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 The holy occasion of Navratri has once again arrived, bringing with it the blessings of the Universal Goddess. She is the energy (shakti) that runs this world. She is worshipped in her three most dynamic forms as the giver of strength and remover of darkness, Maha Kali, she is the one who provides for sustenance as Maha Lakshmi, she who inspires and leads as Maha Sarasvati.
 Navratri comes twice a year, once in the holy month of chaitra (March – April) known as Vasant Navratri and in the month of Ashvin (September – October) as Sharad Navratri.
In Sanatan Dharma, the freedom is given to adore the Supreme in both with forms (Saguna) and without (Nirguna). We also adore both the masculine (Purusha) aspect of Godhead and feminine (Prakriti). God is both our father and mother – Tumhi ho mata pita tumhi ho. This is one of the basic tenants of Sanatan Dharma.
 Navratri marks that special period where we turn to the Supreme as Maa, Mother Goddess. She is responsible for our existence and sustenance. She is called Durga, the deliverer of distress. For devotees of the Goddess, this is the most important period by which a spiritual seeker can advance in the realm of self realization, self worth, and self esteem. It’s the time where one comes to realize his/her full potential and comes to know that the power behind his/her action is divine. Therefore let us continue to strive, achieve, and excel.
On behalf of the Hindu Society of Berbice, Sri Krishna Mandir, we would like to extend Vasant Navratri greetings to you and your entire family circle. We thank you for your kind support through the years and pray that may you continue to secure the blessings of Maa Durga.
She is Maa, with her gentle glance she makes the tears of sorrow into tears of joy. In life, she’s the divine light that dispels all modes of ignorance.
Let nobility prevail. Share noble thoughts and joins hands for a better tomorrow. Control your unrealistic desires and light the lamp of faith and witness the miracles to come.
“Maine har charaag bujhaa diya, to maine aik chiraag jalaay diya”
Extinguish all desires and sustain the lamp of faith
Ramayan and Sri Durga Saptashati describe her as Shradhaa – faith.
Faith inspires
Faith constructs
Faith sustains
Faith dispels fear and ignorance
Faith is selfless
Have faith in your faith
Information on Nav-Durga (9 manifestations of Goddess Durga)
- Sri Shailaputri………daughter of the mountain, symbolic of faith, which should be unshakable and unmovable.
- Sri Brahmacharini….she who advocates education and celibacy (self control)
- Sri Chandraghanta…she who advocates steadiness of the mind like the stillness of the moon.
- Sri Kushmaanda…….she who provides like the wide earth giving it’s vegetation
- Sri Skandamata……..she who adores her children. A reminder to the mothers of world about their pride possession, Mamta –motherly compassion.
- Sri Kaatyayini………she who fulfils the noble desires of her devotees. Those desires which will benefit all.
- Sri Kaalraatri……….she who dispels the darkness of ignorance and reminds us on how to use our precious time.
- Sri Maha Gauri…….she who is golden in complexion and reminds her children of their inner beauty
- Sri Siddhidhatri…….she reminds us that once we have the will we can achieve. Let the will be noble, let the actions be noble and world of spiritual wealth will be in your lap.
(Note: Hanumanji is said to be blessed with ashta siddhi, eight special blessings, one being he can make himself as huge as he wants and also small and minute. What does this mean? Hanumanji grew in size not only because he’s god but also reminds us of our inert potential, to roar like a lion when be and yet make yourself small, be humble)
Jai Sri Krishna
Pandit Rajin Balgobind
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