First 3 days of NAVARATRI-DURGA

The first three days of Navaratri are dedicated to Devi Durga. SALUTATIONS to the Divine Mother, Durga, who exists in all beings in the form of intelligence, mercy, beauty, who is the consort of Lord Shiva, who creates, sustains and destroys the universe. Shakti is the omnipotent power of the Lord, or the Cosmic Energy. The Divine Mother is represented as having ten different weapons in Her hands. She sits on a lion. She keeps up the play of the Lord through the three attributes of Nature, namely, Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas. Knowledge, peace, lust, anger, greed, egoism and pride, are all Her forms.

You pray to Mother Durga to destroy all our impurities, our vices, our defects. She is to fight with and annihilate the baser animal qualities in the spiritual aspirant, the lower, diabolical nature in him. Also, She is the power that protects our spiritual practice from its many dangers and pitfalls. Thus the first three days, which mark the first stage or the destruction of impurity and determined effort and struggle to root out the evil tendencies in our mind, are set apart for the worship of the destructive aspect of the Mother. Let us recite or at least listen 'Lalitha Sahasra Namams on all the 9 days if possible during the puja in the mornings. Most of us already have a cd of this divine song in our Homes and some of the dedicated devotees these thousand names by heart! But the most important thing that Durga Ma wants for Her devotees is nothing But devotion to get Her grace. Those of us who do not have a cd, please click the link below to listen Lalitha Sahasra Namams http://www.musicindiaonline.com/p/x/34C9MP50IgIYMdwESIJjWWRM/?done_detect

During these first 3 days, it is highly desirable to recite Durga Stuti which is as follows in English, so that we all can recite without much problem of language! Sarve Mangal Mangalye, Shive Sarvarth Sadhike Sharanye Trambake Gauri, Narayani Namo Stute Shakti Shakti Do Mujhe, Karoon Tumhara Dhyan Path Nirvignya Ho Tera, Mera Ho Kalyan Hridya Sinhasan Par Aa, Betho Meri Maa Suno Vinay Mam Din Ki, Jag Janani Vardan Sundar Deepak Ghee Bhara, Karoon Aaj Tayaar Gyan Ujala Maa Karo, Metto Moh Andhkaar Chandra Surya Ki Roshni, Chamke Chaman Akhand Sab Mein Vyapak Tej Hai, Jwala Ka Prachand Jwala Jag Janani Meri, Raksha Karo Humesh Dur Karo Maa Ambike, Mere Sabhi Kalesh Shradha Aur Vishwas Se, Teri Jyot Jalaoon Tera Hi Hai Aashra, Tere Hi Gun Gaoon Teri Adhabhut Gaat Ko, Padhoon Mein Nischay Dhar Sakshat Darshan Karoon, Tere Jagat Aadhar Man Chanchal Se Baat Ke, Samay Jo Aogun Hoye Dati Apni Daya Se, Dhyan Na Dena Koye Main Anjan Malin Man, Na Jano Koi Rit At Pat Vani Ko Hi Maa, Samjho Meri Prit Chaman Ke Aogun Bahot Hai, Karna Nahi Dhyan Sinhvahini Maa Ambike, Karo Mera Kalyan Dhanya Dhanya Maa Ambike, Shakti Shiva Vishal Angh Angh Mein Rum Rahi, Dati Din Dayal

Let us have a lovely time during these three days, talking, reading the story of Maha Kali by clicking the links below to read in these 10 days! Even if you cannot read in these 10 days, we can read after words. The important thing is to read with devotion and try to practice in our daily life as much as we could.

Devi Mahatmyam longer version

http://sdbbs.tripod.com/devi.html

Shorter version for the busy Bees!

http://www.sivanandaonline.org/graphics/activities/navaratri_04/durga_saptasati.htm

To read the esoteric significance of Devimahatmyam, please click the link below

http://www.celextel.org/stotrasdevi/devimahatmyam.html

With Love, Light & Peace to all,
Pakirareddy