Varanasi has been symbolized as ‘shiv ki Nagari’ (Shiva’s own city). But, it wouldn’t have been a ‘Nagari’ if there was no influence of ‘Shakti’. Puranic tales tell us that it was only because of ‘Shakti’ that ‘Adidev Mahadev’ finally got convinced to bid adieu to the mighty Himalayas and make Varanasi as their eternal abode. So, this Nagari belongs to Shakti as equally as it belongs to Shiva (sometimes more, as she is the lady of the house!) and Navaratri is celebrated with the same zeal as is Shivaratri or Sawan.
“प्रथमं शैलपुत्री च द्वितीयं ब्रह्मचारिणी।
तृतीयं चन्द्रघण्टेति कूष्माण्डेति चतुर्थकम्।।
पंचमं स्कन्दमातेति षष्ठं कात्यायनीति च।
सप्तमं कालरात्रीति महागौरीति चाष्टमम्।।
नवमं सिद्धिदात्री च नवदुर्गा: प्रकीर्तिता:।
उक्तान्येतानि नामानि ब्रह्मणैव महात्मना:।।”
This festival is celebrated twice a year, once during Chaitra month (March-April) called ‘Chaitra Navaratri’ and once during Ashwin month (September-October) called ‘Shardiya Navaratri’. A story from Ramayana mentions that the Shardiya Navratri during Ashwin month is celebrated because Shree Ram woke up Maa Shakti from her sleep to get her blessings before waging the war against Ravan. Thus in Bengali, this Navaratri is also known as ‘Akal Bodhon’ which literally means ‘untimely awakening’. Another tale from ‘Devi Puran’ says that Maa Shakti killed an asura (demon) named ‘Durgasura’ during this time. Hence she was named as Durga.
Navratri will be celebrated form Sunday, 29 September, 2019 to Monday, 7 October, 2019
Navaratri is celebrated with huge pomp and show all across India, but when it’s in Varanasi, it has to be something extra, something more, something enormous. It’s only in Varanasi where one can actually visit the nine different Temples of Maa Shakti dedicated to nine different manifestations and get her eternal blessings. All these temples are centuries old and can be traced from Purans and ancient pieces of literature. Thus, along with spiritual inclination, historical curiosity also quadruples.
The first in the list belongs to Maa Shailputri, where she is worshipped as the daughter of Mountain King Himalaya and is personified for her might and strength. Her temple is situated at Alaipura near Sarnath.
Second is Maa Brahmacharini, where she is personifying a sense of Sacrifice, chastity, freedom from earthly affairs and sacredness. Her temple is situated at ‘Brahma Ghat’ near Kal bhairav temple.
The third is Maa Chandraghanta, who is a defender and protector of ‘Dharma’ and slays anyone who tries to distort the balance. Her temple is situated at ‘Chandraghanta Gali’ in Chowk area.
The fourth is Maa Kushmanda, who bless us with health, wealth and wisdom. Her temple is the famous Durga temple in Durgakund area.
Fifth is Maa Skandmata, who personifies the most affectionate and caring mother. The idol is also
Represented with a child in her lap. The child is Skanda(another name of Kartikeya). Her temple is situated in Jaitpura area.
Sixth is Maa Katyayani, who is believed to radiate supernatural energies to keep fear and negative thoughts at bay. Her another name is ‘Vikta Devi’. Her temple is situated at the premise of ‘Atma Veereshwar temple’ in Scindia Ghat.
Seventh is Maa Kalratri, who is the most gruesome and gory manifestation of Shakti. She is coloured in pitch black colour, hairs disbanded and frizzy, huge blood-dripping tongue, adorning a skull garland. She exhales fires through her nose and holds a blood-stained dagger in her hand. She personifies evil slaying god and assures us until she is with us, no demon could harm us. Her temple is very close to the ‘Annapurna temple’ in Kashi Vishwanath Gali.
Eighth is Maa Mahagauri, who is more famous by the name of Maa Annapurna, she feeds us and provides us with endless prosperities. Her temple is the famous Annapurna Temple near Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
And finally the Ninth manifestation of Nav Durga is Maa Siddhidatri, situated at Siddhmata Gali in Golghar, Maidagin. As the name suggests, she is the goddess of accomplishments (siddhi). As per ‘Devi Puran’, lord Shiva is said to be the most accomplished god and this happened due to the blessings of ‘Siddhidhatri’ manifestation of Maa Shakti. That’s why, lord Shiva’s half body assumed Maa Shakti’s form and he came to be known as ‘Ardhanarishwar’.
When we are talking about a splendid festival, how could we miss on the grandeur aura prevailing in the city and sumptuous foods? During Shardiya Navratri, the entire city is decorated with colourful lights and different clubs set up awesome pandals housing Maa Durga’s idol along with her entourage which includes Kartikeya, Ganesh, Maa Lakshmi and Maa Saraswati. Even the Asura(demon killed by Maa Durga) and the Vahanas(animals representing as Vehicles!) of the gods accompany her. Incredible isn’t it?! (Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas). Alongside these pandals are served awesome street foods for which ‘Varanasi’ need no introduction
So, what are you waiting for?! Pack your bags, come to Banaras and set yourself free with this spiritual tour.
“Bolo Durga Mai ki, Jai!”
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