Navaratri, a popular annual Hindu festivalt is celebrated in September / October across India and though the tradition slightly varies from region to region, there are certain fundamental customs that are common throughout India and they have been in vogue for centuries.
The following are the interesting facts that you may not be aware of:
The following are the interesting facts that you may not be aware of:
01. Navaratri festival was introduced in Tamil region during the Nayak rulers of Thanjavur, Madurai, etc.
02. A popular religious festival during the Vijayanagara rule, in order to conduct it on a grand scale, the rulers introduced a simple tax system to collect money from people.
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03. Only the royals and big zamindars used to celebrate Navaratri in the bygone era. Thirumalai Nayak of Madurai gave the permission to Raja of Ramanathapuram Sethupathi to celebrate Navaratri. Since then, it had become a regular annual event in many parts of Tamil region.
04. Surprisingly, during the reign of great Chola rulers, Navaratri was conducted by the administration.
05. Devi Purana has vividly described the festival of Navaratri in detail. During the nine days of the festival if women perform Kanniga Puja, it is strongly believed, they will not only be prosperous and be happy with their husband and family members, but also bring in prosperity to their family.
06. During the nights of Navaratri, 7 pm to 9.30 pm is the most auspicious time to perform puja.
07. During the Navaratri festival on the day of Sabthami, if Hayagriva Perumal is worshiped with intense devotion, devotees will be blessed with good results, particularly, when taking competitive exam, etc. It will help them face anything with confidence. On the same day of Sabthami, if Lalitha Shaharanamam parayanam is done, it is good for the welfare of the family.
08. If women celebrate all the four Navaratries - Lalitha Navaratri (in the Tamil month of Punguni, after Ammavasi), Raja Mathanki Navaratri (In the Tamil month of Masi), Mahavarahi Navaratri (Aadi month) and Sarada Nararatri (Puratasi month), they will be blessed profusely by the Amman (goddess).
09. In southern states of India Gollu (display of dolls) is part of the 9 day festival norms and it implies that Devi is omnipresent in all living as well as non-living things. People and the temples display Gollu is display only in the month of Puratasi. Dis olay of Golu, it is beloved is conducive to prosperity, good health and welfare; apart it gets rid of negativity in the homes and places of worship.
10. The tradition has been that if Gollu is displayed in all 9 days at home and goddess Devi is propitiated and She comes home daily and blesses the family.
11. Viruthi yogam prevails on days when stars Astham, Chithrai and Moolam are powerful. So, when puja is done on these days, it ids good for the devotees.
12. In the Tamil month of Purattasi, the dominant force is the lord of death - Yama, according to Agni Purana. With a view to escaping from the evil effects of Yama and to negate the negative aspects, it is widely believed, that Navaratri dedicated to various manifestations of Goddess Parasakthi is celebrated by the Hindus.
13. On the Vijayadasami day, worshipping of Ayur Devi is a must. Puja must be performed before the tools, etc that have close link with our livelihood.
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14. It is emphasised that during the Navaratri days, people should worship goddesses without fail Thd Puja is done by meditating on Swanya Maharishi and Suganya Devi first.
15. Displaying Kollam or Rangoli in front of the household and Gollu is a must and only rice flour must be used for this purpose. This will pave way for prosperity, unity and peace of mind in the family.
16. During Navaratri days after puja giving Mangala items such as turmeric, kunkumam, ribbon, bangles to the poor girls is good for the family. Charity is an integral part of Navaratri and helping the poor by way of charity is a noble act during this nine day festival.
17. Offering new dress to young unmarried Kannika girls is a common practise in many households.
18. Lighting Aganda Deepam (keeping the oil lamp going continuously ) during Navaratri days will give good benefits to the family. Aganda Deepam is lit on the last three days or on the last day only.
19. Performing Navara puja, Suvasini puja, Kanya puja will benefit the family. In the puja room or elsewhere, the oil lamp is kept in the middle of a triangle drawn with sandal paste on a wooden plank; the lamp is kept on a spot marked with kungumam and sprinkled with flowers. On either side of the portrait of Amman, slamp should be kept. If one is an earthen lamp, the other two will be in silver or brass. The normal practice is the lamps are lit on all 9 days. In case it is not done, as mentioned before, let the lamp get going for three days only.
20. After Navaratri, it is quite appropriate to donate the lamps that had been kept burning on 9 days or 3 days. This Aganda Deepa Vazhipadu (worship) tradition has been in vogue for centuries in many Indian states.
21. Parayanam or chanting of Soundarya Lahari, Laltha Sahasranamam, Abhirami Arunthathi will bring in prosperity to the family and all the evil forces in the household will be driven away.
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