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Navaratri is also called Dasara (Dasha Hara), which means the cutting the ten headsof Ravana (who signifies the demon Ego). The story of Sri Rama is known in almost allparts of the globe. Navaratri highlights the principles elucidated by the Ramayana.(Ramayana Navaahnam reciting the whole Ramayana in Nine days is a special featureobserved these days.

The Following are the regular features of this festival:

A special ritualistic worship of the Mother Durga; this includes the recitation of Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmaya.

Recitation of Lalaitha Sahasrnama or Durga Sahasranama (Laksharchana 100,000times too repeat the name of the Divine Mother)

Devotees are exhorted to do the maximum number of Japa of the NavaarnaMantra AIM HREEM KLEEM CHAAMUNDAAYAI VICHHE or the Mantra JAI SHRI DURGA.

Some devotees observe fasting with milk and fruits only on all these nine days or atleast three days. Visiting Temples and participating in-group chanting and seeking theblessings of the Divine Mother is the common feature in all these nine days.

Let us celebrate Dasara in the right spirit by making honest efforts to destroy thedemon Ego, the ten headed i.e. passion, pride ,anger ,greed, infatuations, lust, hatred,

jealousy, selfishness and crookedness) and radiate peace and love wherever we go,and get the blessings of the Divine Mother.

Three aspects of the eternal smother has been depicted in this Devi Sapta Shloki -TheGoddess Lakshmi represents Iccha shakti (wealth) Goddess Saraswati representsJnana Shakti (knowledge) and Goddess Kali represent Kriya Shakti (strength). Allthree merge in one form as Durga.

The glory of Durga is described in Markendeya Purana,. It is known as DeviMahatmyam or Durga Sapta sati (700 Mantras). Allegorical representation of theconstant war going on within all of us--- between our divine and demonic natures. Inthe Saptasati legend every dominant passion and vice has its special Demonrepresentative. Shumbha is the embodiment of Lust, Nishumbha is Greed andMashishasura represents Anger.

We celebrate Victory of Good over the evil. Durga sapta shloki (the seven mantras) isthe essence of the Durga Sapta sati (seven hundred mantras). It is very powerful toachieve Health, wealth and education.

Bija Mantra of Goddess Durga is to be recited silently for meditation.

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