The secret of Ashada Navaratri: 9 Devis and the 9 flowers offered to them
A female has the infinite capacity, patience, and courage to endure pain to create life itself. It is easy to imagine the creator as a mother, a woman known as Aadi Parashakti (Supreme feminine energy) in Sanatan Dharma.
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The divine mother
Did you know that the word 'Amma,' meaning mother in many Indian languages, traces its roots back to the Sanskrit 'Amba,' a reference to the Divine Mother? The creator-preserver of the world, she is unmistakably Ma Jagadamba.
In a year, four periods are dedicated to Devi worship. Spread across nine days and nights, they are commonly known as Navratri. Apart from the popular Sharadiya (October) and Chaitra (April) Navaratri, there are two more periods of Navratri when the Mother Goddess (and her forms) are prayed to and invoked secretly.
These are Magh Navratri (Jan-Feb) and the upcoming Ashadha Navaratri (June-July).
Seeking blessings with flowers
Devotees find different ways of expressing their love and devotion to Mother Divine. One of them is offering flowers. Devi Bhagavatam suggests offering Devi Ma's favourite flowers along with other Puja Samagri (ingredients).
In the verses of Lalita Sahasranama Stotram, we come across a beautiful description of Mother Divine, adorned with Indian flora, such as ashoka, champaka, punnaga, and saugandhika (Verse 4)
While scriptures do not recommend any particular day-wise order, flower- offering is popular during Navratri.
Let's look at which flowers are offered traditionally on the nine days.
Day 1: Devi Shailputri (the daughter of the mountain, Himavan) is worshipped with the hibiscus flower on the first day.
Day 2: Devi Brahmacharini (the ascetic form of Ma Parvati) is honoured with White Brahmi, white chrysanthemums, and shevanti flowers.
Day 3: This is the day of Devi Chandraghanta, the married form of Ma Parvati. She is offered pink lotus flowers.
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Day 4: Devi Kushmanda (the bearer of the cosmic egg of creation) is worshipped with jasmine and ashoka flowers and white lotus buds.
Day 5: Devi Skandamata (the mother of Skanda or Lord Kartik) is offered roses.
Day 6: Devi Katyayani (the slayer of demon Mahishasura) is worshipped and offered Kaner (yellow oleander) and marigold flowers.
Day 7: Devi Kalaratri, the fiercest form of Ma Durga, is offered Krishna kamal (passiflora), Aparajita, and Jaba Kusum (red hibiscus).
Day 8: Devi Mahagauri is worshipped with malati flowers and mogra (Arabian Jasmine).
Day 9: The last day is dedicated to Devi Siddhidatri (the bestower of boons). Devotees offer parijat (night jasmine), palash (Flame of the forest flower), and champa (frangipani) flowers to seek her blessings.
The power of Ashadha Navratri
Navratris fall at the turn of seasonal change; at this time, our bodies also undergo inner transformation. Ashadha Navaratri, observed in the Krishna Paksha (dark lunar fortnight) of June-July coincides with the onset of the monsoon season.
Allergies are at their peak, and our immune system is trying to adjust to weather changes. The profound wisdom of our culture lies in tying the Navaratri period with physical and mental detox.
Observing fasts or shifting to a sattvic diet prepares our body, while Sadhana and spiritual practices prepare our mind. Ashadha Navaratri is a very auspicious time for devotees to invoke Mother Divine and enhance their power of sadhana.
During this spiritually charged period, they can worship the nine forms of Ma Aadi Parashakti (Primordial Goddess), Ma Durga and receive Her blessings through the Navdurga Sadhana.
By: Priyanka Om Anand, CEO Of Vedic Sadhana Foundation
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