Sharad Navratri 2023: Nine Nights and Nine Incarnations of Maa Durga
Sharad Navratri begins on the first day of the lunar month Ashwin and ends on the tenth day of the lunar month Ashwin. This festival honours Maa Durga and is celebrated with great devotion. It is also known as Durga Puja and is celebrated mostly in Northern and Eastern India.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ram revered the holy goddess to fight and destroy the Demon King Lord Raavan. He was a symbol of good triumphing over bad.
The tenth day is known as ‘VIJAYADASHAMI’ or ‘DUSSEHRA’. Sharad Navratri is observed during the Ashwin month, which marks the start of the winter season.
People perform Navratri in their homes or temples dedicated to various embodiments of Goddess Durga during the festival of Navratri. For nine days, mantra chanting, bhajan recitals, and shloka recitals follow the Navratri rituals.
The Significance of Nine days of Sharad Navratri and Rituals
Day 1: Maa Shailputri
Maa Shailputri is Maa Durga’s first incarnation, and she represents the planet, Moon.
Day 2: Maa Brahmacharini
Maa Durga’s second form, Maa Brahmacharini, is in charge of the planet Mars. If worshipped with complete dedication, it is possible to remove all adverse effects.
Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta
Maa Durga’s third form, Maa Chandraghanta, rules the planet Venus and bestows courage.
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Day 4: Maa Kushmanda
Maa Durga’s fourth incarnation, Maa Kushmanda, reflects the planet Sun and protects the future by removing negative energy.
Day 5: Maa Skandamata
Maa Durga’s fifth form, Maa Skandamata, rules the planet Mercury and has a warm heart for her devotees.
Day 6: Maa Katyayani
Maa Durga’s sixth form, Maa Katyayani, is in charge of Jupiter. Her devotees benefit from her courage and determination.
Day 7: Maa Kaalratri
Maa Durga’s seventh form, Maa Kaalratri, rules Saturn and represents courage.
Decrease the hardships in your way by performing Shani Grah Shanti Puja.
Day 8: Maa Mahagauri
The divine ruler of planet Rahu, Maa Mahagauri, is the eighth aspect of Maa Durga and pacifies harmful effects and negative energies.
Day 9: Maa Siddhidatri
Maa Durga’s ninth form, Maa Siddhidatri, rules the planet Ketu and bestows wisdom and knowledge.
Celebrations of Sharadiya Navaratri 2023
Dates and Muhurat Timings of Sharad Navratri Puja Vidhi
1st Day of Navratri (Paratipada)
- Date: 15 October 2023
- Other Names of Festival: Ghatasthapana, Chandra Darshan, Shailputri Puja
- Colour of the Day: White
- Mantra: ‘Om Devi Shailputri Namah’
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2nd Day of Navratri (Dwitiya)
- Date:16 October 2023
- Other Names of Festival: Sindhara Dooj, Brahmacharini Puja
- Colour of the Day: Red
- Mantra: ‘Om Devi Brahmacharini Nama’
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3rd Day of Navratri (Tritiya)
- Date: 17 October 2023
- Other Names of Festival:Gauri Puja, Saubhagya Teej, Chandraghanta Puja
- Colour of the Day: Royal Blue
- Mantra: ‘Om Devi Chandraghanta Namah’
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4th Day of Navratri (Chaturthi)
- Date:18 October 2023
- Other Names of Festival:Kushmanda Puja, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Lakshmi Panchami
- Colour of the Day: Yellow
- Mantra: ‘Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah’
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5th day of Navratri (Panchami)
- Date:19 October 2023
- Other Names of Festival:Naag Puja, Skandamata Puja, Skanda Sashti
- Colour of the Day: Green
- Mantra: ‘Om Devi Skandamata Namah’
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6th Day of Navratri (Shasthi)
- Date:20 October 2023
- Other Names of Festival:Yamuna Chhath, Katyayani Puja
- Colour of the Day: Grey
- Mantra: ‘Om Devi Katyayani Namaha’
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7th Day of Navratri (Saptami)
- Date:21 October 2023
- Other Names of Festival:Maha Saptami, Kalaratri Puja
- Colour of the Day: Orange
- Mantra: ‘Om Devi Kalratri Namah’
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8th Day of Navratri (Ashtami)
- Date:22 October 2023
- Other Names of Festival:Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Annapurna Ashtami, Sandhi Puja
- Colour of the Day: Peacock Green
- Mantra: ‘Om Devi Mahagauri Namah’
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9th Day of Navratri (Maha Navami)
- Date: 23 October 2023
- Other Names of Festival:Navratri Parana, Siddhidatri Puja
- Colour of the Day: Pink
- Mantra: ‘Om Devi Siddhidatri Namah’
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Last Day of Navratri (Vijaya Dashami)
- Date: 24 October 2023
- Other Names of Festival:Dussehra, Durga Visarjan
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