The great festival of Shakti and Sadhana ‘Navratri’ holds a special place in Indian culture. This festival is the festival of worshiping the nine forms of Goddess Durga. During Navratri, devotees fast, recite Durga Saptashati and please the Goddess through special worship. Behind this fast and ritual, a very sacred and inspirational story is prevalent, which is called ‘Shri Durga Navratri Vrat Katha’.
Start of fasting story:
According to the Puranas, the atrocities of Asuras had increased in the three worlds, Earth, heaven and Hades. A powerful Asura named Mahishasura defeated the gods and took control of heaven. When the gods sought help from Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, the three superpowers created a goddess with their glory, who had many powers. This goddess was – Mother Durga.
Mother Durga fought with Mahishasura and her generals for nine days. On the tenth day, Mother killed Mahishasura and established religion. For this reason, the day of Dussehra or Vijayadashami is considered a symbol of the victory of good over evil.
Importance of Navratri fast:
The nine forms of Maa Durga are worshiped on the nine days of Navratri. On the first day, Maa Shailputri, second day Brahmacharini, third day Chandraghanta, fourth day Kushmanda, fifth day Skandmata, Shashtham Din Katyayani, seventh day Kalratri, Eighth day Mahagauri and Ninth Day Siddhidatri are worshiped. Each day has special importance and cultivation method, which provides strength, peace and prosperity to the seeker.
Fasting method:
Navratri fast should be started in the morning and wearing clean clothes by bathing in the morning. Kalash is established after purification from Ganga water at the place of worship of the house. Pooja is organized on the urn using coconut and mango leaves. After this, Mother Durga is called by establishing Ghat. For nine days, the fast should take a sattvik diet and recite the worship of Mother Durga, Durga Saptashati or Goddess Mahatmya.
Shravan of Shri Durga Navratri fast story:
It is considered auspicious to listen to ‘Shri Durga Navratri Vrat Katha’ during the fast. According to the legend, in ancient times there was a businessman who was deprived of child happiness despite being a wealth. He started fasting on Navratri on the advice of Maharishi. Pleased with her reverence, faith and devotion, Mother Durga gave her the boon of son Ratna. This story gives a message that by worshiping the Goddess with a true heart, you get the desired fruit.
Importance of Kanjak Pujan:
On the day of Ashtami and Navami, girls are worshiped and served food. Worshiping the girls as the form of Maa Durga gives the complete result of the fast. It is considered auspicious to feed nine girls and a longer (child) in Kanjak Pujan. They are offered prasad, gram and halwa offerings and blessings are taken by offering gifts.
Benefits of Navratri fast:
Navratri fast purifies both mind and body. The seeker gets self -confidence, mental peace, health benefits and spiritual progress. This fast not only provides worldly happiness and wealth, but also paves the path of salvation. This fast communicates positive energy in life and destroys negative forces.
Epilogue:
Shri Durga Navratri fast story teaches us that impossible can also be possible on the strength of reverence, devotion and penance. By the grace of Mother Durga, the seeker can achieve success in every sphere of life. Therefore, every devotee should listen and worship the story with reverence on this auspicious occasion of Navratri.
