Happy Navratri !

The festival of Navratri is one of the most widely celebrated, vibrant Hindu festivals and it has been designed to worship Mataji (Mother Goddess) for nine nights.

There are several mythological stories associated with this festival of Navratri and accordingly, it is celebrated in different ways all over the country with great enthusiasm and vigour.

In India, Mataji is referred to by various different names such as Amba Mata, Saraswati Devi, Lakshmi Devi, Ma Durga, Ma Kali etc. There is a deeper purpose behind the worship of each of these Goddesses. These Goddesses cannot destroy one’s sins, but they do give great energy to the prakruti (the inherent characteristic traits of one’s personality).

Each Goddess has her own set of rules and the Goddesses get pleased when we abide by those rules. So come, let us know some more about each of these Matajis (Goddesses) and their respective rules too:

1. Goddess Amba 

Goddess Amba symbolizes power and purity!

Goddess Ambika is adhya shakti i.e. the original energy force. By worshipping her with great devotion, one's prakruti (nature) becomes natural. To be natural means to be spontaneous without any interference of our mind, intellect or ego. Navratri provides one of the best occasions to do such worship. So come, let's immerse ourself in worship of Goddess Amba and thereby overcome all the worldly obstacles.

Rules of Amba Ma – Amba Mataji is pleased when she sees us persevere to come in our natural state. Param Pujya Dadaji says, “We are Goddess Amba’s one and only son and that is why she gives us so much protection.” 

2. Goddess Saraswati

Goddess Saraswati symbolizes Knowledge!

Param Pujya Dadashri says that, “If you abide by all the rules that apply to speech, then Goddess Saraswati will be pleased with you. One must speak the truth but there must be a firm intention of benefit of others too present in that truth.”

Rules of Goddess Saraswati – Saraswati Ma is pleased when we refrain from misuse of our speech by saying lies or using foul language or by uttering speech for some malign selfish reasons, etc. 

3. Goddess Laxmiji

Goddess Laxmiji symbolizes Wealth!

The wealth or money that we earn in life is a result of our past karmas. Money never brings peace to those who are greedy or who deceive people in order to acquire more wealth. Laxmiji flows where there is no stealing through the mind, speech or body. Hence, Dadashri says, “If you want ultimate liberation then take only that money which is rightfully yours. Do not take away anyone else’s money forcefully or through devious means.”

Rules of Goddess Laxmi – Laxmi Mataji is pleased when we refrain from making money or taking money through any kind of dishonest means.

For those who want to progress ahead in life, it is important to follow the rules of all Goddesses. The festival of Navratri gives us a great opportunity to strengthen our devotion towards the Goddesses by understanding the true significance and purpose behind their worship. This helps us not only in leading a happy worldly life but also in turn; it enables us to move ahead on the path of liberation too.