Sahaja Yoga is an ancient form of meditation that brings about inner peace in a human being. One is able to achieve his 'yoga' or union with the divine energy, through the spontaneous awakening of the inner energy known as 'Kundalini'. This establishes an inner state, when one is at peace with himself and his surroundings, the state of pure witness and 'thoughtless awareness'. Sahaja Yoga was founded by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in 1970 and is widely practiced in over 120 nations today.
Navaratri 2014
Ghatasthapana - Navaratri Day 1 - September 25
Chandra Darshan, Dwitiya - September 26
Sindur Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja, Tritiya - September 27
Varadvinayak Chaturthi - September 28
Upang Lalita Vrat, Skandamata Puja - September 29
Katyayani Puja, Shashthi - September 30
Saraswati Awahan, Kalaratri Puja, Saptami - October 1
Shri Durga Mahashtami, Saraswati Puja - October 2
Sharad Navaratri ends - Ram Navaratri Day 9 - October 3
Dassera - October 4
Thursday 25 September - 1st Night of Navaratri - Pratipada
Shri Ganesha is worshipped and it is observed as a day of silence.
We take the name Shrī Shaila-putrī (Daughter of the mountain). The embodiment of the power of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, She rides a bull and carries a trident and a lotus in Her two hands. The first day of Navaratri signifies God's desire to create the universe which is called Ghata Sthapana (Laying of the foundation) and Shri Ganesha is worshipped as the first creation. Ghata Sthapana also involves symbolically growing grains in a Kalash (copper pot).
Friday 26 September - 2nd Night of Navaratri - Dwittiya
The Devi Suktam is recited and Goddess Mahakali is worshipped.
We take the name Shrī Brahma-chārinī (The one who observes the state of celibacy). She holds a rosary in her right hand and a water utensil in her left hand. She is blissful and endows happiness, peace, prosperity and grace.
Saturday 27 September - 3rd Night of Navaratri - Tritiya
The Kavach of the Devi is recited today.
We take the name Shrī Chandra-ghantā (Adorned with the moon as Her bell). She has a half moon on her forehead in the shape of a 'ghanta' or bell. She is charming, has a golden bright complexion and rides a lion. She has ten hands, three eyes and holds weapons in her hands. She is the epitome of bravery and possesses great strength to fight in the battle against the demons.
Sunday 28 September - 4th Night of Navaratri - Chathurthi
The Kavach of the Devi is again recited.
We take the name Shrī Kūsh-māndā (The one whose void contains the universe). She is considered the creator of the universe. Often She is depicted as having eight or ten hands. She holds weapons, glitter, rosary, etc, in Her hands, and She rides a lion.
Monday 29 September - 5th Night of Navaratri - Panchami
The love of Shri Jagadamba is expressed by reciting the Shri Argala Stotram. On this day we pray for the complete balance and sustenance of our Self-realisation.
We take the name of Shrī Skanda-mātā (The mother of Shri Kartikeya). She holds a lotus in one hand and the baby Shri Kartikeya in another. She destroys the demons Chanda and Munda on this night, hence She is also known as Shrī Chāmundā. Jogawa is sung.
Tuesday 30 September - 6th Night of Navaratri - Shashti
We worship all the Shakti powers. We take the name Shrī Kātyāyanī (The foster-daughter of Sage Katyayana). Sage Katyayana underwent long austerities and penance in order to receive the grace of the Mother Goddess. He wished to have a daughter in the form of a goddess. According to his wish and desire the Mother Goddess granted his request and took an incarnation as Shri Durga. On this night we pray for Shraddha (faith) and Bhakti (devotion) and that all our Shakti powers get awakened.
Wednesday 1 October - 7th Night of Navaratri - Saptami
The Shri Devi Atharva Shirsham is read (from the Durga Saptashati), where the Supreme Devi Herself speaks to all the devas.
We take the name Shrī Kāla-rātrī (The dark night of dissolution).
Thursday 2 October - 8th Night of Navaratri - Ashtami
Shri Mahalakshmi is worshipped on this day. The Shri Mahalakshmi stotram is sung and the Shri Narayani stuti (the 11th chapter of the Devi Mahatmyam or Durga Saptashati) is read. We take the name Shrī Mahā-gaurī and worship the Adi Kundalini.
Shri Mahalakshmi is the channel of the Kundalini.
Friday 3 October - 9th Night of Navaratri - Navami
We take the name Shrī Siddhi-dātrī (The bestower of fulfilment and divine powers).
The demon Mahishasura is killed on this day, so we sing 'Ai Giri Nandini'.
Saturday 4 October - 10th Night of Navaratri - Vijaya Dashami
Today is the day of victory. We celebrate the Dassera Festival, when Shri Rama destroyed the demon Ravana.