Navratri, a bi-annual Hindu festival, signifies a seasonal transition, aligning with Ayurvedic principles of detoxification during these periods of change. These nine nights and ten days are dedicated to ten forms of Shakti, each embodying a specific purpose. The festival coincides with periods of fluctuating environmental energies, prompting the body to recalibrate its own internal energy, or prana shakti. This re-alignment process is facilitated by fasting, or “upavas,” a practice that transcends mere dietary restrictions and encompasses a deeper spiritual significance. During Navratri, upavas at Dhyan Ashram involves abstaining from pleasures and embracing austerities, including celibacy, consuming food solely for sustenance, and dedicating one’s thoughts and actions to their chosen deity (ishta-deva) through prescribed mantras, meditation, or tantric practices. Charity and selfless service further enhance this purification process, both on physical and etheric levels.
Beyond fasting, specific mantras are chanted to promote complete detoxification. For beginners, the nine days are divided into three-day segments, each corresponding to a specific body region and a corresponding goddess: Saraswati (below the navel), Lakshmi (between navel and shoulders), and Durga (head region). These three goddesses are considered emanations of Adi Shakti, and further subdividing each three-day period results in nine distinct bodily segments for focused purification. The practices during these nine days are structured to progressively cleanse and refine the body and mind.
The first three days focus on eliminating spicy foods and performing morning and evening havans, or fire rituals, invoking Durga. Offerings include kala til (black sesame seeds) and ghee, utilizing cow dung cakes and palash wood for the fire. The second three days restrict the diet to light foods, with havans dedicated to Lakshmi, offering sweets and ghee. The final three days limit intake to water and juice, excluding even milk as an animal product, with havans honoring Saraswati, offering ghee and guggal. This culminates in a complete fast on the tenth day, invoking either Durga or Kali, mirroring the invocations of these goddesses by Ram and Ravan respectively.
This ten-day process facilitates the crucial energy realignment, preparing the body for the upcoming season’s energies. Following this, practitioners continue their individual sadhana (spiritual practice) and chant specific mantras guided by their Guru. The combined practices of fasting, havans, and mantra chanting during Navratri create a conducive environment for receiving the invoked energies. The festival serves as a period of preparation, realigning the body over nine days and culminating in the reception of new energies on the tenth.
However, the true essence of Navratri often gets diluted as many individuals, while observing the nine-day fast, indulge excessively on the tenth day, negating the benefits gained. This is analogous to meticulously cleaning a room only to fill it with garbage immediately afterward. The efficacy of fasting and other such practices hinges on detachment and a genuine pursuit of spiritual evolution. A Guru, understanding a disciple’s capacity, tailors the fast according to their specific needs. Thus, guidance from a Guru is essential to maximize the benefits of these practices, particularly when combined with yogic disciplines like Sanatan Kriya.
The prescribed practices during Navratri follow a carefully designed progression. The initial phase focuses on eliminating stimulating foods and invoking Durga, the embodiment of strength and protection, setting the foundation for purification. The subsequent phase, with a restricted diet and Lakshmi’s invocation, emphasizes inner abundance and harmony. The final phase, with minimal sustenance and Saraswati’s invocation, promotes mental clarity and wisdom. The culmination on the tenth day, marked by a complete fast and the invocation of either Durga or Kali, signifies the completion of the purification and the integration of the renewed energies.
Dhyan Foundation, under the guidance of Ashwini Guru Ji, emphasizes the authentic practice of Navratri and its connection to yogic disciplines. Ashwini Guru Ji, an authority on Vedic sciences and the author of ‘Sanatan Kriya, The Ageless Dimension,’ advocates for integrating these ancient practices for holistic well-being. Dhyan Foundation promotes the practice of Sanatan Kriya, a yogic technique believed to enhance the benefits of practices like those observed during Navratri. The foundation offers regular sessions worldwide, providing guidance on integrating these practices into daily life for holistic growth and spiritual development.
The importance of Guru’s guidance is paramount in navigating the complexities of practices like Navratri fasting. The Guru, with their deep understanding of the individual’s constitution and spiritual needs, can tailor the practices for maximum benefit. This personalized approach ensures that the individual receives the appropriate level of challenge and support, preventing undue strain and maximizing the potential for transformation. The combination of fasting, mantra chanting, and yogic practices under the guidance of a Guru creates a powerful synergy that amplifies the purifying effects of Navratri, facilitating a deeper connection with the divine energies and promoting spiritual growth.
The emphasis on detachment and the pursuit of evolution underscores the deeper purpose of Navratri. It is not merely a ritualistic fast but a conscious effort to purify the body and mind, creating space for spiritual growth. By embracing austerity and dedicating oneself to spiritual practices, individuals can harness the transformative power of this sacred period. The practices outlined, including dietary restrictions, havans, mantra chanting, and yogic disciplines, are all tools to facilitate this inward journey.
Finally, the detrimental effects of negating the nine-day fast by overindulgence on the tenth day highlight the importance of maintaining discipline and focus throughout the entire process. The true benefit of Navratri lies not in the temporary deprivation but in the lasting transformation it can bring about. This requires a conscious effort to integrate the lessons learned during the fast into daily life, cultivating a mindful approach to eating and living. By embracing the principles of detachment and spiritual evolution, individuals can truly harness the potential of Navratri to bring about positive and lasting change.
