Nine nights/days of Shakti Puja/Upaasana, in adoration of nine manifestations of Durga/Amba.
Vrat and Upavaas
Yajurved says, “व्रतेन दीक्षामाप्नोति – Vraten Deekshamapnoti” – by observing Vrat one reaches purity, perfection and agility. The word ‘vrat’ is derived from the Sanskrit root word which means obedience or duty, right choice, solemn vow or undertaking.
Upavaas is a Sanskrit word, meaning the attainment of mental proximity with the Bhagwan. Vrat is also translated as fasting. In Vrat one resolves not to eat or to abstain from certain foods and acts, for a specified period of time.
In essence, Vrat and Upavaas result in:
- Elimination of negative tendencies
- Raised self-awareness
- Elevation on spiritual path
What heat does to food in cooking, Vrat (Tapas) does to mind in self-development/spiritual development.
How to observe Navaratri Vrat?
Pick any slot of four, six, eight or more hours for fasting during the day for nine days. It is ok to drink water, milk or juice to maintain energy level during fasting period. Chant the following mantra (9 chants) as many times possible during the day, at least once in Puja place at home.
1
Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhuteshu Shakti-Roopena Samsthitaa, Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah.
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता, नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
My pranam to Devi who abides in me and all beings in the form of Strength.
2
Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhuteshu Buddhi-Roopena Samsthitaa, Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah.
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु बुद्धिरूपेण संस्थिता, नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
My pranam to Devi who abides in me and all beings in the form of Intelligence.
3
Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhuteshu Lakshmi-Roopena Samsthitaa, Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah.
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु लक्ष्मीरूपेण संस्थिता, नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
My pranam to Devi who abides in me and all beings in the form of Good Fortune.
4
Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhuteshu Kshaanti-Roopena Samsthitaa, Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah.
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु क्षांतिरूपेण संस्थिता, नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
My pranam to Devi who abides in me and all beings in the form of Forbearance.
5
Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhuteshu Shraddha-Roopena Samsthitaa, Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah.
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु श्रद्धारूपेण संस्थिता, नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
My pranam to Devi who abides in me and all beings in the form of Faith.
6
Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhuteshu Kaanti-Roopena Samsthitaa, Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah.
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु कांतिरूपेण संस्थिता, नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
My pranam to Devi who abides in me and all beings in the form of Beauty.
7
Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhuteshu Tushti-Roopena Samsthitaa, Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah.
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु तुष्टिरूपेण संस्थिता, नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
My pranam to Devi who abides in me and all beings in the form of Contentment.
8
Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhuteshu Dayaa-Roopena Samsthitaa, Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah.
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु दयारूपेण संस्थिता, नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
My pranam to Devi who abides in me and all beings in the form of Kindness.
9
Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhuteshu Shanti-Roopena Samsthitaa, Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah.
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता, नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
My pranam to Devi who abides in me and all beings in the form of Peace.
