Navarathri
Festival that is held
for nine days during the bright fortnight of Aaswayuja Masam starting from the
first day (Sukla Paadyami) is known as Devi Navarathri or Durga Navarathri.
Literally Navarathri means nine great nights when Goddess Shakthi fought with the
demon Mahishaasura. These nine days are very holy and revered days when the
Almighty is worshipped in feminine form. During Navarathri festival the Mother
Goddess is worshipped mainly in three Divine Energy forms viz…Maha Durga, Maha
Lakshmi and Maha Saraswathi, the embodiments of strength, wealth and knowledge.
Ninth day of Devi Navarathri is known as Maha Navami; on which day a ritual
known as Aayudha Pooja is performed. We find such nine day (Navarathri)
celebrations being held for Lord Sri Rama known as Rama Navarathri, for Lord
Ganesha known as Ganesha Navarathri. Even the Brahmotsavam festival held at
Tirumala for Lord Venkateshwara is also a nine day and night celebration that
is known as Navaraathri Brahmotsavam.
Nava Durga
Goddess
Durga is said to have manifested in nine different forms known as Nava Durga.
They are Shailaputhri; Brahmacharini; Chandraghanta; Kooshmaanda;
Skhandhamatha; Kaathyaayani; Kaalarathri; Maha Gouri; and
Siddhidhaathri. Navadurga Stuthi is based on the above names
Navavidha
Bhakti
Sravanam (hearing about
God); Keerthanam (singing in praise of God); Smaranam (remembering God);
Paada-sevanam (serving the lotus feet of God); Archanam (worshiping God);
Vandanam (obeisance/salutations) Daasyam (serving for the cause of God);
Sakhyam (Mythri; friendship with God) and Aatma Naivedanam (Saranam/ total
surrender to God) are the nine modes of devotion that are paths to liberation.
Nava
Naarasimha
Famous
pilgrim centre, Ahobilam is called Nava Naarasimha Kshethra where, Lord
Naarasimha is said to have manifested in nine different forms (Nava Naarasimha)
within Ahobilam. They are Jwaala Naarasimha, Ahobila Naarasimha, Maalola
Naarasimha, Krodha Naarasimha, Kaaranja Naarasimha, Bhaargava Naarasimha,
Yogaananda Naarasimha, Chatravata Naarasimha, and Paavana Naarasimha. These
nine forms of Lord Naarasimha depicting nine types of reactions are said to be
the governing lords of Navagrahas. Worshiping these nine forms of Lord
Naarasimha is believed to a good remedy for Navagraha Dosha.
Nava Brahmas
Mareechi;
Angeerasa; Pulastya; Pulaha; Krathu; Daksha; Brugu; Vasishta and Athri are the
sons of Lord Brahma grouped as Nava Brahmas.
Nava Naaga
Anantha;
Vaasuki; Sesha; Padmanaabha; Kambala; Sankhapaala; Dhaartharaashtra; Takshaka;
and Kaali are grouped as nine great Naaga Devathas (Serpent Gods) who are
adored in Hindu religion.
Nava Graha
Sun
(Surya); Moon (Chandra); Mars (Kuja or Angaaraka); Mercury (Budha); Jupiter
(Guru or Bruhaspathi); Venus (Sukra); Saturn (Shani); Rahu and Kethu together
are called Nava Grahas. Though Sun is a star and Moon is a satellite and Rahu;
Kethu are shadowy planets, they are referred to as planets in Hindu philosophy
resulting in Nava-Grahas (nine planets)
A
planet or a Graha is a celestial body that has substantial influence on the
living beings on earth. According to Hindu philosophy, Nava Grahas play an important
role in human life. Each Graha has a specific role and signification; they are
the representatives of the Primordial Supreme Lord and are the universe’s
agents for carrying out karmas accumulated throughout the lives current as well
as past. Zodiac is the basis around which these planets keep moving from one
sign (raasi) to the other that is known as planetary transit or gochaara.
Navagraha worship is prevalent in Hindu philosophy since time immemorial
followed by our elders and described in various sacred texts. They form the
pivot around which the concept of astrology rotates.
Navamukhi Rudraaksha
In the concept of Rudraaksha; Navamukhi (nine faced) is known to
represent Nava Durga (nine forms of the Goddess) and its ruling planet is
Kethu. It is believed to bestow upon the wearer energy, dynamism, fearlessness
and spiritual development. It is also used as a remedy for Kethu and Venus
related problems.
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