Understanding Nava Raatree—Part 1

Understanding Nava Raatree—Part 1

Nava Raatree is observed twice per year, once in the month of Chaitra (April/May), which culminates in Raama Navami, and again in the month of Ashwini (September/October). During this period of 9 days, worship is done to the Supreme Devi – the Divine Mother. This period has been specially set aside for performing Devi Poojaa.

“Nava Raatree” literally means “9 nights”. Why ‘night’, and not ‘day’ since we observe ‘Nava Raatri’ during the day?

It tells us that man is enveloped in “darkness” and is in need of the saving Light. The central purpose of our existence is to realize our divine nature. It is to grow into the image and nature of the Divine. Man has, therefore, as the initial step, to remove this ‘darkness’, by getting rid of the countless impurities and baser elements clouding his vision. The Gita tells us: “Freed from passion, fear and anger, wholly absorbed in Me, many have become purified thereby by the austerity of wisdom; they finally attain to My state of being.” (4:10).

Nava Raatri epitomizes the spiritual journey of the human soul – from flesh to Spirit; from darkness unto Light; and from ignorance unto Knowledge. How do we pray?“O Lord! Lead me from untruth to Truth; from darkness unto Light; and from death unto Immortality.”

This Prayer represents the three stages of the evolving of the physical person into a divine being, a journey in which we are all involved. For this purpose, Nava Raatri is divided into sets of 3-days. The first three days represents the initial stage of our journey to God. During this period, we pray to  Durga to destroy our impurities and vices and cure us of our defects. She is beseeched to battle with, and destroy the baser animal qualities and lower diabolical natures within us. She is the power that protects our spiritual practices from dangers and pitfalls. Thus, the first three days, marking the first stage of the removal of impurities, are set apart for the worship of Goddess Durga, the destroyer of darkness and evil.

Having completed the task of destroying the negative elements within us, in the form of impurities and bad habits, the next stage is to build a sublime spiritual personality by acquiring and cultivating good and positive qualities. While the previous effort was a ruthless and determined elimination of the lower and baser tendencies, the next stage is an orderly, steady, calm and serene effort. This more pleasant side of the devotee’s sadhana is depicted by the worship of Lakshmi. She is the Goddess of Good Fortune, Wealth, Light and Beauty. The grace of God is personified in Her as one who brings Peace and Prosperity.

Lakshmi is in fact Durga in another role. A careful examination of the prayers and attributes of Lakshmi would show that the attributes and qualities of Goddess Durga also apply to Goddess Lakshmi. Mother is One and only One. Undoubtedly, the most popular prayer to Lakshmi is:

“Thou, O Lakshmi, art the dispeller of darkness, sickness and misery; the Giver of auspiciousness, health, happiness and prosperity. Salutaion unto Thee. Please destroy my enemies – passion, anger, greed, etc.”

Once the aspirant succeeds in rooting out the evil propensities and developing Sattwic, pure and divine qualities, (now, in the presence of Light), he becomes fit to receive the Saving Grace of Divine Wisdom. At this stage comes the worship of Mother Saraswati, who is Divine Knowledge personified – the embodiment of Brahma Jnaana.

Man, born a child of nature must grow into a child of God, and in the likeness of God. The freed soul, anointed with the Spirit of God, then becomes on earth a living image of the infinite Supreme Spirit. The ascent (moving up) of man unto godhead is the purpose of man’s birth upon earth and the Supreme Mother helps him along the path. The Mother Divine has promised to pilot us along the way.

(Pandit Ramdial Balbadar is a prominent Aachaarya (Teacher) of Hinduism in Guyana. He is the compiler and author of many titles and has over 30 years experience in Pandits’ Training across Guyana. He is currently the President of the Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha, Region 3).