Navratri is a Hindu holiday during which we honor and thank Shakti, the Divine Mother, in all her forms. Shakti is the universal principle of energy and creativity, Mother Earth, and the feminine power in each of us. The word nava means nine and ratri means nights; the festival lasts for nine nights, which are broken up into sets of three, and during each a different aspect of Shakti is meditated upon. This is the final three nights.
1- Add to my altar:
For the next three nights the Mother is invoked as Saraswati, the Goddess of learning, wisdom, speech, music, and all the creative arts. Saraswati means "the essence of self". Hindus often put books and art tools on the puja so that Saraswati can bless them.
Today I added two of my favorite books of wisdom, and my jar full of paint brushes, to rededicate myself to the search for Truth and Inspiration.
2- Meditation:
During Navratri, Hindus work on their vyavhaar (behaviour) and acharan (character). Each of the three goddesses signifies a stage of the spiritual journey we all go through: Durga’s strength and energy creates an opening, Lakshmi’s success and fortune nurtures growth, and Saraswati’s wisdom and knowledge leads to enlightenment, happiness, and peace.
On my path I pass through the stages that everyone has to pass through- one naturally leads to the next. As I eliminate an undesirable quality, I develop the virtue opposite to it. Each time I succeed in developing and strengthening my good qualities, I am ready to receive another bit of the Light, moving towards enlightenment- that is what the nine days of Navratri are all about.
On each morning of Navratri I light a small white candle, center, and feel myself fill with thankfulness for all I have now in my life. For these next three mornings I meditate on my inner wisdom, and the new light and understanding I have received this season.
3- Make sundal:
Many Hindus eat only vegetarian foods during Navratri; often a different sundal (dry legume dish) each night.
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Served with homemade naan and green beans.
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Ingredients:
- 1 c. moong dal (yellow lentils)
- 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
- salt to taste
- 4 tsp. oil
- 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
- 1 - 2 green chili peppers
- 1 tsp. fresh gingerroot
- 1/2 tsp. of lemon juice
- 1/4 c. coconut
1- Combine the moong dal, 3 c. water, turmeric, and salt in a heavy bottomed pan. Simmer on medium for 10 - 12 minutes, stirring frequently. Do not over cook- the moong dal should be soft, but still whole and not mushy. Drain and set aside.
2- Meanwhile, chop the green chili and mince the ginger.
3- Heat oil in a wok or frying pan, add mustard seeds, chili, and ginger. Stir and fry for a couple of minutes, then add the drained moong dal and saute for a minute.
4- Add grated coconut and lemon juice. Mix well. Serve hot.
4- Visualization and prayer:
I end each day of Navratri with a prayer. For these last three nights I honor the intuitive aspect of the Mother.
Saraswati is dressed in white, holds a scroll and plays music on a veena. She is called the Flowing-One because she comes from the river, and offers the gift of fluidity in speech and thought. She is the embodiment of the knowledge of Truth and spiritual wisdom. Saraswati shines with the pure light and uplifting energy of sattwa.
“Thank you, Great Spirit, for providing energy for the earth to move around the sun, and for maintaining the correct balance of the universe. You are the earth. You nourish support, protect, and mother all creatures, all beings. I ask you to help me to develop and maintain patience, forgiveness, compassion, loving-kindness, and integrity, and guide my voice to speak the Truth."
6- Saraswati Mantra:
I focus on my image of Saraswati and chant-
- Om - the primodial sound
- Aim - from which knowledge and powers of speech emanate
- Sa-ra-swath-yai - goddess of wisdom
- Na-ma-ha - I pray.
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