In photo: Devi Moorthi as she blesses everyone after Chandi Homa; performed by learned Acharyas in the presence of Swamiji at SSRVM Mulund
It’s an experience.
At SSRVM Mulund, Mumbai - the pinnacle of Homa experience was witnessed by hundreds at the Chandi Homa performed by learned Acharyas in the presence of Swamiji blessed by Gurudev to be a part of this Grand Navratri Celebration..
Navratri with such grandeur is the time to experience the Devi Tattva. The kind, merciful, compassionate, beautiful and the loving form of the Devi. To experience the strength she possesses.
You read it, you watch it so many times, but Navratri is a time you experience it.
The shringar, the chants, the whole decked up environment is beaming with the energy of the Devi.
You have no option but to surrender and feel the pristine effect it brings forward.
One can never quantify it. For some the fear dissolves, for some faith is reinstated, for some the questions and the doubts vanish. Each one receives what they need. Something that reinstates the faith in the positive and distances you from the negative.
Through the various forms and valor that are described by various Rishis and the Mahatmyam that is often chanted by revered Acharyas..
That which is chanted with utmost faith; that which is sung with a sole thought - let it bring auspiciousness to all.
When one when sits and listens to it - somehow through these events, descriptions and the occurrences that are described in the chants - the Devi subtly tells - I have overcome the supposedly big and mighty and you can too! That which appeared massive, unconquerable, troubling to all - the Devi annihilated it and brought in peace..
Similarly in the lives of an ordinary individual, the different forms through which one feels troubled and feels taken away from the feeling of positivity, these very chants and the laya - rhythm in which it is chanted, the way it is performed; on a subtle plane it does the same to you. And when that which troubles is silenced, you witness something - an experience. That there is more than the efforts you put, the hard work you do, the acts and deeds of yours - something that controls and protects the life and witnesses it all and is there to be with you - that you are not alone.
In the present times, where you see things that distract you, doubts you - these experiences reinstate the faith that is shaken, faith that is fading or faith that is challenged.
Navratri when done with utmost devotion or surrender, brings you back to a state of faith and harmony and even if you don’t do it in the most ideal way, just like a mother cares for her child - you are taken care of - in the presence of the Devi. All you have to do is, just be present as you are.
Navratri Pujas conducted by Vaidic Dharma Sansthan, Bangalore across India are doing a magnificent job of rekindling the fire that keep the values for a trusted and just society alive. When each person is awakened with such divine experiences, they are enabled to think better for themselves.
A better thinking individual gives back manifolds and upholds the society with positivity. Coming together in such a huge gathering like Mumbai Navratri what can one take back? You take back the part of you - that makes you feel you.
Come as you are, go back with a version that makes you better than before. There is nothing to compare. You get what helps you be better, one celebration at a time..