The Period of Prayers, Meditation, Dandiya and Ramleela

Navratri, the nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, is full of wonderful activities. Throughout the nine days, ‘Nine Forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. Along with that, devotees offer prayers, meditate, take part in Dandiya (stick dance) and also enjoy the shows of Ramleela.

The time period not only fills the days with devotion, but it also promotes ancient Indian culture wherein children get the opportunity to know about the legend of Lord Ram.

Prayers & Mediation during Navratri

During such a festive time, the devotees of Goddess Durga, primarily, offer prayers and meditate on Her nine forms.

But, what is the connection between prayers and meditation?

At its simplest, prayer is a beautiful way through which you connect with your devotional heart. Wherever you sit for offering prayers, and immerse into it, worldly affairs don’t revolve in your mind. You feel like totally empty and silent.

And in this situation, you naturally slip into the state of meditation.

Meditating Devotedly

Such a calm state of mind, fills you with serenity and divine realization for ‘Self’ which is the seat of God. Deep within, you experience contentment and come to know that something amazing was lacking in you.

Also, when you offer prayers to Goddess Durga and meditate devotedly, you find that your heart has become pure. Deep within, you will feel a strange power, and then the way you feel about yourself changes completely.

You feel peace and contentment. You become ready to deal with all sorts of negativity and stress and move towards the enthralling joys of life.

The Thrill of Dandiya, Garba and Ramleela

Hence, Navratri is known as a period for self-realization when seekers get back to their soul level. They understand their true nature which is compassion, happiness and joy. And therefore, during these nine beautiful nights of Navratri, the mind of seekers move towards divine consciousness. Here they develop abilities to be courageous and victorious.

They remove negative forces like longing, hatred, doubt and fear from their lives effortlessly and take part in thrilling activities like Dandiya (stick dance) and Navratri Garba. The legends of Maa Jagadamba and Lord Ram are at the core of these dance forms and Ramleela.

‘Garba’ means singing devotional songs praising Maa Durga with rhythmic clapping. All such enjoyable activities are performed in order to invoke the blessings of the Divine Mother.

Goddess Durga’s Blessings

Moreover, all through the nine days and nights, when seekers offer prayers and meditate on various forms of the feminine energy, they also seek some blessings.

On the first three days, they worship Maa Durga, the personification of fearlessness, poise and courage. Devotees dedicate the next three days to Goddess Lakshmi, the quintessence of wealth and prosperity. And dedicate the last three days to Goddess Saraswati, who represents wisdom and knowledge.

All these forms bestow upon seekers blessings of health, wealth, progress and wisdom, turning their lives in a beautiful abode of peace and bliss.

So, understand that prayer is the language of the heart, the ripples of which reach the entire cosmos and also to the Higher Power who gives you a meditative heart.

Feel the power of prayers and meditation, practise them and worship Goddess Durga wholeheartedly while seeking Her blessings in the form of peace and enjoyment.

Wishes for a blessed Navratri replete with prayers, meditation and thrilling delights of Dandiya and Ramleela!