Navarathri, the nine powerful nights dedicated to Maa Durga, marks its beginning from the next day of Mahalaya and culminates on Mahanavami. According to the Gregorian calendar, this year’s Navarathri falls from the 3rd of October to the 12th of October. During this period, India vibrates with the energies of the divine feminine, Shakti, which translates to energy—the very essence that sustains life.
Navarathri is a time to reconnect with this powerful energy and align ourselves with the divine feminine. Maa, also known as Prakriti, represents nature itself. As humans, we often attempt to dominate nature, forgetting that we are an integral part of it. Navarathri reminds us that we should strive to be one with Prakriti, rather than seeking to conquer it.
Shakti, the divine energy within us, is the force through which we breathe, digest, understand, and live. However, many of us are unaware of our inherent Shakti. By connecting with this divine energy, we can unlock its full potential and witness extraordinary transformations in our lives. In Sanatana Dharma, it is believed that the deity you are most drawn to and connect with can imbue you with their nature.
Here are some ways to deepen your connection with Maa during Navaratri:
Consider Her Your Close Relative
Treat Maa as your close relative. Talk to her, make friends with her, and share everything with her. Just as you would confide in a close friend or family member, open your heart to Maa. This personal connection is vital. When you feel close to her, you create a bond of trust and love.
Be loyal to her. This loyalty doesn’t mean you cannot pray to other deities. It means being true to yourself, as loyalty to her is loyalty to your inner self. The concept of “Tat Tvam Asi” encapsulates this idea: she is you, and you are her. Achieving this level of understanding takes time, but with a clear goal and unwavering faith, you can cultivate this relationship.
She is your mother in the truest sense. She will guide and help you through life’s challenges. Remember, her punishments are not meant to harm but to teach. Like a compassionate teacher, she tests you first and imparts wisdom later. Her challenges are growth opportunities, helping you become stronger and wiser.
Here are some ways to deepen this relationship:
Regular Conversations
Speak to Maa daily. Share your joys, sorrows, and concerns with her. This practice builds a habit of turning to her for guidance and comfort. Just like you speak to your mother. Spend a few minutes with her. Talking to her, sharing your day with her, in front of her photo, or just to her within you. Trust me it works
Express Gratitude
Thank her for the blessings in your life. Acknowledge her presence in both good times and bad. Gratitude strengthens your connection and opens your heart to more of her love. Move forward with one thought that my life is her blessing. Nothing is because of me. But from her, through me. I am just a channel to her plays.
Seek Her Guidance
Before making decisions, ask for her guidance. Trust that she will lead you in the right direction. This reliance fosters a deep sense of security and trust in her wisdom. Don’t worry she will answer you.
Reflect on Her Teachings:
When faced with difficulties, reflect on what Maa might be teaching you. Embrace her lessons with an open heart, understanding they are for your ultimate good.
By nurturing this intimate relationship with Maa, you invite her divine presence into every aspect of your life. She becomes your confidante, guide, and protector, helping you navigate the journey of life with grace and strength.
Be a Loving Human
Maa is an embodiment of love. But what about you? Are you embodying love in your daily life? Imagine trying to listen to your favorite music; you need to tune your radio to the correct frequency to hear it. Similarly, to experience Maa’s love, you need to elevate your vibrations to match hers.
To do this, become a humble, loving human being. Be an abode of love yourself. When you radiate love and kindness, you align yourself with Maa’s divine energy. Undoubtedly, when you embody these qualities, you will be loved and cared for by Maa herself. And if Maa takes care of you, what more could you ask for?
The take-home message is simple: Treat everyone the way you want to be treated. By doing so, you create a harmonious environment filled with love, reflecting the divine love of Maa.
Practice Sadhana
We often speak of the divine feminine—Maa, Durga, the deity—but have we ever truly sensed her through our five senses? It is our utmost duty to invoke her presence in our subconscious through the practice of sadhana, or spiritual discipline. Our actions and thoughts act as a bridge between the conscious and subconscious mind.
Imagine a scenario: a sighted person sits atop a blind person, directing him toward their shared destination. The blind person represents your subconscious mind, navigating the path, while the sighted person symbolizes your conscious mind, providing direction. By consciously engaging in sadhana, we program our subconscious mind to align with our spiritual goals.
This concept might seem abstract, so let’s consider a practical example. Suppose you decide to fast throughout the days of Navarathri and engage in name-chanting for 15 minutes each night. This practice is a form of sadhana. What happens in the background of your mind? Every time you encounter delicious food—whether on your table, on screen, or in your thoughts—you remind yourself not to consume it because you are fasting for Maa. This constant awareness of your fast connects your mind to Maa’s presence. Unknowingly, you’ve imprinted the significance of Maa into your subconscious mind through your actions and thoughts. This is the essence of sadhana: a conscious effort that gradually influences the subconscious, bringing you closer to the divine.
By dedicating ourselves to these practices, we strengthen our connection with Maa and allow her divine energy to manifest in our lives.
This Navarathri, let us pledge to celebrate and honor the divine energy within us, the Shakti. By following these tips, you can deepen your connection with Maa and embark on a transformative spiritual journey.