Navratri - 2025

Navratri is special for me. Rather, Maa Durga is special for me. She has inspired my entire life from childhood until now. My relationship with Vaishnodevi and Maa Durga is both philosophical, Mythological and deep down personal. She has intrigued my curious mind to understand her magic more vividly. 

From the singularity of the Big Bang to the endless dance of galaxies, the universe is an expression of energy—Shakti, the primordial force that animates existence. In the timeless cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution, Shakti emerges as the dynamic potency of the Supreme, the kinetic manifestation of Shiva’s infinite potential. Just as a river's flow is inseparable from its source, Prakriti—Nature—flows from the boundless expanse of the Divine, shaping the cosmos and maintaining the delicate balance of life.

Navratri: A Time for Celebration and Inner Reflection

Navratri is more than just a festival; it is a time when families come together in both celebration and penance. It is a period of devotion, where prayers and rituals invoke the divine feminine energy that nurtures and protects. Yet, it is also a time of introspection—an opportunity to cleanse the mind, body and soul. Austerity during these nine days encourages fasting and purity, reminding us that self-discipline is not about deprivation but about refinement. As we partake in rituals, sing hymns and engage in acts of service, we also turn inward, reconnecting with our higher selves and embracing the true essence of Shakti within us.

Shiva is the absolute, the unmoving consciousness, the unmanifested stillness, while Shakti is the creative impulse, the vibrant energy that breathes life into all things. Shiva without Shakti is Shava—lifeless. Their eternal union reflects the fundamental principles of physics: potential and kinetic energy. Without Shakti’s movement, Shiva remains dormant; without Shiva’s presence, Shakti lacks direction. It is their cosmic interplay that maintains equilibrium, ensuring that creation does not descend into chaos nor stagnate into inertia.

The Many Faces of Shakti

Shakti manifests in myriad forms, each an embodiment of divine virtues that nurture and uphold life:

Adi Shakti. The primordial source, from whom all divine energies originate.

Parvati. The nurturing mother, embodying love, devotion and resilience.

Lakshmi. The goddess of wealth, prosperity and abundance, ensuring material and spiritual well-being.

Saraswati.  The wellspring of wisdom, art and knowledge, illuminating the path of learning and creativity.

Durga. The fierce protector, the warrior goddess who annihilates darkness and restores dharma.

Kali. The force of time and transformation, who shatters ignorance and liberates the soul.

Annapurna. The nourisher, who provides sustenance to all beings.

Bhuvaneshwari. The cosmic queen, who governs space and creation.

Tripura Sundari.  The embodiment of ultimate beauty and divine consciousness.

For me each aspect of Shakti preserves the delicate fabric of existence, guiding humanity toward virtue, knowledge and spiritual fulfillment. That is a noble cause for me. 

The Significance of Navratri: A Journey from Darkness to Light

Navratri, the nine nights of divine celebration, is a sacred time when I invoke the transformative power of Shakti. Each night is dedicated to a distinct form of Durga, dispelling ignorance and conflicts that cloud the soul. So, who are these nine embodiments?

1. Shailaputri – The embodiment of purity and devotion, inspiring the seeker to rise above material distractions.

2. Brahmacharini – The symbol of penance and inner discipline, encouraging self-restraint and wisdom.

3. Chandraghanta – The warrior goddess who grants courage and fearlessness.

4. Kushmanda – The cosmic creator, bestowing vitality and radiance.

5. Skandamata – The motherly force, fostering compassion and strength.

6. Katyayani – The fierce protector, obliterating obstacles and illusions.

7. Kalaratri – The dark goddess who destroys ignorance and negativity.

8. Mahagauri – The epitome of purity and transformation, leading to enlightenment.

9. Siddhidatri – The bestower of divine knowledge and ultimate fulfillment.

Ushering a Life of Joy, Abundance and Bliss

Navratri is more than a festival; it is an opportunity for inner purification, a time to shed negativity and embrace divine wisdom. For decades, I have practised  and experienced that each form of Durga removes layers of ignorance and conflict, paving the way for joy, abundance and spiritual awakening. When we align ourselves with the rhythm of Shakti, we transcend our limitations and experience the boundless bliss of existence. It's worked perfectly for me. 

As we celebrate the cosmic dance of Shiva and Shakti, let us remember that the same divine energy flows within us. By honouring Shakti in all her forms—through love, knowledge, strength and compassion—we not only balance the forces of life but also awaken the infinite potential within, moving toward a life of harmony, prosperity and enlightenment.

Maa, has been very kind to me. She has allowed me to taste the nectar of life in many ways - through education, strength, grit, music, art, opulence, wealth, happiness, empathy and love. It's through her Grace and Blessings that I could experience miraculous intuitive moments of transcendence and transformation. 

Maa, Thank you.