The worship of Gayatri during Navratri

The Significance of Navratri or Nav Durga

Nav Durga is the festival of ‘Strength’-- Symbolizing the building of bodily physical strength and inner spiritual strength.

During Navrati, Prana Shakti in the universe is at the highest. Prayers and worship at this time allows us to tap into the increased cosmic energy / Prana, with greater ease then at other times.

Hence the Importance of Gayatri worship during Navratri (Inner strength ,Knowledge,Spiritual Energy)

The Festival of Navratri is a festival of Strength (Shakti).

Gayatri is known as Adishakti –The Supreme primordial power/energy. Durga, Maha Lakshmi, Maha Kali, Saraswati are different forms of this Adishakti.

The worship of Gayatri therefore is the ultimate worship of this Supreme primordial power.

Gayatri is also known as Vedmata—the origin of knowledge and righteous wisdom.

Gayatri Worship thus gives us threefold benefits. it gives Inner Strength, builds knowledge and generates tremendous Prana in the body.

The Gayatri is the only Mantra which when chanted links all the chakras of the body. This results in the enhancement of the supreme Cosmic Energy or Prana in the body.

Gayatri—Righteous Wisdom—belongs to all. The chanting of this mantra is above caste, religion, faith and nationality. Anyone can chant it.

The chanting of this Mantra is known to cause unique vibrations in the atmosphere around us, that are beneficial in the promotion of well being and peace in this world.

Procedure for  Gayatri Worship during Navratri.

24,000 Japas of the Gayatri Mantra using a rosary are to be performed. This translates to 27 Malas of daily Jap. That takes around 3 hrs a day. Havan or Yagna of one Mala Gayatri Jap(108 times) to be performed on the last day.

OR

Mantra Lekhan Sadhana—2700 Gayatri Mantras to be written everyday, over  9 days this translates to writing 24000 mantras.

This Sadhana proves to be beneficial for eliminating obstacles, fulfilling desires and in developing inner strength and spiritual power,

ALSO

The first 3 nights of Navaratri involve prayer to Durga.

“Om Kaatyaayanaaya vidmahe
Kanyaakumaari dhiimahi
Tanno durgih pracodayaat“

(Semi-literal) Translation:

We know the daughter of Maharishi Kaataayana,
We meditate on the virgin girl.
May the unconquerable one inspire us.

Purpose:

·         Removal of threats

·         To reduce the malefic effects of Rahu

·         To remove all defects of our character and our vices

The second 3 nights of Navaratri are dedicated to Lakshmi.

“Om Mahadevyai cha vidmahe
Vishnu patni cha dhimahi
Tanno Lakshmi prachodayaat“

(Semi-literal) Translation:

We know the Supreme Goddess,
We meditate on the spouse of Vishnu.
May Lakshmi inspire us.

Purpose:

·         Attraction of abundance

·         Strengthening of ones character

·         Attract auspiciousness

 

The third trio is focused on the worship of Saraswati. Indeed, many Hindus perform a specific pooja to Saraswati Devi on the ninth night.

“OM Vagdevyai cha vidmahe

 Kamarajaya cha dhimai

 Tanno Devi prachodayaat”