Yugadi marks the beginning of new year as per Hindu calendar. Today comences Vishvavasu nama samvatsara and is also celebrated as Chaitra Navaratri. Swamiji shared the Yugadi and Chaitra navaratri message.
Swamiji’s message
The Divine Nine Nights of Shakti”या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता।नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥” (“Salutations again and again to the Divine Mother, who resides in all beings as the universal Mother.”)
Introduction
Navaratri, the nine nights of divine worship, is one of the most sacred festivals in the Hindu tradition. It is a celebration of Shakti, the divine feminine energy, and is observed with deep devotion, fasting, prayers, and spiritual discipline. Rooted in the Vedas, Puranas, and Tantra Shastras, Navaratri marks the victory of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance.This festival is observed four times a year, each aligning with a crucial transition in nature. However, Chaitra Navaratri and Sharadiya Navaratri hold the most significance, especially for devotees seeking divine blessings, spiritual elevation, and self-transformation
The Origin of Navaratri
Navaratri has its origins in ancient scriptures and is deeply connected to the worship of Devi Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The Markandeya Purana, especially the Devi Mahatmyam (Durga Saptashati), narrates the battle of Goddess Durga against Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of divine energy over demonic forces. We also see references from Devi Bhagavata Purana, Ramayana,and Mahabharat too.”सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके।शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरी नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥”(“O Goddess, You are the source of all auspiciousness, the consort of Shiva, the giver of boons. We surrender to You, O Narayani!”)
The Four Navaratris & Their Significance
Navaratri is celebrated four times a year, aligning with seasonal transitions that affect both nature and human consciousness.
1. Sharadiya Navaratri (Autumn – Sept/Oct)
• The most popular Navaratri, celebrated in Ashwin month.
• Marks Durga Puja and Vijayadashami.
• Worship of Devi as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
2. Chaitra Navaratri (Spring – March/April)
•Observed in Chaitra month, starting on the first day of the Hindu New Year.
• Ends with Ram Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.
• A time of new beginnings, rejuvenation, and deep spiritual practice.
3 & 4 Gupta Navaratri (Magha – Jan/Feb & Ashadha – June/July)
• More esoteric, followed by Tantrics, Yogis, and Sadhaks Used for mantra siddhi, spiritual purification, and deeper sadhana.Each of these Navaratris serves as a spiritual milestone, allowing devotees to elevate their consciousness and surrender to ShaktiThe Importance of Chaitra Navaratri“चैत्रे मासि जगन्माता प्रकटेन्दु समप्रभा।दर्शनं यच्छति भक्तानां दुर्गतिं नाशयाम्यहम्॥”(“In the month of Chaitra, the Divine Mother appears like the full moon. She blesses Her devotees and removes all suffering.”)
1. A Time for New Beginnings Chaitra Navaratri marks the Hindu New Year. It is a time for self-renewal, setting intentions, and embracing new possibilities.
2. Worship of Divine Shakti Each day of Navaratri is dedicated to one form of Navadurga, from Shailaputri to Siddhidatri, guiding the devotee from material consciousness to spiritual liberation.
3. Celebration of Ram Navami The ninth day (Navami) of Chaitra Navaratri coincides with Lord Rama’s birth, making it highly auspicious. Devotees read the Ramayana, seeking Rama’s blessings for courage, righteousness, and devotion.
4. A Time for Fasting & Purification Fasting (Upavasa) during Chaitra Navaratri helps: Navaratri is not just a festival; it is a journey from ignorance to wisdom, from darkness to light, from fear to strength. It reminds us that within each of us lies Shakti, the power to overcome obstacles, destroy negativity, and manifest divine grace.Let us embrace Chaitra Navaratri with devotion, surrender to the Divine Mother, and embark on the path of vedantic study.”शरणागत दीनार्त परित्राण परायणे।सर्वस्यार्तिहरे देवि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥”(“O Mother, the refuge of the distressed and protector of all beings, we bow to You!”)
Vidya Vahini Trust, Vishvamitra Gurukulam and The light of East wishes everyone a happy Yugadi and Chaitra Navaratri.