Meaning
"Navaratri means nine nights. Darkness is associated
with night. What is this darkness? It is the darkness of ignorance." Sai
Baba, SS, 11/92, p. 267
"Navaratri means 'nine nights'. What does the nine
signify? There are nine 'Grahas' (planets according to astrology). The human
body has nine openings. If a deep inquiry is made, it will be found that
mankind is dependent on the planets (Grahas). Although astrologers speak about
nine, in reality, there are only two planets that matter. They are 'Raga'
(attachment) and Dwesha (hatred)." Sai Baba, SS, 11/94, p. 289
"The six enemies of man are eating into his vitals,
embedded in his own inner consciousness. They are the demons to be killed. They
are lust (Kama), anger (Krodha), greed (Lobha), attachment (Moha), pride
(Mada), and malice (Matsarya). They reduce man to the level of a demon. They
have to be overpowered and transmuted, by the Supreme Alchemy of the Divine
Urge. Then, the nine (Nava) nights (Ratri) of struggle will become new (Nava),
a new type of night, devoted to the purification of the mind, illumination of
the soul - the night described in the Gita as "the day of the
worldly". What is clear and attractive to the ordinary man is
uninteresting and unknown to the Yogi. What is clear and attractive to the Yogi
is uninteresting and unknown to the worldly man. This is the nature of this
topsy-turvy world." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VIII, dis dtd 12-10-69, p. 107
Purpose
'The Navaratri is a festival to commemorate the victory of
the good over the evil. The Embodiment of Divine Power (Para-Shakti), in its
various manifestations, Satwic (as Maha- Saraswati), Rajasic (as Maha-Lakshmi),
Tamasic (as Mahakali) was able to overcome the forces of vice, wickedness and
egoism, during the nine days' struggle and finally, on Vijaya Dashami (Dasara,
the tenth Day commemorating victory), the valedictory worship is done".
Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VIII. discourse on 12-10-69, p. 107
The purpose of the Navaratri celebration is to enable man to
get rid of nine types of darkness, which have taken hold of him. Sai Baba, SS,
11/92, p. 267
"The Navaratri festival is observed by contemplating on
God for ten days, cleansing one's self of all the impurities to experience the
Divinity within." Sai Baba, SS, 11/94. p. 291
"This festival (Navaratri) is intended to make man
realise his true worth as the most precious object in creation. All things in
the world derive their value from the labour and skill of man." Sai Baba.
SS, 11/94. p. 289
"It is a festival of thanksgiving. Gratitude is Divine.
Ingratitude is demonic. But while offering the homage of gratitude, you must
also try to discover who was killed, who was saved, and why." Sai Baba,
SSS, Vol. VIII, discourse on 12-10-69, p. 107
"The Navaratri celebration is an occasion for revering
nature (Prakriti) and considering how natural resources can be used properly in
the best interest of mankind. Resources like water, air, power and minerals
should be used properly and not misused or wasted. Economy in the use of every
natural resource is vital. Pollution of the air has many evil consequences. The
inner significance of observances like Nagar Sankirtan and Bhajans is to fill
the atmosphere with sacred vibrations and holy thoughts. The inauguration of
the Navaratri celebrations means that you should use this occasion for offering
worship to nature and resolving to make sacred use of all natural
resources." Sai Baba. SS, 11/92, p. 269
"So, the Navaratri is to be dedicated by all for the
propitiation of the outer as well as the inner divinity, so that the outer and
the inner worlds may have peace and joy. By means of systematic Sadhana, it is
possible to tap the inner resources that God has endowed on man, and elevate
yourselves to the purer and happier realm of the Reality. That is the message
of Navaratri, the Nine Day's Festival celebrating the victory of the Primal
Energy. That energy, when it is manifested in its quiet aspect (Satvic), is
delineated as the Great Teacher and Inspirer, Maha-Saraswati; when it is active
and potent (Rajasic), the great Provider and Sustainer, Maha-Lakshmi; when it
is dull and inactive, but latent and apparently quiet (Tamasic), as the Great
Dark Destroyer and Deluder, Mahakali. Since Shakti is all-pervasive, omni-potent,
infinitesimal as well as all-comprehensive, it can be contacted everywhere, in
outer nature or inner consciousness. Prahlada told his doubting father: 'Why
doubt, discuss and delay? Seek it anywhere; you can see It.' It is near and
far, before, behind, beside and inside, everything in the known and the unknown
world. People dare describe Her or Him, as thus and thus; that reveals only
their faculty to guess. No description can portrait in full." Sai Baba,
SSS, Vol. VI, discourse on 4-10-67, p. 83
Three Phases Of Navaratri
Celebrations
"The Navaratri has been divided into three parts. The
first three days are dedicated to the worship of Durga, next three days to the
worship of Lakshmi and last three days to the worship of Saraswati. All Hindu
festivals have a sacred purpose. Unfortunately, now-a-days the festivals are
observed only with external rituals without understanding their inner meaning.
In the performance of all forms of worship, there should be steadiness of mind
and body. Only then concentration can be achieved. Today men are unable to
maintain steadiness of body and mind." Sai Baba. SS, 11/92, p. 268
Purpose Of Devi Worship
"Ichcha-Shakti (the Will Power) arises from thoughts.
This 'Iccha-Shakti' is the source of several other potencies like intellectual
power, the discriminating capacity and others. To develop this 'Ichcha-Shakti'
(Will Power), one has to worship Devi. This calls for the cultivation of
renunciation or detachment. For instance, if one has a desire for various
drinks, he can bring the desire under control by giving up, to begin with, the
desire for some of them. Thereby the Will Power (Ichcha-Shakti) is developed,
and in due course, it becomes easier to give up other desires. In Vedantic
parlance, this is described as 'Vairaagya' (renouncing all attachments).
Vairaagya is not abandonment of hearth and home and retiring to a forest. It
means developing godly thoughts and reducing worldly feelings. It is when this
balanced development takes place that one acquire-control over the powers of
nature (Praakrita Shakti). When these powers are got, the mental power in a
person increases." Sai Baba, SS, 12/92, pp. 304 & 305
"The Devi Puja performed during Navaratri is intended
to get rid of worldly attachments and divert-the mind towards God." Sai
Baba, SS, 12/92, p. 305
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Devi Is Satya-Swaroopini
"You worship Devi (goddess) in these nine days of
Navaratri. You consider Devi as your Divine Mother. This Devi is called 'Sathya
Swaroopini', which means she is the embodiment of truth. So, worshipping Truth
amounts to worshipping Devi. If you understand and follow this truth, you will be
successful in every field. The Vedas also proclaim this Principle of Truth."
Sai Baba. SS. 11/98, p. 283
Symbolism Of Devi Worship
"The world is a manifestation of three Gunas (Satva,
Rajas and Tamas qualities). The Divine is worshipped as "Devi". The term
"Devi" refers to the feminine aspect. The term "Stree" is
used to denote a woman. There are three syllables in this term: "Sa",
Ta" and "Ra". "Sa" symbolizes the Satvic aspect of a
person. The Satvic quality is the very first quality that manifests in man. The
feeling of love develops from the mother. It is impossible to describe the
nature of maternal love. The mother converts her own blood into love and gives
it as milk to feed the child. Therefore, the first quality represented by
"Sa" is the Satvic quality. The second syllable is "Ta".
This does not represent "Tatva" or "Taamas" as eating and
sleeping. In the term "Stree", the syllable "Ta" represents
bashfulness, modesty, self-esteem and other such traits which are the
characteristics of women. Shyness is a predominant trait in women. They attach
great value to their honour and reputation. It is because of these sacred
qualities that her "Tamasic" aspect is significant. The common view
regarding the "Tamasic" quality does not apply to them. The third
quality symbolized by the syllable "Ra" is Rajas. Such qualities as
sacrifice and high-mindedness in women reflect the Rajasic aspect of their
nature. When necessary, women will be prepared even to sacrifice their lives to
safeguard their honour. Without regard to the difficulties and troubles they
may encounter, women are ready to make any sacrifice to protect their honour
and self-respect. When the "Tamasic" elements attempt to subvert the
Satvic qualities, they are ready to combat and vanquish them.
The term "Devi" thus represents the Divine Power
which has taken the Rajasic form to suppress the evil forces and protect the
Satvic qualities. When the forces of injustice, immorality and untruth have
grown to monstrous proportions and are indulging in a death dance, when
selfishness and self-interest are rampant, when men have lost all sense of
kindness and compassion, the Atmic principle, assuming the form of Shakti
(energy/ power), taking on the Rajasic quality, seeks to destroy the evil
elements. This is the inner meaning of the Festival. When the Divine Goddess is
in dreadful rage assumes a fearful form, to pacify the dreaded Goddess, her
feminine children offer worship to Her with red kumkum (sacred powder). The
Goddess seeing the blood-red kumkum at Her feet, feels assured that the wicked
have been vanquished and assumes Her benign form. The inner meaning of the
worship of "Devi" with red kumkum is that thereby the Goddess is
appeased. During the ten days of the (Navaratri and) Dasara, the demons in the
form of wicked qualities have been routed. Rakshasas (demons) do not mean
demonic beings. Arrogance is a demon. Bad thoughts are demons". Sai Baba.
SS, 11/91, pp. 284 & 285
Forms And Manifestations Of Shakti
"During these sacred nine days (Navaratri), people go
through the sacred texts such as Devi Bhagavatam, Ramayana and Mahabharata.
People also worship the deities Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Goddess Gayatri
is the presiding deity of our senses. Savitri is the presiding deity of speech.
All these three are within the same Principle of Truth. Gayatri Mantra begins
with 'Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah'. 'Bhuh' means materialization (Body); 'Bhuvah' means
Vibration (Life Principle); Svaha means Radiation (Atma).
During these nine days, Goddess Shakti (Energy Principle) is
worshipped. Truth, righteousness, peace, forgiveness are all expressions of the
Principle of Shakti. Truth is the primal cause. There is nothing other than
this. All faculties of energy are present in this Truth. So, consider Truth as
your mother and follow it. The Vedas proclaim, 'Satyam Vada; Dharmam Chara',
which means speak the truth and follow the righteousness. Unfortunately, today
people do not follow this. On the contrary they follow Asatya (untruth) and
Adharma (unrighteousness)" Sai Baba. SS, 11/98, p. 284
Durga, Lakshmi And Saraswati
Symbolize Three Potencies
"Bharatiyas (people of India) have been celebrating the
Navaratri festival from ancient times as a mode of worship of Devi (the Divine
as Mother). They worship Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati during these nine days.
Who are these? They are three forms, which have fascinated man. Their esoteric
significance is represented by three potencies (Shaktis). They are Karma
(action), Upaasana (worship) and Jnana (wisdom). Their potencies have been
given other names". Sai Baba. SS. 11/94, p. 282
"The significance of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati has
to be rightly understood. Three represent three kinds of potencies in man.
Ichchaa Shakti (will power), Kriyaa Shakti (the power of action) and Jnana
Shakti (the power of discrimination). Saraswati is manifested in man as the
power of speech (Vaak). Durga is present in the form of dynamism (the power of
action). Lakshmi is manifested in the form of will power. The body indicates
"Kriyaa Shakti". The mind is the repository of"Ichchaa
Shakti". The Atma is "Jnana Shakti". "Kriya Shakti"
comes from the body, which is material. The power that activates the body, which
is inert and makes it vibrant, is "Ichchaa Shakti". The power that
induces the vibrations of'khchaa Shakti" is "Jnana Shakti" which
causes radiation (of energy). These three are represented by the Mantra
"OM Bhur-Bhuvah-Svah". "Bhu" represents Bhu-loka (earth).
"Bhuvah." represents the life-force (also means conscience of man),
"Svah" represents the power of radiation. All the three are present
in man. Thus, Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati dwell in the human heart." Sai
Baba. SS. 11/94. pp. 283 & 284
"The Vedas declare that whenever the mind wanders, the
three worlds will be perceived. What are these three worlds? All are familiar
with the pronouncements in the Gita and in the Gayatri Mantra. The three worlds
are: Bhu, Bhuvah, Svah (the Bhu-loka,Bhuvar-loka and Swarga). These three are
present in man: Aadibhoutika, Aadidaivika and Aadhyatmik). These three
worshipped by our ancients are: Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Every form is
that of Durga, the deity that is associated with energy (Shakti). There is
infinite power within man, power that is beyond comprehension and which is
divine. But he makes no effort to recognise it. What is the power that makes
the earth revolve round itself? It is not any machine or mantra. The power is
within the earth itself. This energy, present in man and other objects, has
been characterized as cosmic power. The sun derives its energy and effulgence
from this cosmic source. It is the same cosmic source that accounts for the
power of the human mind and the marvellous power of the eye to see the most
distant stars." Sai Baba, SS, 11/94. p. 287 & 288
"The energy in man is a primordial power (AdiShakd). It
is termed 'OM'. This power permeates the physical world (Prakriti) of matter.
There is another power, which animates this material substance. This is the
power of vibration. It is termed 'Prana Shakti (the Life-force). It is this
Life-force which activates every part of the human body. This is termed
'Bhuvah'. Lakshmi symbolizes this power. Lakshmi is the embodiment of that
power, which enables a human being to see, to hear and to do many things.
Lakshmi represents the power to see what is good, to hear what is good, to
speak sweet words, to entertain good thoughts and to do good deeds. The Lakshmi
principle accounts for the good, happy, auspicious happening in the world. The
third form of energy is symbolized by Saraswati. She is regarded as the Goddess
of Speech (Vak Devata) Lakshmi is Praana Swaroopini (the embodiment of the
life-force) Durga is Shakti -Swaroopini (embodiment of physical energy).
(These) three in their unified expression represent the Atmic Principle."
Sai Baba, SS, 11/94, p. 288
Durga, Lakshmi & Saraswati
Symbolize Three Qualities
"Men are prone to exhibit Rajasic qualities like anger
and hatred. They are menacing manifestations of Durga. The extolling of the
Divine in song and poetry and the pleasing vibrations produced by them indicate
the power of Saraswati. The pure qualities that arise in man such as
compassion, love, forbearance and sympathy are derived from Lakshmi. When
people worship Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati externally in pictures or icons,
they are giving physical forms to the subtle potencies that are within them.
The unfortunate predicament of man today is that he is not recognising the
powers within him and developing respect for them. He goes after the external,
attracted by the physical forms. The relationship between the material and the
subtle has to be understood." Sai Baba, SS, 11/94, p. Durga, Lakshmi &
Saraswati Natural Powers
"During the Dasara festival, three goddesses - Durga,
Lakshmi and Saraswati -are worshipped according to certain traditional
practices. Durga represents the prodigious power of nature (Prakrit-shakti). As
against this power of nature is the Paraa-Shakti (the power of the spirit).
When spiritual power is predominant, the power of nature is kept under control.
When spiritual power is weak, the power of nature becomes predominant. This is
illustrated by the example of smoke and fire. When smoke is predominant, the
fire is suppressed. When the fire is blazing, the smoke vanishes. Hence, to
enhance the power of spirit and limit the power of nature, man has to cultivate
detachment (Vairaagya). To the extent that power of nature is under control, to
that extent spiritual power grows. "Ichchaa-Shakti" is one of the of
several other potencies like intellectual power, the discriminating capacity
and others. To develop this "Ichchaa-Shakti" (will power), one has to
worship "Devi". This calls for the cultivation of Tyaaga (detachment
or renunciation). For instance, if one has a desire for various drinks, he can
bring the desires under control by giving up, to begin with, the desire for one
of them. Thereby the Will Power (Ichchaa-Shakti) is developed and in due
course, it becomes easier to give up other desires. In Vedantic parlance this
is described as "Vairaagya" (renouncing attachments). Vairaagya is
not abandonment of hearth and home and retiring to a forest. It means
developing godly thoughts and reducing worldly feelings. When this balanced
development takes place, one acquires control over the powers of nature
(Praakrita-Shakti). When these powers are got, the mental power in a person
increases. Durga represents the Praakrita-Shakti and Lakshmi represents the
Thought Power (Sankalpa Shakti). Vaak-Shakti (the power of speech), is
represented by Saraswati. In order to acquire these three powers, various forms
of worship are performed during the Navaratri festival. But prayers alone are
not enough. Prayers should not be just from the lips. They should emanate from
the heart. The heart (Hridaya) symbolizes the Ocean of Milk (Ksheera-saagara).
When Lakshmi emerges, purity of speech follows. Whatever you speak should
conform to truth." Sai Baba, SS. 12/92. pp.304 & 305.
Durga, Lakshmi & Saraswati
Symbolize Mother
"Recognising one's mother as the very embodiment of all
divine forces, one must show reverence to her and treat her with love. This is
the true message that the Navaratri festival gives us. The Supreme Shakti
manifests herself in the form of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Durga grants to
us energy - physical, mental, and spiritual. Lakshmi bestows on us wealth of
many kinds, not just money, but intellectual wealth, the wealth of character,
and others. Even health is a kind of wealth. She grants untold riches to us.
Saraswati bestows on us intelligence, the capacity for intellectual enquiry and
the power of discrimination. The Navaratri festival is celebrated in order to
proclaim to the world the power of these goddesses. One's own mother is a
combination of all these divine beings. She provides us energy, wealth, and
intelligence. She constantly desires our advancement in life. So, she
represents all the three goddesses that we worship during the Navaratri
festival. If the Pandavas were able to become so dear to Krishna and make their
lives worthy by serving Him, it was not on account of their own merit or
austerities. It was Kunti Devi's love for them that brought to them such a
great fortune. Even when they had to live in the forest or in the House of Wax,
she always stayed with them and prayed for their welfare. The Pandavas also
reciprocated her love, and that accounts for their final victory. Lakshmana,
likewise, was able to dwell in the forest with his brother Rama, serving
ceaselessly, only because of his mother Sumitra's blessings". Sai Baba,
SS, 11/88. p. 290
"There is no need to propitiate Durga, Lakshmi and
Saraswati for material prosperity, energy and worldly knowledge. If we love and
adore the mother, we shall be showing our love and devotion to all these goddesses.
One's mother is greater than heaven itself. Sri Rama himself declared that
one's mother and motherland are greater than even heaven. The Navaratri
festival teaches this profound truth. One must remember that reverence to one's
own mother is one's paramount duty. If one's mother is unhappy, all expenditure
one incurs and all the worship one offers in the name ofDurga, Lakshmi and
Saraswati in the Navaratri festival will yield no fruit". Sai Baba, SS,
11/88. p. 291
Durga,
Lakshmi & Saraswati Symbolize The Supreme Divine
"The Navaratri festival should not be observed as a
festival for worshipping the consorts of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. These
goddesses symbolize divine potencies. All these potencies are derived from
Vishnu. The entire cosmos is a manifestation of the myriad forms of Vishnu.
People must recognise this oneness underlying the different forms. All beings
breathe the same air as their life-breath. Likewise all the five basic elements
are the stuff of nature. But in the Para-Tatwa (the Supreme Principle, the Divine),
these do not exist. The elements are mortal. The Divine is immortal. To proceed
from the mortal to the immortal, the easiest means is the cultivation of the
Divine Love (Prema). The heart is like a sky wherein the clouds in the form of
thoughts hide the Buddhi (the intellect) and the mind representing the sun and
the moon. Vairaagya (detachment) is the means to get rid of thoughts and
desires arising from them. The Devi Puja performed during Navaratri is intended
to get rid of worldly attachments and divert the mind toward God. There are
four different qualities in man: humanness, the animal nature, demonic nature,
and divine nature. When man follows the dictates of the body, he is a prey to
his animal nature. When he is subject to the vagaries of the mind, he becomes
demonic. When he is following the Atma (conscience), he is manifesting his
divinity. When he is governed by all the three- the body, the mind and the
Atma, he is human". Sai Baba, SS, 12/92, p. 305
"Vishnu pervades the cosmos as His body. All things in
the cosmos are limbs of the body of Vishnu. Hence, no one should have any
aversion to anything in the universe. He should not hate anyone, because the
same Divine is present in you and in everything in the universe. The cosmos has
three forms: the gross, the subtle and the casual. The physical universe
represents the gross form. The subtle form is the mind, and subtler than the
mind is the Atma". Sai Baba, SS. 11/92. p. 270
How To Celebrate Navaratri?
"The Navaratri festival should be used as an occasion
to examine one's own nature whether it is human, animal, or demonic, and strive
to transform the animal nature into the human, and divinise the human nature.
Wisdom cannot be acquired from outside. It has to be got through inward
Sadhana". Sai Baba, SS, 11/92, p. 271
Sai's Message On Navaratri
"The Navaratri festival should not be observed as a
festival for worshipping the consorts of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. These
goddesses symbolize Divine potencies. All these potencies are derived from
Vishnu. The entire cosmos is a manifestation of the myriad forms of Vishnu.
People should recognise the oneness underlying the different forms. All beings
breathe the same air as their life-breath. Likewise, all the basic elements are
common to all. These elements are the stuff of nature. But in the Paratatwa
(the Supreme Principle, the Divine), these do not exist. The elements are
mental. The Divine is immortal. To proceed from'the mortal to the Immortal, the
easiest means is the cultivation of the Divine love." Sai Baba, SS, 12/92,
p. 305
"It is essential to celebrate festivals in a sacred
spirit. It is not enough to do this for only 10 days during the Navaratri
festivals. It should become the rule throughout one's life, even as one draws
one's life-breath till the end." Sai Baba, SS, 11/94, p. 291
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