Chaitra Navratri at Maa Vaishno Shakti Dham:
Chaitra Navratri is one of the main festivals celebrated at the Maa Vaishno Shakti Dham Mandir, Surat. Because this festival of nine nights is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms. According to the Hindu calendar, the first day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin signifies the beginning of Navratri. The festival usually coincides with the end of the rainy season.
The nine days have great religious significance. As Goddess Durga, the divine mother had destroyed the evil force (in the form of the demon Mahisashura) during this period.
Significance of Chaitra Navratri:
- Every year Navratri is celebrated for 9 nights and 10 days. Navratri is made up of two names Nav means nine and Ratri means nights.
- During Navratri, nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped namely Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Kaalratri, Katyayani, Mahagauri and Siddhidhatri.
- In a year, Navratri falls four times. Sharada Navratri and Vasanta Navratri or Chaitra Navratri are the two Navratri festivals that are mainly celebrated in most parts of the country.
- It is a nine-day festival that signifies the victory of good over evil. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Durga provides inner strength shakti (power).
- It also helps in getting salvation and people seek her blessings for the future. Wishes of the people are fulfilled.