Navratri, known historically as Ahoratri, is a period of self-awareness and connection with one's energy. Celebrated from the first day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin until the ninth day, this festival has roots tracing back to prehistoric times in the Indian subcontinent. Spanning nine days, it marks a unique and extraordinary time where two seasons converge.
This festival is dedicated to the goddess 'Amba'. The term 'Amba' is derived from 'Amm' meaning water and 'Ba' meaning fire in some Dravidian languages, symbolizing the electrifying energy that arises from the union of these elements. Thus, Navratri is sometimes referred to as the 'Night of Power'. The festival is deeply rooted in scientific concepts.
From a spiritual perspective, it is seen as a time to confront adverse situations for the expansion of one's power. The essence of struggle here does not pertain to external warfare, nor does the acquisition of power imply a transfer from a divine source. Instead, it refers to harnessing one's own immense energy from the inner self. The divine festival of Navratri is about consolidating the scattered energy within oneself rather than merely establishing it in an external space. The three nights represent self-recognition and knowledge, the gathering and transmission of energy, and the acquisition of meaning.
Every night of Navratri unveils different aspects of our latent inner capabilities and energies, which are identified with nine types of powers or goddesses. Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri represent unique forms of our own energy rather than deities from another realm.
Shailaputri embodies the active force on our root chakra, while Brahmacharini signifies the power of the sacral chakra, representing past and future actions. Chandraghanta symbolizes the energy of the solar plexus chakra, indicating purity and unity amidst life's chaos. The heart chakra's energy is reflected in Kushmanda, who signifies the gathering of powers towards a singular goal.
Skandamata, representing the throat chakra, reflects the expansion of consciousness, while Katyayani, associated with the third eye chakra, inspires the soul to merge with the divine. Kalratri, the lower force of the crown chakra, encourages liberation from worldly bonds. Mahagauri connects us to the ultimate sound of existence, while Siddhidatri helps us progress towards liberation through her eight powers.