Today begins Navaratri, which literally means nine nights. It is
one of the most revered celebrations in India. During these nine
nights the Divine mother is worshiped in her three most common
forms. Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The first three nights
Goddess Durga is worshiped -- the second three nights Lakshmi is
worshiped -- a third of the three nights Saraswati is worshiped.
Goddess Durga is related to removing darkness and protecting us
from the part of ourselves that is destructive and stuck in
debilitating and deadening routines. Invoking her mantras and
inviting her grace is to admit that we need help and protection,
mostly from ourselves. Her energy is very humbling. Goddess Durga
is the female expression of Lord Shiva, the God of transformation
and destruction.
Goddess Lakshmi is related to love and prosperity. Once the
darkness and confusion is removed from our hearts, only then can
we truly love and be happy. A mind tangled up in confusion is too
distracted with its own problems. Lakshmi is very much related to
things in life that make us happy. The word "Lakshmi" literally
means "prosperity". Goddess Lakshmi is the female expression of
Lord Vishnu, the God of balance.
Goddess Saraswati is related to creativity, knowledge and truth.
Only when we're happy are we able to learn the truth. Saraswati
is also related to the arts and creativity, as these things lead
us to the truth about ourselves. But in general, Saraswati is
related to the truth of life itself -- the truth that we are all
God. Goddess Saraswati is the daughter of Lord Brahma, the
creator.
After worshiping each Goddess on her three nights, the 10th night
there's a big celebration where her victory over Mahisasura, the
big buffalo demon, is celebrated. At the end of the 10 nights all
facets of divinity on earth have been worshiped and sanctified.
If you have been considering investigating a deeper connection to
spirituality, goddess worship or any kind of greater appreciation
for cosmic truth, the next 10 days will be great opportunities to
see and experience beautiful ceremonies to the Divine mother.
Hindu temples in your area will certainly be worshiping the
Divine mother for the next 10 days.


AUM DUM DURGAYE NAMAHA AUM
AUM SHRI MAHALAKSMAYE NAMAHA AUM
AUM EIM SARASWATAYE NAMAHA AUM