SHARAN-NAVARATRI
The Navaratri Utsavam is the most celebrated one among all the festivals at Sringeri. Navaratri means the nine nights. During these auspicious nine nights the Jaganmaata is worshipped, who had removed the cruel demons Madhu-Kaitabha, Shumbha-Nishumbha, Mahishasura and so on. The following verse is quoted from Devi Mahatmyam occuring in the Markandeya Puranam –
शरत्काले महापूजा क्रियते या च वार्षिकी ।
तस्यां ममैतान्महात्म्यं श्रुत्वा भक्ति समन्वितः ॥
This explains that by special worship of Jaganmaata and by chanting Devi Mahatmya during Sharatkaala (Sharadritu), Devi becomes happy and gives all sorts of prosperity to her devotees.
MAHABHISHEKAM
A Mahabhisheka to Sharadamba will be performed on the day-before-Navaratri on the Amavasya (New-moon) day of the month of Bhaadrapada. The mother will be offered with Jagatprasutika Alankaram on that day. Jagatprasutika Alankaram : With a smile on her face Mother Sharada fondles a cute baby on her lap as if she is telling her devotee that “I am the mother of the whole creation, and you are my child. You will ever be taken care as this baby on my lap, if you seek me”. This Alankara will be very nice. Navaratri festival starts from the next day. Every day new Alankara will be made to Sri Sharadamba throughout Navaratri. It will not be an exaggeration to tell that even two eyes are not enough to see this splendor.
SIGNIFICANCE OF ALANKARAS
“Ekaivaaham jagatyatra dviteeya kaa mamaaparaa”
I am the only eternal power in the world and none else the second. – Devi Mahatmayam
Therefore, all these different Alankaras and Avataras are of Jaganmaata only. That Jaganmaata takes the form of Saraswati and bestows education and knowledge, takes the form of Mahalakshmi and gives wealth, food, etc., and takes the form of Mahakaali (Chamundi) during the time of destruction of evil minds, takes the form of Durga Parameshwari to make her devotees to get rid of all the fear. She safeguards her devotees through different names and forms. Though the forms and names of Jagadamba are numerous, the spirit is the same. Such a great philosophical truth is there in the process of making different Alankaras to Devi.
PARAYANAS - CHANTINGS & OFFERINGS
Each Navaratri day at 6:00 PM ET, special evening Pooja start with Sri Lalitha Sahasranama and then continue with eight types of Chantings / offerings (ashTAvadAna sEva): from the four Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Jyotisha and Sastreeya Sangeetham. This is followed by Mahamangala Arati! Truly Blissful!
CULTURAL PROGRAMS
“.. Nija stotra Sangeetha nritya prabhangeem, Bhaje Sharadambhaam ajasram madhambham ||“
” … the one whose lustre is increased by true prayer, song and dance, I pray to thee Sharadamba who is forever my mother! ” – Sharada Bhujangam
Not only religious activities, but cultural programs like music and dance offerings by various artists in the fields of Vocal,, Violin, Bharatanatyam, etc., are also arranged during Navaratri festival. This period will be a feast for the lovers of classical arts.
ALL CULTURAL PROGRAMS WILL BE PERFORMED / OFFERED AT THE SHANKARA HALL / AUDITORIUM. DEVOTEES ARE REQUESTED TO COME AND ENCOURAGE THE PARTICPANTS
