The word ‘Navarathri’ means nine auspicious nights for religious celebration of Durga Lakshmi and Saraswathi. On these nine days the Devotees celebrate this Festival in their homes, schools and working places and Hindu Temples.
These nine nights are the three avatars of Mother Goddess in the Form of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. In other words Malai Magal, Alai Magal and Kalai Magal. Malai Magal means Durga Ma (Mother Durga) who grants us Courage and Victory. By worshipping the Three Mothers we are sure that we will achieve all our wishes.
This Festival occurs during September according to Hindu Calendars. The second three days are celebrated for Sri Mahalakshmi who is the Goddess of Wealth. The last three days are observed for Maha Saraswathi who is the Goddess of Education, Art and Music who is holding a Veena in her hand.
During these nine days varieties of cereals are planted in earthen pots and most of the Devotees observe fasting by breaking rest in the night hours continuously. Idols of the Three Mothers are kept at The Pooja sites which are called and known as Kolu Vaithal in Tamil The 10th day of this Festival is called and known as Wijaya Dhasamy on which day auspicious time is selected to commence First Letter of the Alphabet for Children. This is mostly celebrated in India, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and other countries. The First Letter in Tamil is Akaram (Aana) and in all other languages ‘A’ is the first letter.
In Kerala the first letter is written on the tongue of a Child by the Guru or Teacher with a Golden Ring. On the Wijayadhasamy Day Cutting of Banana Plant is called ‘Mana, Poo’ during the religious Observation of Final Stage. During the nine days of this Festival the devotees observe in austerities, singing of bhakthi songs, musical show and other religious and cultural activities are celebrated on a grand scale.
Both males and females including children take part during this period with religious observations. Sweets, fruits, religious leaves, flowers are offered to Our Mother on this day to fulfil our vows.
More details are given clearly in the Devi Mathmyam. Puranams and other Scriptures of the Four Vedas. In Mahabharatha Arjuna kept his weapon under the banyan tree and prayed for victory which he obtained in the 18 days Mahabharatha Great War. Our Mother is the Avathar of Creating God Brahma, Protective God Maha Vishnu and Rudra as the destroyer at the end. It is of utmost importance that all Hindus and others must pray Maha Sakthi on this Nine Auspicious Day with Full Devotion.
- Pon. Arunassalam, Kotagala Gr. Cor.