Maha Saptami - Durga Puja 2015

On this day Goddess Durga is invoked in a group of nine plants bunched togather called Navapatrika. this is performed only on the early hours of Shaptami.The nine different plants which comprise the Nabapatrika actually represent the nine different forms of Goddess Durga. In the early hours of Shaptami, the nine leaves from the nine trees are tied to the twigs of white Aparajita plant with yellow threads. It is then bathed in the Ganga, accompanied by the chanting of mantras.

Then the Pranpratisha ritual is perforemed to divinize the clay idol of Uma. The aim of this ritual to awaken the spirit of Durga as a worrier Goddess. From the day of Saptami Mahisasurmardini Durga starts her battle against the manifestation of all evils in the shape of Mahisasura to save the Srishti- the whole world.

What is the significance of Maha Saptami? Actually, according to the Hindu mythologies, Goddess Durga killed Mahisasura, the demon king after the battle of nine days. It is the victory of virtue over evil. On the seventh day, the Goddess commenced war against the buffalo demon which ended with his death on Vijaya Dashami (the 10th day). So, besides enjoying the day in new dress and makeup, have a look on the importance of Maha Saptami-

1. Bathing Navapatrika- The most important significance of Maha Saptami is the bathing ceremony of Navapatrika. Here, the nine plants (banana, pomegranate, turmeric, jayanti, ashoke, bel, arum plant, colacassia and paddy) are tied together and taken to the river Ganges at pre-dawn for bathing. The puja starts after that. 

2. Significance of Nine Plants- To understand the importance of Maha Saptami, you must know the significance of those plants. During the war, Devi Durga created ‘Ashtanayika’ (eight war partners). These eight goddess and Devi herself symbolize “NavDurga”. The nine plants stand for each impersonation of the Goddess.

3. Tied by Clitoria Ternatea- Yes, the scientific name is confusing you. It is the plant of “aparajita” or koyala. After bathing the nine plants, all are tied with the plant. Actually, this symbolizes the eternal victory of Devi Durga over Mahisasura. Practically, it stands for the ultimate triumph of virtue over evil. 

4. Worship of Goddess Saraswati- Significance of Maha Saptami includes the worship of Devi Saraswati. Mainly, in Kerala, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Goddess Saraswati on the seventh day of Maha Saptami. They keep books and music instruments before her and pray for insight and knowledge.

KAALARATRI