Shardiya Navratri Celebrations in Delhi
Devotees Gather at Jhandewalan Mata Temple
On the second day of Shardiya Navratri, devotees flocked to the Jhandewalan Mata Temple in Delhi to participate in the Aarti ceremony. This day is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga in the form of Mata Brahmacharini.
Significance of Mata Brahmacharini
Mata Brahmacharini, an avatar of Maa Durga, symbolizes severe penance. She is depicted wearing white clothes, holding a chanting rosary and a kamandal. Worshipping her is believed to enhance the power of chanting and penance.
Rituals and Offerings
Devotees chant the mantra “Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah” and offer a special bhog of sugar. The idol is bathed in honey and milk, and a teeka is applied to its forehead.
Navratri Celebrations Across India
Navratri, meaning ‘nine nights’, is celebrated with various rituals across India. In North India, Ramlila performances are popular, culminating in Vijayadashami with the burning of Ravana’s effigies.
Doubts Revealed
Shardiya Navratri -: Shardiya Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated in the autumn. It lasts for nine nights and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms.
Jhandewalan Mata Temple -: Jhandewalan Mata Temple is a famous Hindu temple in Delhi, India. It is dedicated to the goddess Durga and is a popular place for devotees to visit during Navratri.
Mata Brahmacharini -: Mata Brahmacharini is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. She is worshipped on the second day of Navratri and symbolizes penance and devotion.
Aarti -: Aarti is a Hindu religious ritual of worship, where light from wicks soaked in ghee or camphor is offered to deities. It is a way to show devotion and seek blessings.
Ramlila -: Ramlila is a traditional performance of the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic. It is especially popular in North India during Navratri, depicting the life of Lord Rama.
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 character from the Indian epic Ramayana. He is the demon king of Lanka and is known for his ten heads. His defeat by Lord Rama is celebrated during Vijayadashami.
