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Navaratri

"Navaratri means nine nights. Darkness is associated with night. What is this darkness? It is the

darkness of ignorance." Sai Baba, SS, 11/92, p. 267

"Navaratri means 'nine nights'. What does the nine signify? There are nine 'Grahas' (planets

according to astrology). The human body has nine openings. If a deep inquiry is made, it will be

found that mankind is dependent on the planets (Grahas). Although astrologers speak about nine, in

reality, there are only two planets that matter. They are 'Raga' (attachment) and Dwesha

(hatred)." Sai Baba, SS, 11/94, p. 289

"The six enemies of man are eating into his vitals, embedded in his own inner consciousness. They

are the demons to be killed. They are lust (Kama), anger (Krodha), greed (Lobha), attachment

(Moha), pride (Mada), and malice (Matsarya). They reduce man to the level of a demon. They have

to be overpowered and transmuted, by the Supreme Alchemy of the Divine Urge. Then, the nine

(Nava) nights (Ratri) of struggle will become new (Nava), a new type of night, devoted to the

purification of the mind, illumination of the soul - the night described in the Gita as "the day of

the worldly". What is clear and attractive to the ordinary man is uninteresting and unknown to the

Yogi. What is clear and attractive to the Yogi is uninteresting and unknown to the worldly man.

This is the nature of this topsy-turvy world."

Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VIII, dis dtd 12-10-69, p. 107

Shirdi Sai Baba Was Born On The First Night Of Navaratri

"All festivals have been designed to teach men how to lead a godly life while carrying out worldly

activities. It is to teach this truth to mankind that Avatars and saints made their advent on earth

from time to time. This day (the first day of Navaratri) has another special significance. Shirdi

Sai Baba was bom on 27 September 1838. He was born in a poor Brahmin family in a village of

Aurangabad District".

Sai Baba, SS, 11/92. p. 255. Discourse date: 27 September 1992

Purpose

'The Navaratri is a festival to commemorate the victory of the good over the evil. The

Embodiment of Divine Power (Para-Shakti), in its various manifestations, Satwic (as Maha-

Saraswati), Rajasic (as Maha-Lakshmi), Tamasic (as Mahakali) was able to overcome the forces of

Navaratri 2016 Osrap

vice, wickedness and egoism, during the nine days' struggle and finally, on Vijaya Dashami (Dasara,

the tenth Day commemorating victory), the valedictory worship is done".

Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VIII. discourse on 12-10-69, p. 107

The purpose of the Navaratri celebration is to enable man to get rid of nine types of darkness,

which have taken hold of him. Sai Baba, SS, 11/92, p. 267

"The Navaratri festival is observed by contemplating on God for ten days, cleansing one's self of

all the impurities to experience the Divinity within." Sai Baba, SS, 11/94. p. 291

"This festival (Navaratri) is intended to make man realise his true worth as the most precious

object in creation. All things in the world derive their value from the labour and skill of man."

Sai Baba. SS, 11/94. p. 289

"It is a festival of thanksgiving. Gratitude is Divine. Ingratitude is demonic. But while offering the

homage of gratitude, you must also try to discover who was killed, who was saved, and why."

Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VIII, discourse on 12-10-69, p. 107

"The Navaratri celebration is an occasion for revering nature (Prakriti) and considering how

natural resources can be used properly in the best interest of mankind. Resources like water, air,

power and minerals should be used properly and not misused or wasted. Economy in the use of

every natural resource is vital. Pollution of the air has many evil consequences. The inner

significance of observances like Nagar Sankirtan and Bhajans is to fill the atmosphere with sacred

vibrations and holy thoughts. The inauguration of the Navaratri celebrations means that you

should use this occasion for offering worship to nature and resolving to make sacred use of all

natural resources." Sai Baba. SS, 11/92, p. 269

"So, the Navaratri is to be dedicated by all for the propitiation of the outer as well as the inner

divinity, so that the outer and the inner worlds may have peace and joy. By means of systematic

Sadhana, it is possible to tap the inner resources that God has endowed on man, and elevate

yourselves to the purer and happier realm of the Reality. That is the message of Navaratri, the

Nine Day's Festival celebrating the victory of the Primal Energy. That energy, when it is

manifested in its quiet aspect (Satvic), is delineated as the Great Teacher and Inspirer, Maha-

Saraswati; when it is active and potent (Rajasic), the great Provider and Sustainer, Maha-Lakshmi;

when it is dull and inactive, but latent and apparently quiet (Tamasic), as the Great Dark Destroyer

and Deluder, Mahakali. Since Shakti is all-pervasive, omni-potent, infinitesimal as well as all-

comprehensive, it can be contacted everywhere, in outer nature or inner consciousness.

Prahlada told his doubting father: 'Why doubt, discuss and delay? Seek it anywhere; you can see

It.' It is near and far, before, behind, beside and inside, everything in the known and the unknown

world. People dare describe Her or Him, as thus and thus; that reveals only their faculty to guess.

No description can portrait in full."

Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VI, discourse on 4-10-67, p. 83

"Our Vice-Chancellor described Swami's love as that of a thousand mothers. But, one who cannot

understand the love of one mother, how can he understand the love of a thousand mothers? So,

first and foremost try to understand and experience the love of your physical mother. Go on


adding to the physical mother's love a millions times. The divinity principle of the God lies in this

love, which is your life principle. Experience this love and understand the significance of mother

worship in Navaratri." Sai Baba, SS, 7/99. p. 186

Three Phases Of Navaratri Celebrations

"The Navaratri has been divided into three parts. The first three days are dedicated to the

worship of Durga, next three days to the worship of Lakshmi and last three days to the worship of

Saraswati. All Hindu festivals have a sacred purpose. Unfortunately, now-a-days the festivals are

observed only with external rituals without understanding their inner meaning. In the performance

of all forms of worship, there should be steadiness of mind and body. Only then concentration can

be achieved. Today men are unable to maintain steadiness of body and mind."

Sai Baba. SS, 11/92, p. 268

Purpose Of Devi Worship

"Ichcha-Shakti (the Will Power) arises from thoughts. This 'Iccha-Shakti' is the source of several

other potencies like intellectual power, the discriminating capacity and others. To develop this

'Ichcha-Shakti' (Will Power), one has to worship Devi. This calls for the cultivation of renunciation

or detachment. For instance, if one has a desire for various drinks, he can bring the desire under

control by giving up, to begin with, the desire for some of them. Thereby the Will Power (Ichcha-

Shakti) is developed, and in due course, it becomes easier to give up other desires. In Vedantic

parlance, this is described as 'Vairaagya' (renouncing all attachments).

Vairaagya is not abandonment of hearth and home and retiring to a forest. It means developing

godly thoughts and reducing worldly feelings. It is when this balanced development takes place

that one acquire-control over the powers of nature (Praakrita Shakti). When these powers are got,

the mental power in a person increases."

"The Devi Puja performed during Navaratri is intended to get rid of worldly attachments and

divert-the mind towards God."

Sai Baba, SS, 12/92, pp. 304 & 305

Devi Is Satya-Swaroopini

"You worship Devi (goddess) in these nine days of Navaratri. You consider Devi as your Divine

Mother. This Devi is called 'Sathya Swaroopini', which means she is the embodiment of truth. So,

worshipping Truth amounts to worshipping Devi. If you understand and follow this truth, you will

be successful in every field. The Vedas also proclaim this Principle of Truth."

Sai Baba. SS. 11/98, p. 283

Symbolism Of Devi Worship

"The world is a manifestation of three Gunas (Satva, Rajas and Tamas qualities). The Divine is

worshipped as "Devi". The term "Devi" refers to the feminine aspect. The term "Stree" is used to

denote a woman. There are three syllables in this term: "Sa", “Ta" and "Ra". "Sa" symbolizes the

Satvic aspect of a person. The Satvic quality is the very first quality that manifests in man. The

feeling of love develops from the mother. It is impossible to describe the nature of maternal love.


The mother converts her own blood into love and gives it as milk to feed the child. Therefore, the

first quality represented by "Sa" is the Satvic quality. The second syllable is "Ta". This does not

represent "Tatva" or "Taamas" as eating and sleeping.

In the term "Stree", the syllable "Ta" represents bashfulness, modesty, self-esteem and other

such traits which are the characteristics of women. Shyness is a predominant trait in women. They

attach great value to their honour and reputation. It is because of these sacred qualities that her

"Tamasic" aspect is significant. The common view regarding the "Tamasic" quality does not apply to

them. The third quality symbolized by the syllable "Ra" is Rajas. Such qualities as sacrifice and

high-mindedness in women reflect the Rajasic aspect of their nature. When necessary, women will

be prepared even to sacrifice their lives to safeguard their honour. Without regard to the

difficulties and troubles they may encounter, women are ready to make any sacrifice to protect

their honour and self-respect. When the "Tamasic" elements attempt to subvert the Satvic

qualities, they are ready to combat and vanquish them.

The term "Devi" thus represents the Divine Power which has taken the Rajasic form to suppress

the evil forces and protect the Satvic qualities. When the forces of injustice, immorality and

untruth have grown to monstrous proportions and are indulging in a death dance, when selfishness

and self-interest are rampant, when men have lost all sense of kindness and compassion, the Atmic

principle, assuming the form of Shakti (energy/ power), taking on the Rajasic quality, seeks to

destroy the evil elements. This is the inner meaning of the Festival. When the Divine Goddess is in

dreadful rage assumes a fearful form, to pacify the dreaded Goddess, her feminine children offer

worship to Her with red kumkum (sacred powder). The Goddess seeing the blood-red kumkum at

Her feet, feels assured that the wicked have been vanquished and assumes Her benign form. The

inner meaning of the worship of "Devi" with red kumkum is that thereby the Goddess is appeased.

During the ten days of the (Navaratri and) Dasara, the demons in the form of wicked qualities

have been routed. Rakshasas (demons) do not mean demonic beings. Arrogance is a demon. Bad

thoughts are demons".

Sai Baba. SS, 11/91, pp. 284 & 285

Forms And Manifestations Of Shakti

"During these sacred nine days (Navaratri), people go through the sacred texts such as Devi

Bhagavatam, Ramayana and Mahabharata. People also worship the deities Durga, Lakshmi and

Saraswati. Goddess Gayatri is the presiding deity of our senses. Savitri is the presiding deity of

speech. All these three are within the same Principle of Truth. Gayatri Mantra begins with 'Om

Bhur Bhuvah Svah'. 'Bhuh' means materialization (Body); 'Bhuvah' means Vibration (Life Principle);

Svaha means Radiation (Atma). During these nine days, Goddess Shakti (Energy Principle) is

worshipped. Truth, righteousness, peace, forgiveness are all expressions of the Principle of Shakti.

Truth is the primal cause. There is nothing other than this. All faculties of energy are present in

this Truth. So, consider Truth as your mother and follow it. The Vedas proclaim, 'Satyam Vada;

Dharmam Chara', which means speak the truth and follow the righteousness. Unfortunately, today

people do not follow this. On the contrary they follow Asatya (untruth) and Adharma

(unrighteousness)"

Sai Baba. SS, 11/98, p. 284


Durga, Lakshmi And Saraswati Symbolize Three Potencies

"Bharatiyas (people of India) worship Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati during these nine days. Who

are these? They are three forms, which have fascinated man. Their esoteric significance is

represented by three potencies (Shaktis). They are Karma (action), Upaasana (worship) and Jnana

(wisdom). Their potencies have been given other names".

Sai Baba. SS. 11/94, p. 282

"The significance of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati has to be rightly understood. Three represent

three kinds of potencies in man. Ichchaa Shakti (will power), Kriyaa Shakti (the power of action)

and Jnana Shakti (the power of discrimination). Saraswati is manifested in man as the power of

speech (Vaak). Durga is present in the form of dynamism (the power of action). Lakshmi is

manifested in the form of will power. The body indicates "Kriyaa Shakti". The mind is the

repository of"Ichchaa Shakti". The Atma is "Jnana Shakti". "Kriya Shakti" comes from the body,

which is material. The power that activates the body, which is inert and makes it vibrant, is

"Ichchaa Shakti". The power that induces the vibrations of'khchaa Shakti" is "Jnana Shakti"

which causes radiation (of energy). These three are represented by the Mantra "OM Bhur-Bhuvah-

Svah". "Bhu" represents Bhu-loka (earth). "Bhuvah." represents the life-force (also means

conscience of man), "Svah" represents the power of radiation. All the three are present in man.

Thus, Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati dwell in the human heart."

Sai Baba. SS. 11/94. pp. 283 & 284

"The Vedas declare that whenever the mind wanders, the three worlds will be perceived. What are

these three worlds? All are familiar with the pronouncements in the Gita and in the Gayatri

Mantra. The three worlds are: Bhu, Bhuvah, Svah (the Bhu-loka,Bhuvar-loka and Swarga). These

three are present in man: Aadibhoutika, Aadidaivika and Aadhyatmik). These three worshipped by

our ancients are: Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Every form is that of Durga, the deity that is

associated with energy (Shakti). There is infinite power within man, power that is beyond

comprehension and which is divine. But he makes no effort to recognise it. What is the power that

makes the earth revolve round itself? It is not any machine or mantra. The power is within the

earth itself. This energy, present in man and other objects, has been characterized as cosmic

power. The sun derives its energy and effulgence from this cosmic source. It is the same cosmic

source that accounts for the power of the human mind and the marvellous power of the eye to see

the most distant stars." Sai Baba, SS, 11/94. p. 287 & 288

"The energy in man is a primordial power (AdiShakti). It is termed 'OM'. This power permeates

the physical world (Prakriti) of matter. There is another power, which animates this material

substance. This is the power of vibration. It is termed 'Prana Shakti (the Life-force). It is this

Life-force which activates every part of the human body. This is termed 'Bhuvah'. Lakshmi

symbolizes this power. Lakshmi is the embodiment of that power, which enables a human being to

see, to hear and to do many things. Lakshmi represents the power to see what is good, to hear

what is good, to speak sweet words, to entertain good thoughts and to do good deeds. The Lakshmi

principle accounts for the good, happy, auspicious happening in the world. The third form of energy

is symbolized by Saraswati. She is regarded as the Goddess of Speech (Vak Devata) Lakshmi is

Praana Swaroopini (the embodiment of the life-force) Durga is Shakti -Swaroopini (embodiment of

physical energy). (These) three in their unified expression represent the Atmic Principle."

Sai Baba, SS, 11/94, p. 288


Durga, Lakshmi & Saraswati Symbolize Three Qualities

"Men are prone to exhibit Rajasic qualities like anger and hatred. They are menacing

manifestations of Durga.

The extolling of the Divine in song and poetry and the pleasing vibrations produced by them

indicate the power of Saraswati. The pure qualities that arise in man such as compassion, love,

forbearance and sympathy are derived from Lakshmi. When people worship Durga, Lakshmi and

Saraswati externally in pictures or icons, they are giving physical forms to the subtle potencies

that are within them. The unfortunate predicament of man today is that he is not recognising the

powers within him and developing respect for them. He goes after the external, attracted by the

physical forms. The relationship between the material and the subtle has to be understood."

Sai Baba, SS, 11/94, p. 284

Durga, Lakshmi & Saraswati Natural Powers

"During the Dasara festival, three goddesses - Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati -are worshipped

according to certain traditional practices. Durga represents the prodigious power of nature

(Prakrit-shakti). As against this power of nature is the Paraa-Shakti (the power of the spirit).

When spiritual power is predominant, the power of nature is kept under control. When spiritual

power is weak, the power of nature becomes predominant. This is illustrated by the example of

smoke and fire. When smoke is predominant, the fire is suppressed. When the fire is blazing, the

smoke vanishes. Hence, to enhance the power of spirit and limit the power of nature, man has to

cultivate detachment (Vairaagya). To the extent that power of nature is under control, to that

extent spiritual power grows. "Ichchaa-Shakti" is one of the of several other potencies like

intellectual power, the discriminating capacity and others. To develop this "Ichchaa-Shakti" (will

power), one has to worship "Devi". This calls for the cultivation of Tyaaga (detachment or

renunciation). For instance, if one has a desire for various drinks, he can bring the desires under

control by giving up, to begin with, the desire for one of them. Thereby the Will Power (Ichchaa-

Shakti) is developed and in due course, it becomes easier to give up other desires. In Vedantic

parlance this is described as "Vairaagya" (renouncing attachments). Vairaagya is not abandonment

of hearth and home and retiring to a forest. It means developing godly thoughts and reducing

worldly feelings. When this balanced development takes place, one acquires control over the

powers of nature (Praakrita-Shakti). When these powers are got, the mental power in a person

increases. Durga represents the Praakrita-Shakti and Lakshmi represents the Thought Power

(Sankalpa Shakti).

Vaak-Shakti (the power of speech), is represented by Saraswati. In order to acquire these three

powers, various forms of worship are performed during the Navaratri festival. But prayers alone

are not enough. Prayers should not be just from the lips. They should emanate from the heart. The

heart (Hridaya) symbolizes the Ocean of Milk (Ksheera-saagara). When Lakshmi emerges, purity of

speech follows. Whatever you speak should conform to truth."

Sai Baba, SS. 12/92. pp.304 & 305.

Durga, Lakshmi & Saraswati Symbolize Mother

"Recognising one's mother as the very embodiment of all divine forces, one must show reverence

to her and treat her with love. This is the true message that the Navaratri festival gives us. The


Supreme Shakti manifests herself in the form of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Durga grants to

us energy - physical, mental, and spiritual. Lakshmi bestows on us wealth of many kinds, not just

money, but intellectual wealth, the wealth of character, and others. Even health is a kind of

wealth. She grants untold riches to us.

Saraswati bestows on us intelligence, the capacity for intellectual enquiry and the power of

discrimination. The Navaratri festival is celebrated in order to proclaim to the world the power of

these goddesses. One's own mother is a combination of all these divine beings. She provides us

energy, wealth, and intelligence. She constantly desires our advancement in life. So, she

represents all the three goddesses that we worship during the Navaratri festival. If the Pandavas

were able to become so dear to Krishna and make their lives worthy by serving Him, it was not on

account of their own merit or austerities. It was Kunti Devi's love for them that brought to them

such a great fortune. Even when they had to live in the forest or in the House of Wax, she always

stayed with them and prayed for their welfare. The Pandavas also reciprocated her love, and that

accounts for their final victory. Lakshmana, likewise, was able to dwell in the forest with his

brother Rama, serving ceaselessly, only because of his mother Sumitra's blessings".

Sai Baba, SS, 11/88. p. 290

"There is no need to propitiate Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati for material prosperity, energy and

worldly knowledge. If we love and adore the mother, we shall be showing our love and devotion to

all these goddesses. One's mother is greater than heaven itself. Sri Rama himself declared that

one's mother and motherland are greater than even heaven. The Navaratri festival teaches this

profound truth. One must remember that reverence to one's own mother is one's paramount duty.

If one's mother is unhappy, all expenditure one incurs and all the worship one offers in the name

ofDurga, Lakshmi and Saraswati in the Navaratri festival will yield no fruit".

Sai Baba, SS, 11/88. p. 291

Durga, Lakshmi & Saraswati Symbolize The Supreme Divine

"The Navaratri festival should not be observed as a festival for worshipping the consorts of

Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. These goddesses symbolize divine potencies. All these potencies are

derived from Vishnu. The entire cosmos is a manifestation of the myriad forms of Vishnu. People

must recognise this oneness underlying the different forms. All beings breathe the same air as

their life-breath. Likewise all the five basic elements are the stuff of nature. But in the Para-

Tatwa (the Supreme Principle, the Divine), these do not exist. The elements are mortal. The Divine

is immortal. To proceed from the mortal to the immortal, the easiest means is the cultivation of

the Divine Love (Prema). The heart is like a sky wherein the clouds in the form of thoughts hide

the Buddhi (the intellect) and the mind representing the sun and the moon. Vairaagya (detachment)

is the means to get rid of thoughts and desires arising from them. The Devi Puja performed during

Navaratri is intended to get rid of worldly attachments and divert the mind toward God.

There are four different qualities in man: humanness, the animal nature, demonic nature, and

divine nature. When man follows the dictates of the body, he is a prey to his animal nature. When

he is subject to the vagaries of the mind, he becomes demonic. When he is following the Atma

(conscience), he is manifesting his divinity. When he is governed by all the three- the body, the

mind and the Atma, he is human".

Sai Baba, SS, 12/92, p. 305


"Vishnu pervades the cosmos as His body. All things in the cosmos are limbs of the body of Vishnu.

Hence, no one should have any aversion to anything in the universe. He should not hate anyone,

because the same Divine is present in you and in everything in the universe. The cosmos has three

forms: the gross, the subtle and the casual. The physical universe represents the gross form. The

subtle form is the mind, and subtler than the mind is the Atma". Sai Baba, SS. 11/92. p. 270

Lakshmi Puja

"Let me tell you frankly, I do not like this Lakshmi Puja, which people do, expecting to grow rich

and accumulate wealth. They even speak ofDhana-Lakshmi and special Stotras to propitiate her.

Lakshmi or wealth accrues by fair means as well as foul. Money is earned by gambling, by various

forms of deceit, by highway robbery itself, by high and low, by all and sundry. Worship Lakshya

(goal), I shall appreciate you. Keep the Lakshya, the goal of expanding your love till it embraces all

beings, till it sees every being as your own self. Keep it ever steady before your mind's eye, then

Lakshmi will, other own accord, favour you to the extent necessary for realising the goal. Never

doubt that. Never falter at that."

Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. III. p. 35

Significance Of Tripura-Sundari Puja

"During the Navaratri festival, Tripurasundari is worshipped. Unfortunately, from ancient times

people have been observing only the external forms of worship without understanding the inner

significance of these festivals. The entire cosmos is a temple. The Lord pervades the cosmos.

Nature (Prakriti) teaches the spiritual truth about Navaratri. Realise the love of Sai through

spiritual practice (Sadhana). The Lord has to be realised through Sadhana. Sadhana does not mean

adoring God in a particular place or in a particular form. It means thinking of God in all that you do

wherever you may be. It may be asked whether this is possible. The answer is that it is possible by

dedicating every action to God".

Sai Baba, SS. 11/92. pp. 270 & 271

Significance Of Anga-Arpana Puja

"During Navaratri there is a form of worship called Angaarpana Puja. In this form of worship, all

the limbs of the body are offered to the Divine in a spirit of surrender (Sharanagati). Surrender

means offering everything to the Divine and giving up the idea of separation between oneself and

the Divine. There can be no true surrender if there is a sense of separation. There must be

conviction that it is the same Divine who dwells in all beings (Ekam Vasi Sarvabhuta-antaraatma).

In the performance of Anga-Arpana Puja, there is a form of self-deception. When a devotee says:

"Netram Samarpayaami" (I offer my eyes to the Lord) and offers only a flower to the Lord, he is

indulging in a kind of deception. The proper thing would be to say that he is offering a flower.

Actually Mantras like "Netram Samarpayaami" arc intended to indicate that one is using his eyes

only to see God. The real significance of the Mantra is that you think of the Divine whatever you

see or do. Therefore, the true meaning of Anga-arpana puja is to declare that you offer all your

limbs in the service of the Lord. This means that whatever work you do should be done as an

offering to God. Now-a-days selfishness is rampant among devotees and they love God, not for

God's sake but to get their selfish desires fulfilled. As long as selfishness prevails, the Divine

cannot be understood".

Sai Baba, SS, 11/92. p. 271


Significance Of Aayudha Puja

"The Navaratri festival is observed by contemplating on God for ten days, cleansing one's self of

all the impurities to experience the Divinity within.

The penultimate day of the festival is dedicated to what is termed 'Aayudha Puja' (worship of

weapons). The weapons to be worshipped are the divine powers in man. When the Divine is

worshipped in this way, one is bound to progress spiritually."

Sai Baba, SS, 11/94, p. 291

"Today is Ashtami. Ayudha Puja is performed on this day. What is the significance of this Ayudha

Puja? After Mahishasura and other demons were slain by Chamundeshwari, there was no more use

other weapons. So, the weapons were kept aside and worshipped. The Ayudha Puja is being

celebrated since ancient times. But of what use arc such weapons to us? In fact, our weapons are

Sathya, Dharma, Shanti and Prema. Prema is more powerful than hydrogen and atom bombs of

today. Why worry when such power is within us."

Sai Baba, SS, 6/2001. p. 191

Significance Of Using Kumkum For Worship

"During the Navaratri festival, for the purpose of eradicating one's demonic tendencies, the

deities are worshipped with Kumkum (sacred red powder). The red powder is a symbol of blood.

The meaning of this worship is offering one's blood to the Lord and receiving in return the gift of

peace from the Lord."

Sai Baba, SS, 11/94. p. 290

Devi' Compassion And Grace

Among the many lessons driven home to the students in Brindavan by Bhagavan Baba in His evening

discourses in April, 1997, in Trayee Brindavan', one was concerned with the need for firm

determination on the part of a devotee to earn the grace of the Lord. Bhagavan related an episode

from the life of Adi Shankara as a young lad. "The great Acharya was barely four years old at the

time. His father, a devout scholar, used to offer daily worship to Goddess Raajeshwari every

morning. Meditating before the Goddess with closed eyes, he would offer a bowl of cow's milk to

her. When he opened his eyes after meditation, he would find that bowl was only half-full, the

other half having been accepted as an offering by the Goddess. One day, he had to go to a

neighbouring village for three days. He told his wife to arrange worship of the Goddess in the

customary manner with the offering of milk, with the young Shankara deputizing him in the

worship. In accordance with his father's instructions, the young lad sat in front of the Goddess in

the sanctum and performed the prescribed ritual. After meditation, when he opened his eyes, he

was astonished to see that the bowl of milk offered to the Goddess remained full.

He felt sad and cried out: 'Divine Mother! What wrong have I done? I cannot bear this

punishment. Please show your grace on me as you did for my father.' He prayed intensely for some

time with closed eyes.


When he opened his eyes he saw that the bowl was now totally empty. All the milk had gone. He

was in distress again and cried out: "Devi! You have consumed all the milk. Where is our share of

the Prasadam? If we are denied this, what mother will say and what will others think? I will not

leave this place till the bowl is refilled.' In response to fervent prayers, the Goddess spoke: "Dear

child! When the river has joined the river, how can it be redirected?

Shankara said: 'Nobody will believe me when I say that no milk was left in the bowl after my

worship. They may think that I drank all of it. I cannot face them. Devi! Without your Prasad, I

will not leave this place. I will lay down my life at your Feet.'' Swami concluded this moving account

of the episode with the following finale: "Devi Raajeshwari's heart melted on hearing the young

boy's appeal. She took the bowl and poured her Divine breast-milk into it and gave it to the young

devotee.' The compassion of the Divine, Swami said, has no limits."

Sai Baba. SS. 6/97. p. 153

How To Celebrate Navaratri?

"The Navaratri festival should be used as an occasion to examine one's own nature whether it is

human, animal, or demonic, and strive to transform the animal nature into the human, and divinise

the human nature. Wisdom cannot be acquired from outside. It has to be got through inward

Sadhana".

Sai Baba, SS, 11/92, p. 271

Sai's Message On Navaratri

"The Navaratri festival should not be observed as a festival for worshipping the consorts of

Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. These goddesses symbolize Divine potencies. All these potencies are

derived from Vishnu. The entire cosmos is a manifestation of the myriad forms of Vishnu. People

should recognise the oneness underlying the different forms. All beings breathe the same air as

their life-breath. Likewise, all the basic elements are common to all. These elements are the stuff

of nature. But in the Paratatwa (the Supreme Principle, the Divine), these do not exist. The

elements are mental. The Divine is immortal. To proceed from'the mortal to the Immortal, the

easiest means is the cultivation of the Divine love."

Sai Baba, SS, 12/92, p. 305

"It is essential to celebrate festivals in a sacred spirit. It is not enough to do this for only 10 days

during the Navaratri festivals. It should become the rule throughout one's life, even as one draws

one's life-breath till the end."

Sai Baba, SS, 11/94, p. 291

"To celebrate the Navaratri, new (Nava) as well as nine (Nava), at Prasanthi Nilayam, is indeed a

rare chance, replete with wonder and joy. For, this is the Abode of Peace, the peace that ensues

when six enemies are destroyed forever. The Prasanthi Flag, which now will be hoisted, is the

symbol of this consummation - the conquest by man of the six enemies and the illumination within

him of the flame of wisdom installed in the Lotus of Heart. It is the Flag of Swaraj, dominion over

oneself, the true independence, when you genuinely claim to be Master of the Realm most related

to you."

Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VII, discourse on 12-10-69, p. 108

( A ) We adore 5 Mothers


1. Deha Maata

Everyone should consider it as his foremost duty to revere the Mother ( Maata ) as Divine and

serve Her. If a man cannot respect and serve the Mother who has borne him for nine months,

brought him forth into the world, and reared him over the years, whom else is he likely to respect?

Maternal Love is akin to that of the creator who projects and protects the infinite Cosmos, in

countless ways

2. Go Maata

The Cow converts its own blood into nourishing milk for man to sustain his body. The Cow is

another example of the Divine as Mother – noted for selfless service.

3. Bhoo Maata

Like the Divine the Earth bears man in it`s bosom and takes care of him in many ways and confers

on him many facilities to live comfortably in the world. Hence Earth is an embodiment of Divine as

Mother.

4. Veda Maata

Like the Mother Divine, Veda Maata lays down guidelines for the conduct of life of man here and

hereafter. Veda Maata reveals to the man the aim and purpose of life and teaches him, how to

realize the goal of life.

5. Desha Maata ( Motherland )

One`s native country that gives protection, care, love, rights and chances to serve and elevate one

self.

( B ) Mother Worship

Mother's womb is the birthplace of one and all, be it a commoner or the Divine incarnation

himself. Therefore adore the mother as God. Uphold her name and respect her.

· Lava and Kusha became heroic children because of their great mother, Seethadevi. It is the

noble thoughts of the mother which make the children great.

· It is the foremost duty of children to secure the blessings of their mothers for their worldly

well being.

· The Mother's lap is the school for everyman. It is his first temple. The mother is everyman's

primary wealth. To recognize this truth about one's mother is the duty of every person.

· There is no higher God than mother. The father is one's treasure; the mother is his God.

· Among the parents, first place is given to the mother, next comes the father. Not only in day-to-

day life, but also in the field of spirituality, mothers and women are given the highest regard.


For example, when we mention the names of divine couples such as Sita Rama, Radha Krishna,

Lakshmi Narayana etc. names of the Goddesses come first. What is the inner significance of this?

Mother represents nature, which is the manifest aspect of Divinity.

· Mother is given the utmost importance in human life. There may be a wicked son, but not a wicked

mother. It is because of the noble feelings of the mothers that sons become virtuous, intelligent,

attain exalted positions and earn name and fame.

· Rama's divinity blossomed under Kausalya's Loving care; because of the tender feelings and

austerity of Sita, Lava and Kusha achieved name and fame; fostered with love of his mother

Puthibai, Gandhi became a Mahatma, the loving care of Jijibai made Sivaji a great warrior.

· It is the mother who teaches you the sacred principles like love, compassion, forbearance,

tolerance and sacrifice. Mother shows the father, the father takes you to the preceptor and

preceptor directs you to God. That is why among mother, father, preceptor and God, mother

comes first.

· The mother is the first teacher and as compared to male teachers, the teachings of women

teachers are better assimilated by students because the latter teach from the heart with love.

· Always remember your mother's love. Do not hurt your mother in any way. You say, God's love is

that of a thousand mothers. When you are unable to comprehend and experience the love of a

single mother, how can you understand the love a thousand mothers? If you are unable to please

your mother, how can you make God happy? God will be happy when we make our mother happy.

· Sons become illustrious exemplars because of the goodness and greatness of their mothers.

Mother is the very foundation for the entire world.

· The welfare of the son depends on the mother. It is because of the love of the mother that the

son becomes great and eminent. So the foremost duty of the son is to be grateful to his mother,

respect her and serve her.

· In this world all things are transient. Only righteousness and good name endure. How is one to

acquire a good name?

By revering the mother. Never go against the wishes of the mother. The son who causes pain to

mother can never be happy. Hence, earn the blessings of the mother.

( C ) The sacred word “ MAATA ” ( Mother )

The significance of the epithet “ Maata” ( mother ), the manifold significance attributed to the

word Maata in our culture is fantastic.

“ Maata ” is an epithet attributed to all that is kind, good, giving and forgiving, sacrifice and

universal love. Divinity is worshipped as the Primordial Energy ( Adi Parashakti ) with her threefold

Amsas ( components ), Sankalpa Shakti or Will Power adored as Parvati; Jnaana Shakti or Wisdom


adored as Saraswatee and Kriya Shakti or Kinetic Energy enabling one to do work and earn money,

worshipped as Lakshmi.

Every individual has in him or her the threefold energies. Hence a devotee as soon as he wakes up

early in the morning looks up at the palms and recites this prayer addressed to the three deities:

Lakshmi, Saraswatee and Parvathi.

Karaagre vasate Lakshmi

Karamadhye Saraswatee

Karamoole Stitha Gauri

Prabhate kara darshanam.

“ On the tips of the fingers resides Maata Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. In the centre of the

palm resides Maata Saraswatee, the Goddess of knowledge and learning. At the base of the palm is

seated Maata Gauri, the Goddess of strength of all types. ”

By working hard and sincerely one can earn money. For thus we have to bring the tips of the

fingers together. With their cooperation one can do work to earn money. Hence we say Maata

Lakshmi resides on the tips of the fingers, inspiring us to do good work.

To acquire knowledge we have to study books. We have to hold the book in our palm and read. We

can write only with the help of the palm and fingers as well. Hence we say Maata Saraswatee

resides in the palm.

It is the base of the palm that is the source of all strength. One can protect ourselves with this

strength and do righteous deeds.

We pray to these Goddesses early in the morning as soon as we wake up from sleep because we

cannot do anything without strength ( shakti – energy ), knowledge and effort, the presiding

deities of these being Maata Lakshmi, Maata Saraswatee and Maata Gauri.

The Primordial Energy has eight fold energies:

1. Shabda Brahma Mayee All pervading sound

2. Charaa Chara Mayee One present in the moving and the non moving

3. Jyothir Maayee Effulgence

4. Vaang Maayee Speech

5. Nityananda Maayee Ever blissful

6. Paraatpara Maayee That which pervades the Universe

7. Maayaa Maayee Delusion

8. Sri Maayee Pragna Shakti

( D ) Geeta Maayi

The Bhagawad Gita is also addressed as Maata, Gita Maata or Maayee. Every aspirant who studies

the Gita as a religious ritual exercise first recites the following shloka in which the Gita is

addressed as the MOTHER.


“ Om Paarthaaya pratibhodhitam Bhagawata Naaraayanena swayam

Vyasena gradhitam puraanamuninaam Madye Mahaabhaaratam

Adwaitamrita varshinim bhagavatim Asthadasha dhyayinim

Amba thwam anusandha dhaami Bhagavad Gita bhava dweshinim ”.

Taught by the blessed Naaraayana Himself to Arjuna, compiled by Vyasa, the ancient seer, in the

middle of the Mahaa Bhaarata……

I meditate on Thee, O Mother! O Bhagavad Gita ! the blessed of the eighteen chapters, the

bestower of the nectar of non dualistic wisdom, the destroyer of rebirth.

( E ) Maatru Devo Bhava ( revere our mother as God )

The most endearing word on the lips of mankind is the word “ Mother ” and the most loving call of “

My Mother ” – a word full of Hope, Assurance, Kindness and Sweet, surging from the depths of the

heart.

Even Avatars and God men did discharge their debts to their chosen Mothers:

Shri Raama – Kausalya, Kaikeyi Sumitra

Shri Krishna – Yashoda and Devaki

Lord Jesus – Mother Mary

Mahatma Gandhi – Putlibhai

Hanuman – Anjana Devi

Shirdi Sai – Devagiriamma

Sathya Sai – Easwaramma

Veda Vyasa – Sathyavathi

Vivekananda – Bhuvaneshwari Devi

Shivaji – Jiija Bhai

Bhakta Prahlad – Leelavathy…….and so on

The future of the society and the nation is in the hands of the Mothers.

Next to God we are indebted to woman first for life itself and then for making it worth living.

Woman is a companion and guide to husband, the earliest teacher to her children, an example for

their social attitudes, a model for their speech and a guardian of their health and mental

happiness. Motherhood is the most precious gift of God. Mothers are the makers of a nation`s

fortune or misfortune. They should teach their children two things; fear of sin and love of virtue.

Both these are based on faith in God.

In conclusion, we can say that Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswatee are symbols of Divine potencies

existing within the gross material, subtle and causal bodies of human beings and pervading the

universe, derived from the primordial energy ( Adi Shakti ). Man, as he is composed of divine

energy in his every aspect, is divine. It would benefit man to use his intellect to realize and act in

accordance with the truth. It is Saraswati, the energy aspect that confers knowledge of the atma,

that makes one a Jnani, a liberated one.


Durga is within our heart as Power and Energy, Saraswatee is the energy of our speech and

Lakshmi is the energy evident when we use our two hands to perform beneficial, sacred actions.

The Mother is Sarva Shakti Swarupini and it is in order to declare to the world this divine aspect

of the mother, the Navaratri festival is celebrated. Our mother is truly an embodiment of Durga,

Lakshmi and Saraswatee. She confers on us all types of energy and power. She provides us with all

manner of wealth and helps us grow and prosper. She also aspires for her children to earn fame

and name through their education. All these Divine Principles come and merge in our own mother.

She converts her own blood into milk which gives sustenance to the child.

Sadhana ( Programming our spiritual path )

The feminine nomenclature is attributed to the fourfold sadhanas: Sathyavathi, Angavathi,

Anyavathi and Nidhanavathi.

Sathyavathi proclaims the truth that the Divine pervades the entire cosmos, God is not separate

from nature ( Prakrithi ). The Vedas testify to the Omnipresence of the Divine like the presence

of butter in every drop of milk.

Angavathi proclaims the five elements are present everywhere in the universe: Earth, Water,

Fire, Air and Ether. The elements vary in subtlety in a progressive order. The Vedas declare that

even the five elements are manifestations of the Divine.

Anyavathi principle points out which Deity is responsible for what function and describes the

Deities special characteristics. Easwara is described as ‘ Trishuladhari and Trinetradhari ’.

Vishnu is described as the bearer of the conch, the discus and the mace. Krishna is described as

one having the peacock feather on his head and the flute in his hand. Raama is described as the

wielder of the bow.

Nidhanavathi lays down nine types of worship:

Sravanam Listening

Smaranam Chanting

Kirtanam Singing

Paadasevanam Massaging the Lotus feet of the Lord

Vandanam Obeisance

Archanam Worship

Dasyam Service

Sneham Friendship

Atmanivedanam Total Surrender

Dasera

In the human body, the Divine flows through all the limbs as the divine essence (rasa) and sustains

them. This divine principle is called the Embodiment of Divine Sweetness (Rasaswaroopini, or

Angirasa). These divine principles that permeate and sustain the physical body should also be

worshipped as mother goddesses.


Then there are the great sages (maharishis), who investigated matters relating to good and evil,

right and wrong, what elevates man or degrades him, and, as a result of their labors and penance,

gave to mankind the great scriptures, indicating the spiritual and mundane paths and how humanity

could redeem its existence. These sages have also to be revered as divine mothers.

The cow, the earth, the presiding deities for the body, the sages, and the guru are all worthy of

worship as the embodiments of the divine Motherhood. Although these five appear in different

forms and names, they have one thing in common with the mother. They play a protective and

sustaining maternal role for mankind and hence should be revered and worshipped as divine

mothers.

Conversely, the mother of every child displays in relation to the child the attributes of these five

entities. The mother nourishes the child, provides the necessaries for its growth, teaches the

child what it should know and what it should avoid, and leads it on the path of righteousness.

The life of a man who cannot respect and love such a venerable mother is utterly useless.

Recognizing one's mother as the very embodiment of all divine forces, one must show reverence to

her and treat her with love. This is the true message that this nine-night festival (the Navaratri)

gives us.

The supreme Shakti manifests herself in the form of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Durga grants

to us energy --physical, mental, and spiritual. Lakshmi bestows on us wealth of many kinds --not

just money but intellectual wealth, the wealth of character, and others. Even health is a kind of

wealth. She grants untold riches to us. And Saraswati bestows intelligence, the capacity for

intellectual inquiry, and the power of discrimination on us. The Navaratri festival is celebrated in

order to proclaim the power of the goddesses to the world.

One's own mother is the combination of all these divine beings. She provides us with energy,

wealth, and intelligence. She constantly desires our advancement in life. So she represents all the

three goddesses that we worship during the Navaratri festival.

Divine Discourse: 14 October 1988

The term Devi represents the divine power that has taken the passionate (raajasic) form to

suppress the forces of evil and protect the serene (satvic) qualities. When the forces of injustice,

immorality, and untruth have grown to monstrous proportions and are indulging in a death-dance,

when selfishness and self-interest are rampant, when men have lost all sense of kindness and

compassion, the Atmic principle assumes the form of Sakthi, takes on the passionate (rajasic)

quality, and seeks to destroy the evil elements. This is the inner meaning of the Dasara festival.

When the divine Goddess is in dreadful rage to destroy the wicked elements, she assumes a

fearful form. To pacify the dreaded Goddess, her feminine children offer worship to Her with

sacred red powder (kumkum). Seeing the blood-red kumkum at her feet, the Goddess feels

assured that the wicked have been vanquished and assumes her benign form. The inner meaning of

the worship of Devi with red kumkum is that thereby the Goddess is appeased.

During the ten days of the Dasara, the demons (rakshasas), in the form of wicked qualities, have

been routed. Rakshasas do not mean demonic beings. The bad qualities in men are the demons.

Arrogance is a demon. Bad thoughts are demons. Ravana is depicted as the king of Rakshasas. He is

said to have ten heads, but he was not born with ten heads. Who is this Ravana, and what are his

ten heads?


Lust (kama), anger (krodha), delusion (moha), greed (lobha), pride (mada), envy (maatsarya), the

mind (manas), intellect (buddhi), will (chitta),and ego (ahamkara) --these constitute the ten heads.

Ravana is one who has these ten qualities.

Each one can decide for himself whether he is a Ravana or a Rama, according to his qualities. Rama

is the destroyer of bad qualities. When engaged in this act of destruction of bad qualities, He

manifests His passionate quality (raajo-guna). But His passionate quality is associated with His

serene (saatvic) quality. Even in cutting off Ravana's ten heads, Rama showed His love. This was

the only way Ravana could be redeemed.

When the Lord metes out a punishment, it may appear harsh. But what appears externally as

passionate (rajasic) is in reality serene (satwic). In a hailstorm, along with rain there will be

hailstones. But both the rain and hailstones contain water. Likewise, there is serene quality even in

the Lord's passionate actions.

Similarly there may be passionate quality even in slothful (thaamasic) actions. These depend on the

time, place, and circumstances in which the Lord acts. Butter can be split with a finger. But a

powerful hammer is needed to break a piece of iron. The Lord deals with serene persons in a

serene way. He applies the passionate weapon against passionate persons.

People worship the Lord as Roudrakara, attributing dreaded forms and qualities to the Divine. This

is not proper. The Divine has only one attribute: the embodiment of love. It has been said, "Love is

God. Love pervades the Cosmos." Hence, one should not view the world from a worldly point of

view. It should be viewed through the eyes of love.

Embodiments of Divine Love!

All the festivals of Indians (Bharatiyas) have been designed to promote divine love among the

people. It is to confer such love on the people that the Lord incarnates on earth. He Himself

demonstrates how love should be expressed. He showers His love and teaches everyone how to

love. Hence, experience this love and joy in your life and live in peace.


Indians (Bharatiyas) have been celebrating the Navarathi festival from ancient times as a mode of

worship of Devi, the Divine as mother. They worship Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati during those

nine days. Who are these three? These three forms have fascinated man. Their esoteric

significance is represented by three potencies (sakthis): karma, devotion (upaasana) and spiritual

wisdom (jnana).

The significance of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati has to be rightly understood. The three

represent three kinds of potencies in man: will power (ichchaa sakthi), the power of purposeful

action (kriya sakthi), and the power of discernment (jnaana sakthi).

Saraswati is manifest in man as the power of speech (vaak). Durga is present in the form of

dynamism. Lakshmi is manifest in the form of will power. The body indicates purposeful action

(kriya shakthi). The mind is the repository of will power (ichchaa shakthi). The Atma is the power

of discernment (jnaana shakthi). Purposeful action comes from the body, which is material. The

power that activates the inert body and makes it vibrant is will power. The power that induces the

vibrations of will power is the power of discernment (jnaana shakthi), which causes radiation of

energy.


These three potencies are represented by the mantra, Om Bhur Bhuvah Suvaha. Bhur represents

the earth (bhuloka). Bhuvah represents the life force, conscience in man. Suvaha represents the

power of radiation. All three are present in man. Thus, Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati dwell in the

human heart.

Men are prone to exhibit passionate (rajasic) qualities like anger and hatred. They are the

menacing manifestations of Durga. The extolling of the Divine in song and poetry and the pleasing

vibrations produced by them indicate the power of Saraswathi. The pure qualities that arise in

man, such as compassion, love, forbearance, and sympathy, are derived from Lakshmi.

When people worship Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi externally in pictures or icons, they are

giving physical forms to the subtle potencies that are within them. The unfortunate predicament

of man today is that he is not recognizing the powers within him and developing respect for them.

He goes after the external, attracted by the physical forms. The relationship between the

material and the subtle has to be understood. The remedy for man's life is contained within

himself. But man seeks remedies from outside.

What should do during these ten days of the Navaratri festival? Convert your will power (ichchaa

shakti) into a yearning for God. Convert purposeful action (kriya shakti) into a force for doing

Divine actions. Convert your power of discernment (jnana sakthi) into the Divine Itself.


Navaratri means "nine nights". What does the nine signify? There are nine planets (grahas),

according to astrology. The human body has nine openings. If a deep inquiry is made, it will be

found that mankind is dependent on the planets. Although astrologers speak about nine planets, in

reality, only two "planets" matter: attachment (raga) and hatred (dwesha).

In the worship of the deities during Navaratri, one of them should be worshipped each day, not

externally but with one's heart and soul. Bodily actions are ephemeral. The body derives its value

from the spirit within. Hence it should be regarded as a sacred temple. During the Navaratri

festival, for the purpose of eradicating one's demonic tendencies, the deities were worshipped

with sacred powder (kumkum). The red powder is a symbol of blood. The meaning of this worship is

that one offers one's blood to the Lord and receives in return the gift of peace from the Lord.

Therefore, the Navaratri festival is observed by contemplating on God for ten days, cleansing

one's self of all impurities, in order to experience the divinity within. The penultimate day of the

festival is dedicated to what is termed "worship of weapons (ayudha puja)". The weapons to be

worshipped are the divine powers in man. When the divine is worshipped in this way, one is bound

to progress spiritually. Divine Discourse: 14 October 1994

Compiled from discourses of Devi Sai Maa

May Devi Sai Maa Bless us all

Enjoy the maximum bliss in the omnipresence of Devi Sai Maa

Spread this message of Love as it returns back thousand folds

With Love from Sathya Sai Maa

navaratri - official mauritius websitethe devi puja performed during navaratri is intended to get...

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