Sharad Navratri, also referred to as Sharadiya Navratri, is a 9-day festival honoring the 9 Avatars of Shakti (Mother goddess). It occurs in Ashwin Month's Shukla Paksha, which normally falls in September or October on the Gregorian calendar. Sharada represents Autumn and so Sharad Navratri is the most well-known and important of all Navratris. Thus, this Navratri is also referred to as “Maha Navaratri”. 

Navratri, which literally translates to “Nine Nights”, is a celebration of the nine manifestations of the Devi Adiparashakti (the supreme being, creator, and destroyer of the elements). Even during the times of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, gods and deities observed Sharad Navratri. 

As per the Hindu calendar, the main Navratri of the year occurs during the month of Ashwin during the season (Ritu) of Sharad, and so the names suggest ‘Sharad Navratri’ or ‘Sharadiya Navratri’. It is assumed that only during this period of the year did Durga descend on the earthly plane to satisfy the wishes of all her devotees. Hence, this is held as the most important, popular, and celebrated Navratri of the year.

Sharad Navratri 2023 Date and Time (Tithi)

Shardiya Navratri Begins Date 2023- Sunday, October 15th, 2023.

Shardiya Navratri End Date 2023- Monday, October 23rd, 2023

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Sharad Navratri Festival Calender for 2023

Significance of Shardiya Navratri

A variety of stories are attributed to the origins of Navratri in mythology.

The conflict between the Gods of heaven and Mahishashur (the King of Demons) had begun. All the gods, including the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh combined their divine energies to give birth to "Shakti," the mother of strength, in order to defeat him. As a result, Mahishasur was formed, and after nine nights of fierce combat, Goddess Durga slew him with her strength and intelligence. Thus, the tenth day of victory is commemorated as Vijaya Dashami or the day on which good triumphs over evil.

To free Sita from Ravana's incarceration in Lanka, Lord Rama was preparing to launch a fight against the evil character. Rama worshiped the goddess Durga in order to obtain her blessings before the war began. He requested 108 lotus flowers for the pooja. To finish the count, Rama was about to sever one of his eyes when Goddess Durga arrived and presented upon him her celestial "Shakti." The fight was won by Rama that day.

During the Navratri, Uma, the daughter of Daksh—the ruler of the Himalayas, is rumored to return home for 10 days. This festival commemorates Uma's return to earth after her marriage to Lord Shiva.

Spiritual Significance of Sharad Navratri

Hindu astrology places a lot of emphasis on Sharad Navratri. Since projects are related to the first Navratri of the year, Magha Gupt Navratri, which falls under the sign of Aquarius, they are completed during Sharad Navratri, which falls under the successful sign of Scorpio. In fact, this is known as the harvest season and the beginning of the upcoming winter season.

Navratri: Nine Avatars of Goddess Durga

People observe the Sharad Navratri with the greatest dedication and prayer for nine nights. A different Durga Maa avatar is honored each day. As a result, followers are required to dress appropriately every day.

Day 1: Shailaputri- Pratipada

Goddess Shailaputri is celebrated on Pratipada, which falls on October 15. Putri symbolizes daughter, while Shaila depicts mountain. Deity Parvati is given prominence on this day since she is the Mountain God's daughter.

Day 2: Brahmacharini- Dwitya

Goddess Brahmacharini, an Avatar of Devi Durga who calms wrath, is celebrated on Dwitya, October 16. As a result, this Goddess is honored on the second day.

Day 3: Chandraghanta- Tritya

On October 17, which is Tritiya, worshippers worship Chandraghanta. She is said to possess a third eye and battle wicked spirits. Jasmine blossoms are used during puja to appease her. 

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Day 4: Kushmanda- Chaturthi

On October 18, which is Chaturthi, Goddess Kushmanda is honored. Her name translates to "cosmic eggand," and she is renowned for bringing warmth and vitality to everyone.

Day 5: Skandamata- Panchami

Goddess Skandamata, who is in charge of Budha (the Mercury planet), celebrates Panchami on October 19. She is adored because it is said that she is tenacious and kind.

Day 6: Katyayini- Shashti

As per legend, Devi Durga took the shape of Devi Katyayani on October 20, the 6th day referred as Shashti, in order to destroy the King of Demons. Females say prayers in order to have a happy marriage and family.

Day 7: Kalaratri- Saptami

The day is specifically devoted to Goddess Kalaratri on Saptami, October 21. She is said to be terrifying and to have frightened evil spirits from all across the world. She is Lord Shani's (Saturn Planet) ruler and is Devi Kali's most terrible Avatar.

Day 8: Mahagauri- Ashtami

The eighth day of Sharad Navratri, i.e., October 22, is when Mahagauri is worshiped. On this special day, she only wears white clothing and rides a bull. On this day, Kanya Puja, a unique ceremony for young females, is held. Mahashtami or even Maha Durgashtami are named for this day. Dance, entertainment, and prayers are used to honor the day.

Day 9: Siddhidaatri- Navami

On October 23, the Navami of Sharad Navratri, Devi Siddhidaatri is honored. She has the ability to grant all of your requests, thus the ninth day is devoted to her.

Day 10: Vidhyadashami (Dussehra)

The tenth day, October 24, is set aside for Vijayadashmi after the nine days of devotion. a day when fresh beginnings in life are possible. It is also known as Vidyarambham, and it is an occasion where young people are introduced to the field of education. A crucial component of the Vijayadashmi is Sindhoor Khela.

Rituals of Sharad Navratri 

• The Sharad Navratri puja officially begins with this Ghata Sthapana. The Kalash is put up and Maa Durga idols or statues are set up on crimson chowkis. 
• It is covered with flowers and Ganga Jal. Mango leaves with a coconut on top in a roll. 
• The worship of Durga begins with the lighting of a Diya in front of the goddess. The key to this process is calling upon the goddess Durga. 
• It is considered lucky to recite prayers and invoke Durga Maa because it is believed that she would enter your home, provide illumination, and bestow blessings on you and your family. 
• To carry out the ceremony of Navratri Puja, you must give Bhog, flowers, fruits, diya, and so on. 
• The rituals end with performing Aarti and ringing bells to seek Maa Durga's blessings.
• On the ninth day of Navratri, the concluding day of the festival, nine girls between the ages of 5 and 12 are invited, and food is prepared for them. As they are considered the 9 manifestations of the Goddess. 

Final Thoughts

In Hinduism, the Sharad Navratri festival is extremely important because it symbolizes the victory of good over evil. During these nine days, which are regarded as holy and pious, it is strictly forbidden to consume alcohol, meat, onions, or garlic. People participate in rites, rituals, yagnas, and other activities and refrain from engaging in any illegal conduct.

To learn more about the rituals and puja of Sharad Navratri, get in touch with Astrologers.