As the festival of Sharadiya Navratri began, devotees thronged temples across the national capital today to mark the start of the nine-day celebration. They offered prayers to Goddess Durga and her nine forms, seeking her blessings and divine grace.

Large gatherings were witnessed at prominent temples such as Kalkaji Temple and Jhandewalan Temple, where devotees fervently worshipped Goddess Durga. Additionally, many also flocked to the Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir in Chhatarpur to offer their prayers.

In Mumbai, the Mumbadevi Temple witnessed the sacred Kakad Aarti ceremony, marking the commencement of the festive period. The atmosphere across these temples was vibrant and filled with devotion.

During Sharadiya Navratri, Sri Kanakadurga is worshipped in the form of Sri Maha Chandika Devi. Sri Maha Chandika embodies the ‘Trishakti’ aspect of Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, and Mahasaraswati. She was born to fulfill divine purposes – to punish the wicked and protect the righteous.

Within Sri Chandika Devi, many deities are enshrined, making worshipping her equivalent to worshipping all deities. Devotees believe that through her grace, one attains knowledge, fame, and wealth, while enemies turn into friends. All wishes prayed for are granted swiftly by her divine blessings.

Sharadiya Navratri is a vibrant and sacred Hindu festival spanning nine nights, celebrating the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Durga. Observed in the lunar month of Ashwin, this festival is marked by fervent worship, elaborate rituals, and cultural performances.

Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, symbolizing varying aspects of strength, compassion, and wisdom. Devotees engage in fasting, singing devotional songs, and participating in traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya, creating a joyful and energetic atmosphere.

Navratri days hold great significance among Hindus and are celebrated with grandeur across the country. The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to worshipping Maa Kaalratri, the fierce manifestation of Goddess Durga. Known as a destroyer of demons, evil spirits, and negative energies, she helps devotees remove darkness and usher in positivity.

The nine-day festival, also known as Rama Navratri, concludes on Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Ram. During Chaitra Navratri, people fast and worship Goddess Durga, performing Ghatasthapana—the invocation of Goddess Shakti—which is a significant ritual observed during this period.

Navratri also celebrates calmness and peacefulness through the worship of Maha Gauri Mata, another revered form of the goddess.

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