The Story, Symbol, and Significance of Navarātri

The Story, Symbol, and Significance of Śailaputrī

So, it was a busy day and the arrangement for the yajña at king Dakṣa’s palace was in full swing. The altar was furnished and everyone was decked with robes and jewels. From the nymphs and apsarās of the heaven to the celestial deities of the five elements— all were invited with congenial etiquettes. All except Śiva, the son-in-law of the king. Why? Because, unlike the other gods and deities, he was a grotesquely ash-smeared nomad, living in the crematorium with the beastly animals and horrendously defiled paranormal beings! How could he be invited to the pristine dwellings? Moreover, Dakṣa’s favour for him skewed further when his daughter, Śatī, eloped with him, chucking off the tradition of svayaṃvara.

Now, everyone was exhilarated to be a part of the grand fête and all tuned up simmering. When Śatī heard of the event, she was eager with excitement to attend it. She implored her husband who, in turn, expressed his reluctance to grace the occasion uninvited. Appalled at the rejection of the plea, Śatī fumed with a fit of pique as all ten incandescent modes of her feminine energy manifested, threatening the balance of the cosmos. Seeing his wife nagging and conniving, Śiva permitted her to visit her paternal home.

However, Śatī was greatly underwhelmed to find the cold welcome she received from her own siblings and relatives. Further to her dismay, her repeated petitions to send a formal invitation to his husband were turned down. Her anguish heightened when her father, enraged at her request, slandered her husband with cuss words. A devoted and chaste wife that she was, her father’s rants pierced her soul more than her eardrums. Repining at her ill-conceived wish to attend the ceremony despite her husband’s injunctions, Śatī decided to immolate herself at the fiery pit of the yajña, turning it into a pyre!

Sensing the void of the divine feminine, Śiva’s dhyāna was perturbed immediately and his third eye opened in fury! The calmest and the politest of all beings was ignited with vengeful wrath! He hurried to the place of occurrence and dismantled the entire place, going ballistic to everything! Tears flowed down his cheeks and fell on the ground, turning into rudrākṣa. He lifted the corpse of Śatī on his shoulder and began the tāṇḍavanṛtya, the dance of destruction! The whole cosmos began to tremble and everyone sought Viṣṇu to intervene and save the creation from the maddening ruckus. Viṣṇu, maintaining his role to preserve the creation, hurled his divine discus, Sudarśana, and tore off the body of Śatī into fifty-one pieces which fell on different locations of Bhārata, turning into śaktipīṭhas (places of the divine feminine). Viṣṇu pacified Śiva and solaced him, saying that the eternal spirit of the divine feminine cannot be exterminated and she would once again reincarnate as the daughter of Himālaya, the greatest of the mountains. Aeons later, when she manifested as the daughter of Himālaya, she was named Śailaputrī (daughter of the mountains).

Now, this was the story. Chances are that, unless you have been uprooted from your traditional culture by the Macaulayist education, you have heard it from your parents or grandparents. However, let us delve deeper into this episode of the itihāsa and unravel the symbolical purviews behind it. The first and the foremost lesson that can be extracted out of the story is that the fabric of the cosmos is woven by threading the cosmic masculine with the cosmic feminine and the absence of either will unsettle the very essence of creation. This fundamental understanding of the nature of the two vital forces—as complementary and not adversary, as two halves of one supreme reality and not two distinct realities, as “and” and not “versus”— has been at the crux of the Sanātana Dharma and it may help us to channelize the harmonized reciprocity between both the sexes. In a world full of fights between irrational feminism and misconstrued patriarchy, the story bolsters the sustainability of compassion and devotion over contempt and resentment.

The second underlying message that strikes our observation is that our prejudice often befalls us. Śiva stands for maṅgala (auspice) and no deed of spiritual disposition can be accomplished against his will or without his blessings. Dakṣa’s zealotry based on the mere appearance of Śiva and his constant refusal to swallow his pride despite knowing fully well the true identity of the lord only led to catastrophe. Had he been prudent and discreet enough to peep into the inner self of Śiva, he would not have belittled him. After all, he had the greatest ever son-in-law one can think of and yet he failed to embrace him owing to his petty conceit. Like Dakṣa, we too often fail to discern the piety of the great and the wise if their mere appearance deems unfit to the standard norms. Overcoming our own meanness and cultivating acceptance towards the unique, even if disagreeable at a glance, may help us find the pearl from the oyster shells.

Finally, one must not consume these divine accounts from the itihāsa texts with mortal levity. The acts of the divine beings by no means concern humane replication, rather, on the contrary, usher in the notion that these acts serve the grounds for the līlā tattva to function. The līlā tattva suggests that everything that happens at the divine realm has a purpose to cater to the divine frolics of the supreme being. For the ease of understanding, one may imagine the entire cosmos to be a theatre where everyone plays different characters or roles. When we watch a film in the theatre and our minds are encaptivated by the play of the actors, we associate our passions with the characters by cheering for the hero and the heroine while loathing the villain, forgetting the nature of reality for a certain time. However, once the play is over, we understand that the actors are playing the roles of the characters and are not the characters themselves. Thus, Dakṣa’s prejudice may be framed as a lesson to be imparted upon us rather than it being a cause of our personal censure towards him. Similarly, the demise of Śatī and the subsequent wrath of Śiva are events as real as the air and the fire and yet as emblematic as the play of the actors in a theatre.

            Commemorating the metempsychosis of the ādiśakti, the primordial energy, from the previous rūpa named Śatī to the new rūpa named Pārvatī (literally meaning, “from the mountains”) or Śailaputrī (literally meaning, “daughter of mountains”), the followers of the Sanātana Dharma dedicate the first day of the Navarātri (nine nights) festival to worshipping the goddess. The day also marks the beginning of the mātṛpakṣa (the matriarchal fortnight). Some people observe fasting and perform holy rituals on the day. However, it is to be noted that fasting and other modes of ascetic sādhanā are not mandatory and anyone can pray to the divine feminine as per one’s convenient habitat.

            If you are reading this far, you must have attained the grace of the devī and, if so willing, you too may join the millions of devoted people in celebrating the resuscitation of the cosmic feminine by calling her up with oblation of a flower and chanting of the mantras:

ॐ वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।

वृषारुढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:॥

।। ॐ शैलपुत्री देव्यै नम: ।।

The Story, Symbol, and Significance of Brahmacāriṇī

When Śailaputrī was born, she was greeted by everyone in the mountains and everyone cheered with jollity to receive the new-born baby girl. Since then, having a daughter is considered having devī herself in the house. This notion has long been cherished by the folks cultured in the tradition of the Sanātana Dharma. Fondled and pampered, she grew up to be a teeny lass.

However, as she grew, she started having divine premonitions. She had always felt an uncanny propensity towards lord Śiva. None could explain the strange and mysterious bond that brooded between her and the lord. By the time she reached puberty, she decided that if she is to be married, it has to be none other than Śiva. She forbade her parents, the mountains and the rivers, to hunt a groom for her, and began seeking a manoeuvre to attain her desire. Observing the plight of the devī, Viṣṇu sent the heavenly troubadour, Nārada, to guide her on her mission, fulfilling his promise to unite Śiva and his Śakti.

Nārada told her that one must do rigorous penance to attain Śiva’s grace.  Upon his instructions, she was initiated to the ascetic sādhanā method of brahmacarya, attaining the name ‘Brahmacāriṇī’. For centuries, she did tapa and survived on mere fruits and roots. Afterwards, she lived upon eating mere tree-leaves. When she even relinquished that meagre diet, she was hailed by the holy spirits as the ‘Aparṇā’, the one who does not even consume tree-leaves. For centuries, she sustained herself only by water. Yet, she was not graced by Śiva. Eventually, she stopped all means of consumption and embarked into the direst of sādhanā possible. As her tapa surmounted even the greatest of the yogīs, the entire universe was shaken to the core. Observing her, everyone was flabbergasted, uttering their wonder in the onomatopoeic “Umā” which was to become her byname henceforward.

As it no longer became possible to keep her separated from her goal, Brahmā appeared to her and granted her the boon that he himself would get her betrothed to Śiva. He asked her to return to the Himālaya where lord Śiva would soon appear as the groom, asking for her hand in marriage.

            It is said that “वेदस्तत्वं तपो ब्रम्ह”, meaning that the supreme brahma can be accessed by studying the Vedas, realizing the tattvas, and performing tapa. One, who observes all these, is called a brahmacārī or brahmacāriṇī. The emergence of the devī as a brahmacāriṇī symbolizes the endurance of the feminine energy. By her sheer asceticism and intense rigour, she not only became the beacon of the feminine prowess, but also emphasized the mettle of women in the sādhanā. Celebrating her feat in the superlatives not only heralds the message loud and clear that women share equal fervent in the Sanātana Dharma as men, but also cleanses the misconceptions surrounding women’s free will and basic rights in ancient Bhārata which were perpetuated by the beguiled, half-baked, and West-indoctrinated feminists.

See, for instance, the way everyone rejoiced at the incarnation of the devī as a daughter. It reflects the joy any family in Bhārata feels upon the birth of a girl, considering her as an aṃśa of the devī. Similarly, the acceptance of her free will to become a celibate ascetic and, later, choosing her husband by herself without any parental objection highlights the liberty of a woman’s life in the household customs of the Sanātana Dharma.

As Brahmacāriṇī stands as the epitome of sādhanā, any person willing to strive in any particular field may seek her grace. She bestows the brahmavidyā, the greatest of wisdom, to the seeker and enkindles all artistic and literary merits. Therefore, poets, authors, artists, scholars, students, and seekers shall be highly benefited by attaining her divine inspiration. As she has adroitly mastered the observation of brahmacharya, she also emboldens our self-control and urge-restraints— qualities that are must-have to succeed in any given field.

            On the second day of Navarātri, one might contemplate upon her bright-faced, white-robed, flower-groomed apparition and propitiate her by offering any white flower upon her holy feet, chanting:

ॐ दधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमालाकमण्डलु।

देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा।।

।। ॐ ब्रह्मचारिणी देव्यै नमः ।।

The Story, Symbol, and Significance of Candraghaṇṭā

            Now, that the devī had attained the company of Śiva whom she yearned for, she refrained from her Brahmacāriṇī rūpa and embraced the gṛhastha life. Exulted, she returned to the Himālaya after her assiduous venture and the whole nature was cocooned with mirth and mellow. Garments and jewels poured in from every nook and corner to adorn her glistening limbs. All the gods, deities, and celestial beings graced the occasion as she was to be married to Śiva. They decked her with their weapons as gifts, matching her valour and dexterity. To receive all the gifts simultaneously, eight more hands emerged out of her divine body in addition to the existing duo, conferring upon her the name ‘Daśabhūjā’!

Brahmā himself became the purohita in the matrimonial yajña as he offered to the pañcamahābhūta, five cosmic elements, tying their divinely nuptial knot. No sooner was she married to the lord, one part of the crescent moon appeared upon her crown just as it shone bright around the deadlocks of her husband. Amused, Śiva had a lofty giggle as the devī’s feminine coyness had no bound and she hid her face with her anointed hands. All of them revelled and cheered as she was named Candraghaṇṭā by her husband.

            The metamorphosis of the devī from celibate Brahmacāriṇī to married Candraghaṇṭā serves as an emblem of the transformation that every woman undergoes once she surrenders her maidenhood and enraptures in the joy of conjugal life. Candraghaṇṭā symbolizes the happiness of a woman’s life when she is married to a doting husband whom she desired all through her life. It is to be noted that the devī did not grudge to her husband for having to undergo the rigorous penance just in order to attain his company, nor did she throw tantrums at him after succeeding in her goal. Thus, through her own acts of life, she teaches women to be compassionate and understanding, not to be finicky and garrulous.

Similarly, on the other hand, she also symbolizes the undaunted resilience and the feminine gallantry as she rides a ferocious tiger and holds ten deadly weapons. As she had two hands before while the other eight emerged out of necessity, her figure represents the fact that women may certainly go beyond the limitations of possibilities if situations so demand and accomplish for her loved one even the most unimaginable of deeds.

However, is it not beautiful to see how she is engulfed by her feminine shyness as her husband courted her despite being such a tremendously valorous persona? Candraghaṇṭā, actually, depicts that a woman need not shun her femininity and grace in order to be vigorous. A woman must not act like a man to boast of her valour, but rather, on the contrary, the truly valorous women are utterly feminine by their natural predisposition. Femininity is not weakness, but rather strength itself. Is this not something that the modern feminists have forgotten altogether?

Moreover, see how the crescent moon replicated itself on her forehead, symbolizing the quality of an ardhāṅginī, the better half who shares all the avenues of her husband, be they in the comforts of heaven or on the hellfire and brimstone. Candraghaṇṭā’s figure marshals as an epithet to the term— a quality that has survived the test of time and may ameliorate the lifestyle of the contemporary women, if embosomed.

            On the third day of the Navarātri festival, Candraghaṇṭā is worshipped. In the bhakti mārga of the śākta tradition in the Sanātana Dharma, she is sometimes celebrated in the form of the newly-wed daughter-in-law of the house. As moon is associated with the health and mind of women, Candraghaṇṭā’s blessings are of extreme importance to them. However, men require her blessings no less either. Therefore, men and women, who seek harmonious sustenance, may pray to her in unison:

ॐ पिण्डजप्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।

प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता।।

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ चन्द्रघंटा रूपेण संस्थिता

नमस्तस्यै नसस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।

।। ॐ चन्द्रघण्टा देव्यै नमः ।।

The Story, Symbol, and Significance of Kūṣmāṇḍā

            So, the devī was married to Śiva— the cosmic feminine was reunited with the cosmic feminine! A pleasant daughter to a prosperous wife, she was now ready to tread upon the greatest phase of a woman’s life— motherhood! Indeed, motherhood is the bedrock of womanhood itself! What else can make a woman the most loving and venerable at the same time than her motherly instinct? So, the devī’s cosmic genitalia called the prakṛti was churned and seeded by Śiva’s masculine liṅga called the puruṣa— out of which emerged the cosmic egg from which creation itself emerged! Impregnated, the devī was to hold the embryo of the cosmos in her womb.

            All the gods, deities, and ethereal beings genuflected before her and hooted in joy to celebrate the creation! They presented to the goddess a golden urn full of amṛta, the ambrosia of eternal joy, and conferred upon her the novel nomenclature of Kūṣmāṇḍā as she held the vessel. Goddess Kūṣmāṇḍā sat upon her mount tiger and shine bright with all her armaments with which she would always protect the cosmos. She smiled at everyone and blessed all as a mother does!

            The tale of Kūṣmāṇḍā might be the most panoramic allegory that describes how the cosmos was conceived by the amalgamation of the primordial matter and the primordial consciousness. Thus, the figure of Kūṣmāṇḍā may also be studied from the perspective of cosmology and astrophysics apart from the theological musings attached to her. The urn of amṛta which she holds in her hands very symbolically hints at the idea of the eternal sustenance of creation which may only be converged by the cyclical nature of the cosmos. The figure of Kūṣmāṇḍā encapsulates the essence of creation, embodying the fusion of material existence with the metaphysical realm. At the heart of this allegory is the image of Kūṣmāṇḍā holding an urn filled with amṛta, the nectar of immortality. This potent symbol is a profound representation of the eternal sustenance that supports all forms of life and the ongoing cycles of creation and destruction within the universe. In many ways, this urn serves as a microcosm of the universe itself— holding within it the potential for life, regeneration, and continuity. Just as the cosmos experiences cycles of birth, decay, and rebirth, the amṛta signifies the sustaining force that nurtures existence across these transformations.

From a cosmological standpoint, the narrative of Kūṣmāṇḍā prompts us to consider the origins of the universe through the lens of both matter and consciousness. In modern astrophysics, we explore concepts such as the Big Bang, where the universe emerged from an infinitesimal point of singularity. This initial event can be likened to the primordial matter from which Kūṣmāṇḍā arises, suggesting that the essence of creation is deeply embedded in the fabric of reality itself. The tale challenges us to reflect on how consciousness—often seen as a secondary phenomenon—plays an equally vital role in the shaping of the universe. In this way, Kūṣmāṇḍā stands as a bridge between the material and the metaphysical, inviting a holistic view of existence.

Moreover, the cyclical nature of the cosmos, integral to the narrative of Kūṣmāṇḍā, resonates with various scientific models that describe the universe's evolution. Theories such as cosmic inflation and oscillating models suggest that the universe undergoes phases of expansion and contraction, paralleling the cyclical themes found in the mythological tale. This cyclical perspective not only informs our understanding of the universe but also enriches our spiritual and philosophical reflections on life itself.

The story of Kūṣmāṇḍā, therefore, transcends mere allegory; it becomes a rich tapestry of interconnected themes that beckons deeper exploration. Her figure embodies a synthesis of creation and preservation, emphasizing that life is not a linear journey but rather a continuous cycle of experiences that feed into one another. This perspective aligns with many indigenous and ancient philosophies that view life as a web of relationships, where each element—be it a star, a planet, or a living being—plays an essential role in the grand design.

The figure of Kūṣmāṇḍā encapsulates a holistic view of existence that bridges spirituality, cosmology, and philosophy. By examining her story, we uncover insights that encourage us to contemplate upon the mysteries of life and the cosmos. The urn of amṛta not only symbolizes the sustenance of creation but also invites us to reflect on our own roles within this vast, interconnected universe. As we explore these themes, we are reminded that the essence of life is an eternal journey— one of growth, transformation, and the relentless pursuit of understanding in an ever-evolving cosmos.

            Kūṣmāṇḍā is also a symbol of fertility and motherhood. She represents the vitality of procreation and the phase of pregnancy in a woman’s life. Kūṣmāṇḍā embodies not only cosmic creation but also serves as a profound symbol of fertility and motherhood. In many cultures, motherhood is revered as a source of life, and Kūṣmāṇḍā personifies this vital energy. Her nurturing essence reflects the sacred aspects of procreation, highlighting the transformative journey of pregnancy, which is a time of profound change and growth. Just as the cosmos undergoes cycles of birth and renewal, so too does a woman's body adapt and flourish during this miraculous phase.

The figure of Kūṣmāṇḍā reminds us of the deep connection between the divine and the human experience of motherhood. She represents the creative forces that allow life to emerge, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and protection. In her presence, the act of giving birth is not just a biological function; it becomes a spiritual journey, one that celebrates the power and resilience of women.

Moreover, Kūṣmāṇḍā's symbolism extends beyond physical fertility. She encapsulates the emotional and psychological dimensions of motherhood, embodying the unconditional love, strength, and sacrifice that define the maternal bond. Her figure serves as an inspiration, encouraging us to honour and celebrate the cycles of life, the nurturing spirit, and the transformative power inherent in both creation and motherhood. In this way, Kūṣmāṇḍā stands as a timeless representation of vitality, nurturing, and the enduring legacy of life itself.

                        Kūṣmāṇḍā is worshipped on the fourth day of the Navarātri. As a goddess who embodies creation, fertility, and the cyclical nature of life, she represents the fundamental forces that sustain the universe. Devotees believe that invoking her can lead to blessings of health, prosperity, and fertility, making her particularly revered among those seeking to conceive or nurture new beginnings in their lives.

            Her worship is often associated with the celebration of motherhood and the nurturing aspects of femininity, emphasizing the importance of love, compassion, and protection. By honouring Kūṣmāṇḍā, followers engage in rituals that foster a deeper connection to the divine, encouraging personal growth and transformation. So, one may offer prayers to her by chanting the divine words:

ॐ वन्दे वाञ्छितकामार्थे चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।

सिंहारूढां अष्टभुजां कूष्माण्डा यशस्विनीम्॥

या देवि सर्वभूतेषू सृष्टि रूपेण संस्थिता

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।

।। ॐ कूष्माण्डायै नम: ।।

The Story, Symbol, and Significance of Skandamātā

When Kūṣmāṇḍā gave birth to the cosmos, she became the cosmic mother. The entire clan of the devatās exhorted in delight. She had not only given birth to the cosmic spheres of their governance, but also to the subjects who are to be ruled. All was set and everyone was happy. Until the devī willed to be mother again. She solicited her husband and succeeded in convincing him. They embraced each other and dribbled into the cosmogonic coitus. However, the devatās were frightened at this since they would have an equal or more powerful competitor if another cosmos was to emerge and be given to other supernatural beings to rule. So, they went to Brahmā and pleaded him to intercept the aftermath. He went to the divine couple, beseeching them to abstain from the act. Śiva, being a symbol of magnanimity, yielded to their request.

However, the cosmic semen from Śiva took the form of Agni who later became the lord of fire and energy and the ovum from Pārvatī took the form of Svāha who later became the radiance of auspice. In the course of time, Agni and Svāha entered into the existing cosmos, enabling all possibilities of sustenance. When mankind was projected into the world, they were asked to perform yajña by chanting Svāha’s name while making oblations to the fire. As they both emerged from the purest masculine and the purest feminine, they are considered to be the means of purification. Since Agni and Svāha are eternal companions, they accepted each other as their spouses.

Meanwhile, the devatās were in trouble since they were incessantly tormented by the dānavas. They needed a leader of their army who would be valorous enough to vanquish the enemy. So, they requested the duo to produce an offspring. When Svāha was inseminated by Agni, her womb was highly smouldered. She requested Gaṅgā to carry the zygote as a surrogate mother. The latter promised to carry the pregnancy but denied to rear the child after birth. When the baby was born, he was offered to the six cursed wives of the Saptarṣi sages who were promised redemption once they would bring the child up, breastfeeding it. As they were six in number and the new-born was extremely hungry, the boy appeared with six heads to suck the milk from the breasts of the six foster mothers. Later, as the child grew up to adolescence, it was named Skanda and his valour was unmatched. Impressed by him, Indra, the king of the deities, offered him the position of the leader of the army. The deities together implored the devī to reveal to him the true origin of his birth and accept him as her son. The devī was in tears to finally have her long-cherished desire of having a son of her own. She took Skanda upon her lap and fondled him to her heart’s content. Happy to see the union of the mother to her separated son, the deities named her Skandamātā.

            As a representation of maternal love, Skandamātā inspires devotion and reverence. She teaches the importance of selflessness, sacrifice, and unconditional love, values deeply rooted in the concept of motherhood. Her worship invokes the qualities of patience, compassion, and the strength to face challenges, reminding devotees of the transformative power of maternal affection.

            In iconography, Skandamātā is depicted holding her son in her lap, often radiating a serene and loving presence. This image encapsulates the essence of unconditional love and support that a mother provides. Her four arms represent different aspects of nurturing: one hand holds a lotus, symbolizing purity and spiritual enlightenment; another holds a bell, signifying the call to dharma; the third hand bestows blessings, and the fourth hand offers refuge. This imagery highlights her role as a guide and protector, emphasizing that motherhood extends beyond mere biological connections to a broader spiritual significance.

Worshipping Skandamātā has two-fold benefits: blessings from Skanda and blessings from the devī, the former representing strength and protection from evil and the latter representing motherly care and affection. Firstly, devotees receive the blessings of Skanda, her divine son, who embodies strength, valour, and protection against malevolent forces. As a formidable warrior and leader of the celestial army, Skanda symbolizes the courage to confront adversities, instilling a sense of fearlessness in his followers. His presence assures devotees of their protection and empowers them to triumph over challenges.

Secondly, as the cosmic mother, Skandamātā epitomizes maternal care, offering solace and guidance to those who seek her blessings. Her affection provides profound emotional support, fostering a deep sense of security and warmth. By propitiating Skandamātā, devotees cultivate resilience while basking in the unconditional love of a mother. This sacred relationship enriches their lives, reinforcing the belief that they are never alone in their struggles, fostering both inner strength and emotional well-being. Therefore, let us pray to Skanda and his mother and seek their blessings simultaneously by chanting:

ॐ सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।

शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।

॥ ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः ॥

The Story, Symbol, and Significance of Kātyāyanī

            Now, that Skandamātā was euphoric to have her son, it is to be noted that there was a time when she was born as a daughter too, other than her reincarnation as Śailaputrī. In ancient Bhārata, there lived a revered sage named Kātyāyana, known for his deep wisdom and spiritual insight. A dedicated brahmacārī, he embraced the path of perpetual celibacy, finding strength and clarity in solitude. Residing in the tranquil forests, he cultivated a profound connection with nature, living simply amidst the trees and rivers. Every day, he diligently performed elaborate rituals of yajña, offering sacred oblations with utmost purity. Through his disciplined lifestyle and unwavering devotion, Kātyāyana became a beacon of spiritual wisdom, attracting seekers from distant lands who sought his guidance and blessings.

            He had attained mokṣa and desired nothing, yet he felt lonelier and lonelier as he grew old. One fine morning, he was contemplating upon the sacred form of the Ādiśakti when a thought flickered through his mind: How about having the devī herself as a daughter? What could give more joy to a celibate man than having the goddess whom he worshipped as his little daughter? So, he prayed to the divine feminine to incarnate in the form of his daughter.

            Meanwhile, once lord Śiva was lecturing to his followers upon the illusory nature of the world. In that discourse, he depicted the triviality of the materialistic world. Expatiating upon the fact, he told his followers that true wisdom comes in ditching the illusory materialistic world and entering into the realm of spirituality. Now, as he was saying all these, his wife, Pārvatī, who represented all the materialistic phenomena, was sitting beside him, infuriated. Surely, no wife likes to hear the truth that comes from her husband! Angry, she disappeared from the Mount Kailāśa, Śiva’s abode, and appeared as Kātyāyanī, the daughter of sage Kātyāyana, fulfilling his aspiration. Thus, not only she succeeded in punishing her husband for telling the truth, but also graced his devoted worshipper.

            Once she left, there ran a hullabaloo in heaven and earth. For years, there grew no crops and grains, letting mankind to face starvation. Everyone on earth starved and was unfed for decades, except Kātyāyana. As the humans themselves had nothing to eat, they stopped performing yajñas and stopped offering to the deities. Together, they all went to Brahmā and Viṣṇu who convinced Śiva to visit sage Kātyāyana’s hermitage and enquire the reason of his materialistic prosperity even in that dire situation. Śiva visited the hermit’s dwelling disguised as a beggar. To his astonishment, he found that the daughter of Kātyāyana who came out of the home to offer him the alms was none other than his wife, Pārvatī, who had grown into a nubile damsel! Although Śiva had outgrown hunger, he had to beg for his followers’ sake. Fully fed, his followers rejoiced and addressed Kātyāyanī as mother ‘Annapūrṇā’, the one who is full of food and wealth. They implored their master to ask her hands in marriage.

            Śiva revealed himself and also narrated to her of her true identity. Śiva apologized to her for the ‘wise and truthful’ words. Since that day, every husband has a sacred duty of apologizing before his wife even if he is not guilty. The lord proposed to her, but she sent him to her father, Kātyāyana, to seek his consent. The sage, who knew everything, was delighted to do the kanyādāna in their wedding. The goddess then decided to rebuild the city of Kāśī for the followers of her husband, blessing them with the promise that none in the city will ever sleep unfed!

            Whereas we see the joy of having a baby son in the form of Skandamātā, we relish the joy of having a daughter in the form of Kātyāyanī. Goddess Kātyāyanī is the symbol of daughterhood whereas Kātyāyana serves as the symbol of paternity. As the devī herself chose the sage as her father, the latter is hailed as one of the greatest patriarchs of all time in the history of mankind. In the sacred culture of the Sanātana Dharma, even patriarchy stems from parenting and protecting the universal feminine! One may narrate the tale to the ill-informed feminists when they dare to belittle the great tradition of this pristine land making too much of a fuss about patriarchy.

            Secondly, one must not fail to notice how Śiva very humbly apologized to his wife despite the fact that what he spoke was true. This mature understanding coming from the emblem of manhood is another great example that debunks the notion of oppression of women in the traditional family affairs of the Sanātana Dharma. On the other hand, when Kātyāyanī easily forgave her husband but refused to be married again without her father’s consent, she made herself the symbol of daughterly loyalty.

            Then again, in Kātyāyanī’s emergence into the form of a generous motherly figure as Annapūrṇā, she also epitomizes the role of a woman who can play a daughter and a mother concurrently, fulfilling both her duties in perfect balance.

Every woman who practises the Sanātana Dharma should take lessons on the ideals of daughterhood from the figure of Kātyāyanī whereas all the men should take cues from sage Kātyāyana that ancient Bhārata was perhaps the only place on earth where men prayed to have daughters and celebrated them equally as their male offsprings. It is a shame that the ‘India’ that we have made out of this ‘Bhārata’ suffers from the curse of female foeticide and female infanticide. To restore us back to greatness, calling up Kātyāyanī and taking lessons from her life are of extreme importance. On the sixth day of the Navarātri, one may worship her by chanting:

ॐ चन्द्रहासोज्जवलकराशाईलवरवाहना।

कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद्देवी दानवघातिनी।।

स्वर्णाआज्ञाचक्रस्थितां षष्टमदुर्गात्रिनेत्राम्।

वराभीतकरां षगपदधरां कात्यायनसुतां भजामि॥

पटाम्बरपरिधानां स्मेरमुखीं नानालंकारभूषिताम्।

मंजीरहारकेयूरकिङ्किनिरत्नकुण्डलमण्डिताम्॥

।। ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नम: ।।

The Story, Symbol, and Significance of Kālarātri

            Whereas Kātyāyanī incarnates as a dolly daughter, Kālarātri personifies death and destruction. If a woman can be as cordial as a daughter, she can also be as horrendous as death as well. If she can embody the warmth and kindness of a caregiver, she can also possess the capacity for profound darkness. Just as she can bring joy and comfort, she can also exhibit a chilling ferocity.

            The complexion of Kālarātri is charcoalite black and she is utterly naked. Her long tousled hairs are spookily upped and three glaring eyes protrude her face. She has a macabre smile on her lips as she breathes fire through her nostrils. Deadly insects like scorpions and cankerworms roam around her body and a garland of skulls adorn her breasts. She has four hands, the two on the left holding a spiky sabre and a kharga and the two on the right showing abhayamudrā and varadāmudrā, gesturing reassurance of safety and the promise of boons.

            Kālarātri emerged out of the divine body of Ādiśaktī, the universal feminine, as the most fatalistic and pernicious form of womanhood when the devil named Raktabīja became too insolent and mocked the delicate nature of the goddess. As the devil was promised of regeneration and multiplication from the drops of his blood, he was almost invincible. The moment he was slain or hurt and the blood drops from his body fell on the ground, not only was he rejuvenated but he also appeared with as many figures as the fallen blood drops. Kālarātri slaughtered the devil by decapitating his head and drinking off the stream of blood flowing from the headless body, repelling any chance of his blood being spilled on the ground. Thus, the devil could no longer regroup and multiply, and hence was doomed.

            The story of Kālarātri serves as a profound exploration of the dualities within femininity, illustrating how a woman can embody both nurturing warmth and fearsome power. The imagery of her being adorned with skulls and surrounded by deadly insects reflects a raw, untamed force that transcends traditional boundaries. With four hands—two wielding weapons and two offering reassurance—she embodies the balance between threat and protection, illustrating that strength can manifest in various forms. This duality is crucial as it acknowledges that to protect what is cherished, one may need to confront and destroy threats, no matter how daunting.

Kālarātri's emergence from Ādiśaktī during the battle with Raktabīja signifies the awakening of a powerful, unyielding force in response to evil. In essence, she serves as a powerful reminder of the complex interplay between destruction and preservation. She illustrates that while life can be filled with joy and comfort, it is also intertwined with danger and the necessity of fierce action.

The figure of Kālarātri is fierce and harrowing. But she inspires awe only to the wicked and sinful, not to the virtuous and devoted. To the latter, she bestows peace, protection, and pleasantries. As a matter of fact, her awful persona is actually very gratifying to the holy and the pious as she is a protecting mother. Imagine how a mother reacts when her children are endangered by malignant people! She becomes scornfully cruel to the miscreants. Such is Kālarātri too, for her dreadful acts are protective measures to safeguard her children!

            Worshipping Kālarātri offers numerous benefits, especially in the spiritual, emotional, and practical aspects. As a fierce form of the divine feminine, she represents the destruction of negativity and the removal of obstacles. So, worshipping her is particularly beneficial for those facing challenges in their lives. Devotees seek her blessings for safety and protection from malevolent forces, both physical and spiritual. Kālarātri is believed to ward off evil energies and provide a shield against harm. Invoking Kālarātri empowers individuals to confront their fears and challenges. Her fierce nature inspires resilience, encouraging followers to take bold actions in the face of adversity. Worshipping her can facilitate the resolution of personal or professional problems. Her devotees often experience a sense of peace and assurance, feeling the goddess’s presence in their lives, which can lead to greater overall well-being and fulfilment. In essence, worshipping Kālarātri serves as a powerful tool for empowerment, protection, and spiritual development. So, you may pray to her on the seventh day of the Navarātri by chanting:

ॐ एकवेणी जपाकर्णपूरा नग्ना खरास्थिता

लम्बोष्टी कर्णिकाकर्णी तैलाभ्यक्तशरीरिणी।

वामपादोल्लसल्लोहलताकण्टकभूषणा

वर्धनमूर्धध्वजा कृष्णा कालरात्रिर्भयंकरी ॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कालरात्रि रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ।।

॥ ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नम: ॥

The Story, Symbol, and Significance of Mahāgaurī

            Remember when Śatī relinquished her body in the yajña at king Dakṣa’s palace and resurrected as Pārvatī to perform severe penance? She was born with a fair and glowing complexion. However, as she underwent tremendous austerity, her physique decayed and her fair complexion tanned to negritude. When she eventually succeeded in her sādhanā and secured the boon from Brahmā, she returned happily to her home. However, when Śiva arrived at the venue, he poked fun of Pārvatī’s changed complexion in a light-hearted banter, calling her Kālī.

However, as wives are, she did not take Śiva’s humour lightly. She got upset. Observing this, Śiva tried to console her, saying that it hardly mattered to him if she was of fair or dark complexion for only the purity of the heart matters at the end. However, Pārvatī was adamant. She prayed to Brahmā to regain her fair complexion. Brahmā advised her to take a dive into the holy water of the Gaṅgā. Following that, she took bath in the river and all the murkiness of her body faded away as she emerged out of the water lustrously fair as her divine body coruscated with refulgence.

Cladded in white apparels and adorned with chalky flowers, she stood before Śiva who could not take his eyes of her! Mesmerized, he named her ‘Mahāgaurī’, the brightest of the glowing ones! She tittered at her bedazzled husband and sat on his mount, Nandi, asking her husband to take her to his abode in the Kailāśa.

            This quintessence of this anecdote lies in celebrating the humours of conjugal life. Śiva is the wisest of all divine beings and he cares two hoots about physical beauty or skin complexion. With deadlocks on his head and ashes smeared all over his body, it needs no saying that he concerns himself with true beauty of the inner self, not the outer paraphernalia. On the other hand, Pārvatī is the divine feminine and she has outgrown all sense of lingering after mundane beauty or material prosperity. Yet, when they come together, Śiva makes fun of her complexion and Pārvatī gets sulky—making the entire episode a scope for the enjoyment of sportive humour. Without occasional humour, what is the purpose of mere wisdom but to dullen our life?

Pārvatī's desire to regain her fair complexion through Brahmā’s advice to bathe in the Gaṅgā symbolizes the quest for purification and renewal. The holy river is a powerful symbol in the Sanātana Dharma, representing the cleansing of sins and the restoration of spiritual integrity. As she emerges from the water, her radiant form reflects not just physical beauty but also the culmination of her spiritual journey, embodying the idea of śuddhikaraṇa (purification).

Upon returning to Śiva as Mahāgaurī, Pārvatī embodies the divine feminine in its fullest expression— radiant, powerful, and deeply connected to her divine essence. Clad in white and adorned with beautiful flowers, she represents purity and strength. Her confidence and joy in this transformation highlight the importance of self-acceptance and the realization that true beauty arises from embracing one’s complete self, including both light and dark aspects.

            Worshipping Mahāgaurī offers profound spiritual understanding which may be observed as rooted in her transformative journey from Kālī to the divine form of Mahāgaurī. Just as Pārvatī underwent austerity and emerged purified, devotees may seek Mahāgaurī’s grace to cleanse their minds and souls, overcoming negativity and impurities in their lives. Her story of perseverance through trials symbolizes the strength required to face life’s challenges. Worshipping her instils courage, empowering devotees to overcome obstacles with grace. Mahāgaurī is also revered for granting boons and fulfilling the heartfelt desires of her devotees, particularly those seeking harmony in relationships, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

Apart from that, Mahāgaurī also represents the divine feminine, encompassing purity, strength, and nurturing. Her worship fosters reverence for feminine qualities, encouraging balance in the universe. So, do pluck some white flowers and offer them to the divine mother, chanting:

ॐ श्वेते वृषे समारुढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः।

महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेवप्रमोददा।।

सिद्धगन्धर्वयक्षाद्यैरसुरैरमरैरपि।

सेव्यामाना सदा भूयात् सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी॥

॥ ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः ॥

The Story, Symbol, and Significance of Siddhidātrī

When the evil rises to the shore,

The devatās knocked at devī’s door:

She redeems their long-lost glory

As I narrate those in my story.

The goddess, divine and motherly, has incarnated time and again in as many forms as imaginable! Whenever the nefarious forces surmount the apogee and every nook and corner of auspice wails in trauma, the devī appears to annihilate the former and preserve the latter. Whenever the asuras assailed the heaven, the devatās were saved by the devī who slaughtered the demons to revert to the status quo. She is invincible in battles and she also empowers her children. She is called Siddhidātrī because she bestows all forms of siddhi to the devotees.

The story of Siddhidātrī is found in several Purāṇas. According to the legends, the universe was once plagued by demons who disrupted the balance of creation. These demons, fuelled by their ignorance and arrogance, created chaos, threatening the stability of the cosmos. In response, the deities convened and realized that only a powerful force could restore order. To combat the evil forces, the deities prayed fervently to the divine feminine. In response to their devotion, the divine energy manifested as Durgā, who took on multiple forms to confront the demons. Among these manifestations was Siddhidātrī, embodying the ultimate spiritual power. Siddhidātrī seats upon a lotus. She has four arms, holding śaṅkha (conch shell), cakra (discus), gadā (mace), and padma (lotus). As the battle between the deities and the demons raged on, Siddhidātrī emerged as a beacon of hope. With her immense power, she granted the deities the eight siddhis, empowering them to defeat their foes. These siddhis are: aṇimā (reduction to miniscule), mahimā (expansion to enormity), laghimā (loosening weight), garimā (turning heavy and dense), prāpti (attainment), prākāmya (access to all corners), īśitva (dominion over materials), vaśitva (influence over others). Each of these powers represented a unique aspect of spiritual attainment, such as control over elements, mastery of the mind, and the ability to influence the course of events—all of which helped the deities to regroup. The climax of the story occurs when she confronts the most powerful demon, Mahiṣāsura, known for his invulnerability. Utilizing her divine energies and the siddhis she had bestowed upon the deities, Siddhidātrī orchestrated a strategic attack. With her guidance, the deities united their strengths, combining their newfound powers to vanquish the demon. This victory restored balance and harmony to the universe.

            Not just the story, but the very figure of Siddhidātrī is filled with symbolism. For instance, the conch shell represents the sound of the divine and the call to awaken one’s inner self. The discus signifies the power of the mind and clarity of thought. The mace represents strength and protection, while the lotus embodies spiritual growth and enlightenment. Lotus being her divine seat suggests that she is as calm and composed in the face of adversity as she is while offering boons.

            She represents a beautiful fusion of grace and strength that femininity upholds. As she bestows the eight siddhis, she symbolizes spiritual as well as materialistic prosperity. It is to be noted that whereas she could have vanquished the demons herself, she chose to empower the deities and fight the demons as a team— showcasing the pinnacle of leadership. She symbolizes that when women embrace their feminine self, they not only become qualified achievers, but also the best of leaders in any given field.

            One of the most significant benefits of worshipping Siddhidātrī is the potential to attain various siddhis, such as clairvoyance, healing, and mastery over the elements. Devotees believe that sincere devotion and practice can help them harness these powers, leading to enhanced capabilities in personal and spiritual endeavours. She is often seen as the granter of wishes (icchā). Devotees approach her with specific aspirations— be they related to career (karmasiddhi), relationships (saṃbandhasiddhi), or personal growth (ātmavikāśa). Her divine grace is believed to manifest these desires, helping individuals achieve their goals. Worshipping Siddhidātrī fosters a profound sense of inner strength (śakti) and resilience. By invoking her energy, devotees cultivate self-confidence and the ability to face challenges head-on. This empowerment is crucial for personal growth, enabling individuals to navigate life's difficulties with grace. She represents the pinnacle of spiritual attainment (mokṣa or siddhi). Her worship encourages practitioners to delve into their inner selves, promoting self-awareness (svayamaprakāśa) and enlightenment (jñāna). Devotees often experience a deeper connection to their spiritual essence, guiding them on their path toward self-realization (ātmasākṣātkāra). Many devotees seek Siddhidātrī’s protection (rakṣā) from negative energies (pāpakarma), evil forces (asura), and other harmful influences. Her divine presence is believed to create a shield of spiritual energy that safeguards individuals and their environments, allowing them to cultivate a harmonious atmosphere. Worshipping Siddhidātrī contributes to physical and mental well-being. The act of prayer (prārthanā), meditation (dhyāna), and rituals (saṃskāra) associated with her worship promotes relaxation and reduces stress, anxiety, and dementia, leading to improved mental health. In times of uncertainty, devotees often turn to Siddhidātrī for guidance. Her wisdom (prajñā) and nurturing energy provide clarity and direction, helping individuals make informed decisions (saṅkalpa). This guidance can be particularly beneficial during transitions or challenging life situations. Ultimately, Siddhidātrī serves as a guiding force, illuminating the path toward self-realization and mastery of one’s inner potential, helping individuals navigate the complexities of life with strength and grace. Therefore, you should seek siddhi from Siddhidātrī by chanting:

सिद्धगन्धर्वयक्षाद्यैरसुरैरमरैरपि ।

सेव्यमाना सदा भूयात् सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी ॥

विद्या: समस्तास्तव देवि भेदा:

स्त्रिय: समस्ता: सकला जगत्सु।

त्वयैकया पूरितमम्बयैतत्

का ते स्तुति: स्तव्यपरा परोक्ति:।।

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ सिद्धिदात्री रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः।।

।। ॐ सिद्धिदात्र्यै नम: ।।

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