MAY this period of Navratri, dedicated to the Divine Mother, usher in the spirit of bliss.

Navratri is a time when Hindus adore the Supreme in the form of the Universal Mother called by many names: Durga, Kali, Ambika, Jagdamba, Uma, Gauri, Lalita and Chamundi. These names allude to the different aspects of the single Shakti or power. It occurs twice in the year associated with the seasons of spring and autumn.We are currently observing Vasant Navratra, which concludes on April 8, 2014. It emphasises the Hindu perception of God as male (Shakta) and female (Shakti). “Twam Stri, Twam Pumanasi”: Thou are Mother, Thou art Father.
The nine-day period is divided into sets of three days, during which time the Universal Mother is worshipped in her three principal forms: Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. She is the personification of the creative energy, who also possesses the power of preservation and destruction. Although she may be seen in three different forms, we nevertheless seek to invoke the blessings of the different aspects of that one Supreme power of Maha Shakti.
As Durga, she is known to have conquered all her foes, and is portrayed as the source of power and force. Prayers are done to her, and she is invoked in this aspect to destroy all negative tendencies.
The power aspect of the Mother is to protect the devotee from danger, disappointment and pitfalls. Invocation of Durga, or Kali, is not done to harm anyone. The worship in this form should be “satwick”, or pure, and does not involve sacrifice or blood. There is no room for superstition.
In the divine form of Lakshmi, she is symbolic of prosperity and abundance. Devotees pay homage, and pray that their lives may be filled with every happiness and abundance. The idea here is not only to pursue material prosperity, but also spiritual exaltation and peace, or shanti.
We seek the manifestation of Maha Lakshmi Devi to assist us in our transition from the dark recesses of ignorance unto the sublime; indeed, to cultivate the nobler sentiments; the inner wealth of our hearts.
The final phase of Navratra is dedicated to the Goddess, Saraswati, who is the giver of intelligence. In this aspect, worship is necessary to achieve knowledge, consciousness and self-illumination.
As we worship the Divine Mother, let’s not forget the plight of our women and girl children who are continually abused and violated and are victims of violence. Let us pledge to advocate against such heinous practices, and use this period to strengthen our resolve to work for a safer environment for our females. Our female folk should be respected as mothers, sisters and daughters. I pray that Durga Mata blesses them with fortitude to withstand and triumph over the vicissitudes of life.
I would like to encourage all Hindus to attend their mandirs across the country, and take the opportunity to invite all to the Rama Krishna Dharmic Mandir’s special Navraatri satsanghs every evening at 6:00 pm, and to the Shri Krishna Mandir in Campbelville on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 7:00pm. On Sunday, there will be a special satsangh in memory of Pt. Reepu Daman Persaud at 8:00 am; all are invited.
May Shakti Maa shower Her infinite blessings on you and your family. Shubh Navratri!

DR. VINDHYA PERSAUD
President of Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha