of the three supreme gods – Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara – to defeat the demons. A powerful light emerged from the mouths of the gods, merging into a single form. 

This light transformed into Durga, also known as Mahamaya. Each god endowed her with powerful weapons: Shivagave a trident, Vishnu a chakra, Varuna a conch, Agni a weapon called Shakti, Vayu a bow and arrow, Indra a thunderbolt and bell, Yama a staff, and the sea provided a noose. Brahma gave her rudraksha beads, the ascetics a water pot, Vishwakarmaweapons and amulets, and the Himalayas offered her a lion as her mount.

Armed with these gifts, Durga unleashed a powerful cry that reverberated across the universe, striking terror in all. In response, the demons sent Mahishasura, a buffalo demon representing the lower, animalistic instincts of humanity, to challenge her. Durga, embodying the higher, noble qualities of humanity in her aggressive form, vanquished Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

• Breakdown of the 9 Days of Durga Upasana
• Day      1 –      Shailaputri (Daughter of the Mountain)
• Symbolizes       purity and balance.
• Color:      Red
• Mantra: Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah

• Day      2 – Brahmacharini     (The Ascetic)
• Represents       devotion and love.
• Color:      Blue
• Mantra: Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah

• Day      3 –     Chandraghanta (The Warrior Goddess)
• Symbolizes       strength and bravery.
• Color:      Yellow
• Mantra: Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah

• Day      4 –     Kushmanda (The Creator of the Universe)
• Brings       health and strength, and created the universe with her smile.
• Color:      Green
• Mantra: Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah

• Day      5 –     Skandamata (Mother of Kartikeya)
• Represents       motherhood and protection.
• Color:      Grey
• Mantra: Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah

• Day      6 – Katyayani     (The Warrior Goddess)
• Worshipped       for success and the defeat of evil.
• Color:      Orange
• Mantra: Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah

• Day      7 – Kalaratri     (The Dark Night)
• Destroys       negative energies and fears.
• Color:      White
• Mantra:      Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah

• Day      8 – Mahagauri     (The Radiant Goddess)
• Symbolizes       purity and wisdom.
• Color:      Pink
• Mantra: Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah

• Day      9 – Siddhidatri     (The Giver of Supernatural Powers)
• Grants       spiritual enlightenment and fulfillment.
• Color:      Purple
• Mantra: Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah

Rituals of Durga Upasana

• Daily      Puja: Each day honors a specific form of Durga through prayer and      offerings.
• Fasting:     Devotees often fast, consuming only fruits or simple meals.
• Mantra      Chanting: Recitation of mantras dedicated to each form of Durga is an      important practice.
• Kanya      Puja: On the eighth or ninth day, young girls are worshipped as      representations of the goddess and given gifts.

Durga Upasana during these nine days is believed to bring strength, peace, and prosperity, while removing obstacles and negative influences.

Shri Durga Chalisa 

Namo Namo Durge Sukh Karani ! Namo Namo Ambe Dukh Harani !!

Nirakar Hai Jyoti Tumhari ,Tihu Lok Pheli Ujayari !!

Shashi Lalat Mukh Mahavishala , Netra Lal Brikutee Vikrala !!

Roop Matu Ko Adhik Suhavey , Darash Karat Jan Ati Sukh Pavay !!

Tum Sansar Shakti Laya Kina ,Paalan Hetu Anna Dhan Dina !!

Annpoorna Hui Jag Paala , Tum Hi Aadi Sundari Bala !!

Pralay Kaal Sab Naashan Haari , Tum Gauri Shiv Shankar Pyari !!

Shiv Yogi Tumharey Guna Gaven , Brahma Vishnu Tumhe Nit Dhyaven !!

Roop Saraswati Ko Tum Dhaara ,De Subuddhi Rishi Muni Ubaara !!

Dharyo Roop Narsimha Ko Amba , Pargat Bhayee Phaad Kar Khamba !!

Raksha Kari Prahlad Bachayo , Hiranakush Ko Swarg Pathayo !!

Lakshmi Roop Dharo Jag Mahi , Shri Narayan Anga Samahi !!

Ksheer Sindhu Mein Karat Vilaasa , Daya Sindhu Deejay Man Aasa !!

Hingalaaj Mein Tumhi Bhavani , Mahima Amit Na Jaat Bakhani !!

Maatangi Dhumavati Mata , Bhunvenshwari Bagla Sukh Daata !!

Shri Bhairav Tara Jag Taarini , Chinna Bhaal Bhav Dukh Nivarini !!

Kehar Vaahan Soh Bhavani , Laangur Veer Chalat Agavaani !!

Kar Mein Khappar Khadag Virajey ,Jaako Dekh Kaal Dar Bhaajey !!

Sohay Astra Aur Trishula ,Jate Uthata Shatru Hiya Shoola !!

Nagarkot Mein Tumhi Virajat , Tihu Lok Mein Danka Baajat !!

Shumbh Nishumbh Daanav Tum Maarey , Rakt Beej Shankhan Sanhaarey !!

Mahishasur Nripa Ati Abhimaani , Jehi Agha Bhaar Mahi Akulani !!

Roop Karaal Kali Ko Dhaara , Sen Sahit Tum Tihi Sanhaara !!

Padi Bheed Santan Par Jab Jab , Bhayee Sahay Maatu Tum Tab Tab !!

Amar Puri Aru Basava Loka , Tab Mahima Sab Raheyn Ashoka !!

Jwaala Mein Hai Jyoti Tumhari ,Tumhe Sada Pujey Nar Nari !!

Prem Bhakti Se Jo Yash Gaavey , Dukh Daaridra Nikat Nahi Aavey !!

Dhyavey Tumhe Jo Nar Man Laai , Janam Maran Taako Chhuti Jaai !!

Jogi Sur-Muni Kahat Pukari , Yog Na Ho Bin Shakti Tumhari !!

Shankar Aacharaj Tap Keenhon , Kaam Krodh Jeet Sab Leenhon !!

Nishdin Dhyan Dharo Shankar Ko , Kaahu Kaal Nahi Sumiro Tumko !!

Shakti Roop Ko Maram Na Paayo , Shakti Gayee Tab Man Pachtaayo !!

Sharnagat Hui Kirti Bakhaani , Jai Jai Jai Jagdamb Bhavani !!

Bhayi Prasan Aadi Jagdamba , Dayi Shakti Nahin Kin Vilamba !!

Moko Maatu Kasht Ati Gero , Tum Bin Kaun Harey Dukh Mero !!

Aasha Trishna Nipat Sataven , Moh Mahadik Sab Binsaven !!

Shatru Naash Keejay Maharani , Sumiro ekachita Tumhen Bhavani !!

Karo Kripa Hey Maatu Dayala , Ridhi Sidhi De Karahu Nihala !!

Jab Lagi Jiyoon Daya Phall Paoon , Tumharo Yash Mein Sada Sunaoon !!

Durga Chalisa Jo Koi Gaavey , Sab Sukh Bhog Param Pad Paavey !!

Devidas Sharan Nij Jaani , Karahu Kripa Jagdamb Bhavani !

Maa Ambey ji Ki Arati

Jai Ambey Gauri Maiya Jai Mangal Moorti Jai Anand Karni,
Tumko Nishdin Dhyavat Hari Brahma Shivji.

Mang Sindoor Virajat Tiko Mrigmad Ko,, Ujjaval Se Dou Naina Chandra Badan Niko.

Kanak Saman Kalever Raktamber Raje,, Rakt Pushp Galmala Kanthan Par Saje.

Kehari Vahan Rajat Khadg Khappardhari,, Sur Nar Munijan Sewat Tinke Dukhhari.

Kanan Kudal Shobhit Nasa Gaj Moti, Kotik Chandra Divaker Sam Rajat Jyoti.

Shumbh Nishumbh Bidare Mahishasur Ghati, Dhumra Vilochan Naina Nishdin Madmati.

Chund Mund Sanhare Shonit Beej Hare, Madhu Kaitabh Dou Mare Sur Bhay Hin Kare.

Brahmani Rudrani Tum Kamla Rani, Agam Nigam Bakhani Tum Shiv Patrani.

Chaunsath Yogini Mangal Gavat Nritya Karat Bhairoo, Bajat Tal Mridang Aru Bajat Damroo.

Tum Hi Jag Ki Mata Tum Hi Ho Bharta, Bhaktan Ki Dukh Harta Sukh Sampati Karta.

Bhuja Char Ati Shobhit Khadg Khappardhari, Manvanchhit Phal Pavat Sewat Nar Nari.

Kanchan Thar Virajat Agar Kapur Bati, Shreemaal Ketu Men Rajat Koti Ratan Jyoti.

Maan Ambeyjee Ki Aarti Jo Koi Nar Gavai, Kahat Shivanand Swami Sukh Sampati Pavai