Navaratri at Nerul Ashram
The auspicious nine-day festival of Navaratri was heralded in its entire splendor at the Nerul Ashram from October 16 -24. On the eve of the festival, on October 15, a Sudarshana Homam was performed which was well-attended.
Navaratri represents a celebration of Goddess Durga, the Energy aspect of the Divine. Literally meaning ‘remover of the miseries of life’, Durga is invoked by ardent devotees for the first three days of the festival. The next three days are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the granter of material prosperity. The last three days are devoted to the invocation of Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning and wisdom. Thus, the Cosmic Trinity of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati is fervently worshipped so that they may bestow upon their devotees the gifts of health, wealth, wisdom and other potent powers, enabling them to face the hurdles in their lives.
Special pujas were conducted at the Ashram every day, each addressing specific problems affecting people. Some of the pujas included the Shiva Shakti Puja, the Bhuvaneshwari Puja, the Swayamvara Parvati Puja, the Kali Puja and the Vidya Puja. The Mrityunjaya Homam was performed every morning of the nine-day festival. An interesting feature was the ‘Golu’, an assortment of beautifully bedecked dolls of the various forms of creation- from the gods to human beings and animals. On the 9th day, books and musical instruments belonging to devotees were placed in the puja and worshipped as a source of knowledge.
The tenth day, Vijaya Dashami or Dassehra started with the Vidya Puja after which devotees gathered for the ‘Vidyarambham’ ceremony. This ceremony includes writing of the auspicious mantra ‘Om Hari Sri Ganapataye namaha’ in a tray of rice grains. Young children are initiated into the world of learning by this ritual. Bhajans and hymns in praise of Goddess Saraswati brought the festivities to a glorious conclusion.