The existential order happens to be a unified organism, where no individual existence has a reality, independent of the entirety. So, a continuum exists through the entire span of the existential order. Obviously therefore, variation if any at any point of the space shall impact far and wide. Accordingly, any variation in the energy dynamics of nature, which is subject to continued change, has to have related bearing over our life cycle. Such a change is prominently marked with periodic variation in the weather cycle, which moves in correspondence with annular cycle of the Sun, the prime-mover of nature’s energy orchestra playing from the front. The intensity of solar radiation remains at its peak during the summers, when it scorches the earth. And it is at its lowest ebb during the winters, when we have to brave the chill.
We have to keep pace with the callings of varying energy dynamics of nature and get going in life. The real challenge, however, is to brave extremities at regular periodic interval. Purposely so as to successfully ensure a smooth run of life with ease and comfort. Ancient India’s seers understood nature’s chemistry very well. Accordingly, they developed a living tradition in correspondence with the callings of the laws of nature, as would help withstand all vicissitudes of life with ease and comfort. Shardeya Navratra is one such exercise, which has been made a part of our annular calendar.
Mark the timing — bright half of the Hindu month of Asvina, when the winter season would be setting in. At this point of time, when seen with reference to India, the Sun is moving towards its farthest end. For, following its southerly course, it shall be hitting on the western horizon. On the contrary, we are located in the northern hemisphere towards the eastern horizon. Evidently, the availability of fire energy, vital to our general health and creative abilities, remains at its lowest in the part of the globe we live. During this period, the negative energies gain ground, which we have to contend with. The weather cycle undergoes a major change, which has its bearing on our physiology. Our general immunity level becomes relatively low at a time when we are to face the hazards of cold season.
Our seers were also aware that every living being is a power-house by oneself. For, a human being happens to be the repository of all forces playing through nature. So goes the saying: “Yata brahmande tata pindam (as is the cosmos, so is the man)”. In fact, a human being is born potentially perfect, in so far as the instrumentality of one’s body-mind organism is concerned. If one’s full potential could be unfolded, one would know limits. The paradox, however, is that our ‘Performing-Self’ remains under cloud, coming as it may with lot of elemental and self-acquired limitations. This restricts the scope of our vision. Mind, the prime-mover of a being, thus fails to access its full landscape, and thereby it’s indwelling potential. That comes under further limitation when faced with rough phase of nature.
To overcome the above limitations, our seers designed a nine-day prayer regime at this point of time to stand the test of time. During the process, one is supposed to invoke one’s indwelling resources — the Saktis granting us with physical prowess that helps attend to our creative urges vital to our existential needs, and the wisdom needed to intelligently carry forward the tasks in hand. We, thus, get geared up to grab the opportunities coming our way and attend to the emerging challenges in all strength. Accordingly, with primary focus on Mother Goddess Durga, the epitome of physical prowess; the devout does also dwell on Mother Goddess laksmi identified with our productive urges, and wisdom signifying Mother Goddess Saraswati.
Apparently, it looks like as if the devout are engaged in prayers to seek divine boons to one’s asking. One may also debate whether such form-Gods exist or not. But mind it, any process, which prompts a person to gather up all resources in hand by putting in all acts of body, mind, and psyche together, the fruits of such endeavour would need no elaboration. Evidently, the best in a being would come out. Accordingly, to prove true to the above call, the devout chants related mantra-s, the echoes of which invoke and hone the related indwelling Sakti-s. Simultaneously one focuses attention on different motherly forms, each carrying relevant educative imports.
With these words, I wish all concerned to make the best out of this auspicious occasion.
The writer is an astrologer, vastu consultant and spiritual counsellor. Write to him at G-102, Bharat Nagar, New Friends Colony, New Delhi-110025
Tel: 91-11-49848475/9818037273 Email: pioneerqueries@bharatastro.com Website: www.bharatastro.com