Shardiya Navratri 2023: Top Things to Know While Worshiping Maa Durga

Fri, Oct 13, 2023

By Team Astroyogi

Fri, Oct 13, 2023

By Team Astroyogi

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Shardiya Navratri 2023: Top Things to Know While Worshiping Maa Durga

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Navratri, a splendid celebration of 'Nine Nights,' annually captivates India. India exuberantly observes four distinct Navratri festivals, among which the Shardiya Navratri stands as the most illustrious, illuminating the autumnal skies. Chaitra Navratri, another resplendent occasion, is celebrated in some regions of this diverse land. Magha and Ashadha Navratris, comparatively more discreet, bear the enigmatic title of "Gupt Navratris." In essence, the Shardiya Navratri 2023 weaves a vibrant tapestry of tradition and devotion across India.

When Is Shardiya Navratri? Shardiya Navratri 2023 Shubh Muhurat

The Hindu auspicious festivals are based on the Lunar calendar; hence, they do not occur on the same day every year (as per the Gregorian calendar). Shardiya Navratri 2023 or Ashwin Navratri will be celebrated from 15th October 2023 (Sunday) till 23rd October 2023 (Monday).

This auspicious festival extends for nine nights, culminating in Dussehra or Vijayadashami. Shardiya Navratri falls on the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. According to the Gregorian calendar, the occasion usually falls in September or October. The timing is such that Diwai falls on the Amavasya following Vijayadashami.

Here is the important Shardiya Navratri 2023 date list.

Pratipada Tithi (Starts) - 11:24 PM, 14th October, 2023
Pratipada Tithi (Finishes) - 12:32 AM, 16th October, 2023

Check out the Shardiya Navratri 2023 Kalash Sthapana Muhurats given below.

Ghatasthapana Date - 15th October 2023 (Sunday)
Shardiya Navratri 2023 Kalash Sthapana Muhurat - 06:21 AM to 10:12 AM
Ghatasthapana Abhijit Timing - 11:44 AM to 12:30 PM

The Story Behind Shardiya Navratri

Shardiya Navratri has many stories linked to it. One legend says that the period coincides with Lord Rama’s war with the Asura King Ravana. Lord Rama prayed to Goddess Devi (Mother Goddess) to bless him with success in the war. The Goddess blessed Shri Rama, enabling him to destroy Ravana on the tenth day, which coincides with Dussehra. Hence, you find people in the northern belt of India celebrating Dussehra by burning effigies of Ravana. It symbolizes that goodness prevails over evil.

Similarly, another story links this festival to Goddess Durga vanquishing the buffalo demon, Mahishasura, who is known to symbolize evil. The Goddess is the embodiment of power and wisdom. Therefore, this festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga, with the Goddess being celebrated and worshiped in nine different forms during Shardiya Navratri.

Forms of Goddess Durga Worshiped During Shardiya Navratri 2023

Here is the full schedule for Shardiya Navratri 2023 and the nine forms of Goddess Durga that devotees worship on the nine days of the festival.

Day 1 - Goddess Shailputri
Day 2 - Goddess Brahmacharini
Day 3 - Goddess Chandraghanta
Day 4 - Goddess Kushmanda
Day 5 - Goddess Skandamata
Day 6 - Goddess Katyayani
Day 7 - Goddess Kalaratri
Day 8 - Goddess Mahagauri
Day 9 - Goddess Siddhidatri

The Nine Avatars of Maa Durga

Each Shardiya Navratri day is dedicated to a specific form of the goddess.

Day 1: Goddess Shailputri - The festival’s first day starts with worshiping the daughter of the mountains.
Day 2: Goddess Brahmacharini - Goddess Brahmacharini is the unwed avatar of Goddess Parvati, born at Daksha Prajapati’s house.
Day 3: Goddess Chandraghanta - Goddess Chandraghanta is the Goddess of war. She has her third eye open and is always prepared to fight against demons.
Day 4: Goddess Kushmanda - Goddess Kushmanda has a radiant smile. She is luminous, and it is believed that she created the universe.
Day 5: Goddess Skandamata - Goddess Skandamata is the avatar that protects the world. Devotees seek her blessings for prosperity and protection.
Day 6: Goddess Katyayani - Goddess Katyayani is the avatar that slayed Mahishasura. She is also known as Mahisasuramardini.
Day 7: Goddess Kalaratri - This avatar is considered the fiercest. It symbolizes the destruction of evil and darkness.
Day 8: Goddess Mahagauri - Goddess Mahagauri blesses and fulfills all her devotees’ wishes and desires.
Day 9: Goddess Siddhidatri -This avatar is believed to fulfill all divine aspirations. She grants perfection in every activity that the devotees decide to do.

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Where Is Shardiya Navratri Celebrated?

Shardiya Navratri is celebrated all over India in different ways. The Northern belt emphasizes Dussehra more than the nine nights of Navratri, whereas the Eastern India region celebrates Durga Puja during the Shardiya Navratri with tremendous enthusiasm. Have you ever been to Kolkata during Durga Puja? The entire city is abuzz with festivities, with people coming together to celebrate Durga Puja.

People in Western India celebrate Shardiya Navratri with the traditional folk dance Garba. In South India, Shardiya Navratri is celebrated in the form of Golu, where they exhibit dolls and images of Gods on nine steps.

What Color Clothes to Wear for Shardiya Navratri 2023?

Indian festivals are colorful, and Shardiya Navratri is no exception. Tradition says that devotees should wear specified colored garments during each Navratri night. Wearing these specific colors for nine days and worshiping Goddess Durga will bring you auspicious results.

Here are the Shardiya Navratri 2023 colors.

Day 1 - Orange
Day 2 - White
Day 3 - Red
Day 4 - Royal Blue
Day 5 - Yellow
Day 6 - Green
Day 7 - Grey
Day 8 - Purple
Day 9 - Peacock Green

Special Food You Must Have During Shardiya Navratri

People observe fasts during the nine days of Navratri. So, they must know the foods they can consume during this period.

General food – You can have milk, sugar, honey, coconut milk, tea, dry fruits, nuts, popped lotus seeds (makhana), sabu-dana (sago), and fruits.
Vegetables – People usually eat pumpkins, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, unripe papayas, potatoes, and taro root (Arbi).
Flours and Grains – You can consume Roti from Singhare ka Atta, Rajgira ka Atta, Kuttu ka Atta, Barnyard millet, and Paniphal flour.
Spices and Herbs – It is better to use lemons, green chilies, cumin, ginger, rock salt, raw mango powder, carom seeds (Ajwain), dry pomegranate seeds, and black pepper powder for cooking.

Summing Up

Shardiya Navratri is the most popular Navratri festival celebrated all over the country. The nine days of the festival represent nine different avatars of Goddess Durga. Since the festival happens in the autumn season, it is known as Shardiya Navratri. This festival celebrates the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura and Lord Rama over Ravana. It culminates in Dussehra, signifying that good prevails over evil.

Do you still have questions regarding Shardiya Navratri 2023? Call or chat with Astroyogi astrologers now to get answers!