Dear Editor,
Did the total solar eclipse on Monday bring or send any message of religious significance to the inhabitants of Planet Earth?
It did blank out parts of North America for as long as four minutes, when the moon passed between the earth and sun, and there was complete darkness as the moon blocked the view of the sun during the hours of 12 and 4:30pm.
We in Guyana were not privileged to experience this phenomenal sight. What we do know is that this exceptional astronomical event is anticipated to bear various astrological repercussions associated with mankind’s welfare. Its scientific but not alien genesis preceded the beginning of the Hindu festival of Navratri, the ending of the Muslims’ fasting month of Ramadan and supervened the Christians’ observance of Lent and the culmination of Easter.
Once again, Hindus: devotees, lovers and followers of Hinduism throughout the world, including in Guyana, are proud and lucky to have the golden opportunity of celebrating Vasant or Chaitra Navratri. Navratri, the auspicious festival of commemorating nine nights/ days of the nine forms of Divinity of the Universal Mother, Durga Mata, is observed twice per year, in Spring (March/April as per the Gregorian calendar), and in Fall, October/November (Sharad Navratri).
This year, Navratri commenced on April 9th and concludes, as usual, with the grand culmination of Ram Navami on April 17th. While most of the customs and rituals are fundamentally the same for both seasons, traditions and practices may vary as per the different ways and means practised in the different parts of India and inherited by the descendants who migrated and settled in various parts of the world. In Maharashtra, for instance, the first day is called Gudi Padwa; and in Kashmir, it is known as Navreh. The first day of Chaitra Navratri falls during the full moon phase, which is known as Shukla Paksha phase, marking the first day of the Hindu calendar.
Ghatasthapana is one of the significant pujas during Navratri, and it marks the beginning of the nine days of festivity. This is the invocation of Goddess Shakti, and must be performed as per the stipulated rules and guidelines of the scriptures.
Nav (nine) Ratri (night), is a dedicated period to specifically revere the Divinity of Mata Durga, who is the Universal Mother. In Shaktism, the word Ratri (night) is symbolically derived from the root ra, “to give,” and is taken to literally mean “the giver” of bliss, peace and happiness.
This is a time when Hindus go the extra mile to prepare themselves mentally, spiritually and physically to undergo this period of penance to include cleansing, fasting, and praying in order to seek the blessings of Mata Uma. Attention is also paid to the surroundings, for cleanliness and the restriction of anything sacrilegious or the consumption of anything considered unholy. Devotees would make a special effort and flock all the mandirs throughout the country, paying obeisance, serenading her numerous names, and glorifying her heroic stories while praying to Amba Maa to satisfy our quest for Her to shelter us under her umbrella of protection and shield us from any form of endangerment.
Durga Maa enjoys being addressed by 108 names, with each adorned with its individual significance. As the Trinity of Parvati, Lakshmi and Sarasvati, the divine mother blossomed from the attributes of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, and gifted with the presents of all the deities and devas.
Identified as AdiShakti (Primal Power), the goddess of war, her manifestation centres around combatting evils and demonic forces that threaten peace, progress, and prosperity. The triumph of good over evil, to restore faith in confidence and reinstate Dharma over Adharma, provides the pinnacle for the essence of Navratri.
And so, the first three nights are dedicated to the feet of Durga Ma, the protector of mankind, who was called upon to reveal Her prowess in her nine Avatars to battle the forces of physical and psychological negativity. The second three nights are exalted to the devotion of Lakshmi Mata, the bestower of health, wealth and prosperity, whom we beseech for material growth, for sustenance and survival, to provide the convenience of comfort. The last three nights are lauded to extol the praises of Sarasvati Ma, the provider of knowledge, who removes nescience and paves the path of acquiring intelligence, so that we function responsibly in society and maintain moral uprightness.
Inasmuch as the joy and fervour remains enthusiastically inclined for devotees to celebrate in all its pomp and glory, we are daily reminded of the demonic prevalence and transgression in society of the types of Madhu & Kaithaba, Dhumralocana, Chanda and Munda, Mahishasur, Raktabija and Shumbha and Nishumbha. Nevertheless, this is the ideal occasion to learn about all The Universal Mother’s features, characteristics, significance, purpose, and scriptural history through the puranas of Maa Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. It is a time to fast, pray, give thanks, and also give to charity.
Prayers and praises to the Universal Mother especially during this period are a cultural event inherited from ancestors from India, and able maintained and glorified by surviving generations.
Durga Saptashati, commonly referred to as Durga Path Pooja, is reverently performed to glorify the name of Durga Devi.
As we wait until 2044 for the next total solar eclipse, may Ma Durga’s blessings be showered on all to enjoy peace, bliss, good health and happiness. Shubh Vasant Navratri.
Yours respectfully,
Jai Lall
