Aarti at Jhandewalan Temple on Shardiya Navratri’s Sixth Day
In New Delhi, the Jhandewalan Temple hosted a special morning aarti on the sixth day of Shardiya Navratri. This day is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga in the form of Maa Katyayani. A similar aarti was also held at the Badi Devkali Devi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
Significance of Maa Katyayani
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Katyayani was created by the combined powers of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Known as Mahishasurmardini, she defeated the demon Mahishasura and is considered one of the fiercest forms of Maa Durga. She is depicted with four arms and rides a lion.
Navratri Celebrations
Navratri, meaning ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit, is a festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, known as Navdurga. Celebrated with devotion across India, it involves rituals and prayers to honor the goddess. Devotees worship the nine incarnations of Maa Durga over nine days, seeking her blessings. They observe fasts, recite shlokas, wear new clothes, offer bhog, and clean their homes.
Navratri Traditions
Hindus celebrate four Navratris annually, but Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri are the most prominent, aligning with seasonal changes. In North India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, the festival includes Ramlila performances, dramatizing scenes from the Ramayana. Navratri concludes with Vijayadashami, featuring the burning of King Ravana’s effigies.
Doubts Revealed
Aarti -: Aarti is a Hindu religious ritual of worship, where light from wicks soaked in ghee or camphor is offered to one or more deities. It is usually performed during prayers.
Jhandewalan Temple -: Jhandewalan Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in New Delhi, India. It is dedicated to the goddess Aadi Shakti, a form of Goddess Durga.
Shardiya Navratri -: Shardiya Navratri is a Hindu festival that lasts for nine days, celebrating the nine forms of Goddess Durga. It usually occurs in the autumn season.
Maa Katyayani -: Maa Katyayani is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. She is known for her fierce and powerful nature.
Ayodhya -: Ayodhya is an ancient city in India, known for its religious significance in Hinduism. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama.
Badi Devkali Devi Temple -: Badi Devkali Devi Temple is a temple in Ayodhya dedicated to Goddess Devkali, another form of Goddess Durga.
Navratri -: Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated for nine nights, honoring the nine forms of Goddess Durga. It is a time of fasting, prayers, and cultural performances.
Ramlila -: Ramlila is a dramatic folk re-enactment of the life of Lord Rama, based on the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana. It is performed during Navratri in many parts of India.
Vijayadashami -: Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is a Hindu festival that marks the end of Navratri. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, symbolized by the burning of Ravana’s effigies.
Ravana -: Ravana is a demon king in Hindu mythology, known for his ten heads. He is the main antagonist in the Ramayana, and his defeat by Lord Rama is celebrated during Vijayadashami.