The beginning of spring and of autumn are two very important events of climatic and solar influence. During this period Earth is relatively closer to the Sun facing its maximum gravitational pull. It is believed that during this phase, a divine energy intervenes and helps Earth pass this course with ease and smoothness. As per Hindu mythology, this divine energy is Goddess Durga. The Navratri in this context is also celebrated as a Thanksgiving festival to Goddess Durga for saving, protecting and nurturing life on Mother Earth.

Significance of Navratri

'Navratri' means 'nine nights.' 'Nava' means 'nine,’ and 'Ratri' means 'night.'

Night provides rest and rejuvenation. During the night, you turn inwards through sleep, and you wake up feeling refreshed and rested in the morning. In the same way, Navratri or the ‘nine nights’ is that time of the year when you get the chance to experience deep rest. This deep rest brings freedom from all kinds of botherations, deep relaxation, and creativity.

Fasting, meditation, prayers, and other spiritual practices performed during this period help bring about this deep rest. Even refraining from over-indulging in sense objects during this time aid the process of attaining deep rest.

Our spirit: The source of deep rest

Our spirit has existed since time immemorial.  It is the boundless and the eternal source of energy of this universe. During Navratri, even the subtle energies in the environment enhance and assist one’s experience of reaching the spirit.

The prayer, chanting, and meditation performed during Navratri connect us with our spirit. Getting in touch with the spirit invokes positive qualities within us and destroys laziness, pride, obsession, cravings, and aversions. When stress in the form of negative emotions is destroyed, we experience the deep rest of the transforming nine nights.

Dr Anshul Mahajan 

Consultant psychiatrist