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Sharadiya and Chaitra Navratri have a special place in Sanatan religion and culture. During these nine days, nine different forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped with rituals, fasts are observed and happiness and prosperity are prayed to the Mother. But have you ever wondered why this festival of Navratri always lasts only for nine days? Is there only religious belief behind it or are there any scientific, mythological and spiritual reasons for it? Let us know about these unsolved and interesting mysteries related to the nine days of Navratri.
Mythological story of killing of Mahishasura and victory of good over evil
According to mythology, in ancient times there was a very powerful demon named Mahishasura, whose atrocities created havoc in all the three worlds. It had become impossible for the gods to defeat him, then with the combined energy and powers of all the gods, Maa Durga appeared. There was a fierce battle between the goddess and Mahishasura for nine consecutive days. Mother Durga displayed her various forms and fought the huge army of that demon. Ultimately, after nine days of struggle, the mother killed Mahishasura on the tenth day. To commemorate this historical victory, Navratri is celebrated for nine days and the tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.
Special significance of number ‘9’ in Numerology
Apart from religious and mythological reasons, in numerology the number 9 is also considered very special, a symbol of completion and change. Even from a mathematical point of view, the number 9 has a wonderful characteristic. If you multiply any number by 9, the sum of the digits of the result is always 9. For example, multiplying 9 by 2 gives 18, and adding 1 and 8 gives 9. Similarly, multiplying 9 by 5 gives 45 (4+5 = 9). This is the reason why in astrology and numerology this number is seen to be associated with the completeness and continuity of the cycle.
There is a deep spiritual connection with the ‘nine doors’ of the human body.
In Hindu philosophy and spiritual texts the human body has been called a ‘city with nine gates’. This is also mentioned in Srimad Bhagwat Geeta. These nine gates include two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, a mouth, genitals and anus. Its deep spiritual meaning is that man remains in touch with the outside world through these senses. These nine days of Navratri are considered the best opportunity to introspect, control the senses and purify your mind by freeing it from external disorders.
Nine forms of Maa Durga and the journey of our inner consciousness
On every day of Navratri, a specific form of Maa Durga is worshipped, who are collectively called ‘Navadurga’. Among these, first Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and lastly Siddhidatri is worshiped as the ninth Shakti. These nine forms of the Goddess represent different stages of human life and spiritual development, taking us from ignorance to knowledge and divinity.