Jai mata di
Nava means nine or new and ratri means night or that which protects (राति इति रात्रि). So, Navaratri indicates nine days of protection. Since the main puja is at night, it is called ratri.
Today on the second day (द्वितीया), Devi is worshipped as ब्रह्मचारिणी (Brahmacharini) – ब्रह्मणि चरति इति – one who is dedicated to the path shown by Veda – Vedasvarupini. Waking barefooted with a japamala in one hand and a kamandalu in the other, she stands as a symbol of calmness and bliss.
Ashta-lakshmi are a group of eight Goddesses, secondary manifestations of Sri Mahalakshmi (the Goddess of wealth), who presides over eight sources of wealth. "Wealth" in the context of Ashta-lakshmi indicates prosperity, good health, knowledge, strength, progeny, and power. The Ashta-lakshmi are always depicted and worshipped in a group in temples. During this Navaratri, we will see one of them on each day.
The pic is of Navaratri celebrations at Chinmaya prerana, mahalakshmi Mandir
Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.
