Navratri is considered a grand festival for the worship of Shakti. The Shardiya Navratri , occurring in the month of Ashwin, is referred to as the Maha Navratri. In 2023, the Shardiya Navratri commenced on October 15 with Ghatasthapana and will conclude on October 24. Amidst this, the festival of Maha Ashtami falls on October 22 (Sunday), and the fast of Maha Navami will be observed on October 23. During the Shardiya Navratri , devotees of the Divine Mother worship her diligently for nine days, observing strict fasts with unwavering faith and devotion. It is believed that the worship of Goddess Durga in the prescribed manner during the Shardiya Navratri can dispel physical, celestial, and spiritual ailments. There are several rules to be followed during the Shardiya Navratri fast. Therefore, many people may be curious about whether physical relations can be established during Navratri. Let's explore what the scriptures say about this and whether it is appropriate to engage in physical relations during the Shardiya Navratri .
Physical Relations during Shardiya Navratri : Right or Wrong?
Shardiya Navratri , the auspicious occasion for worshipping the divine feminine power, emphasizes the significance of spiritual purity and devotion. According to traditional beliefs and scriptures, indulging in physical relations during this sacred period is considered a deviation from the spiritual path. The nine-day period of intense devotion and reverence towards Goddess Durga demands a state of mental and physical purity. Engaging in physical relations might divert one's focus and diminish the spiritual sanctity of the Navratri observance. Furthermore, as families come together for the ritualistic worship of the Goddess, maintaining a sacred environment becomes essential for fostering a sense of collective spiritual harmony. Hence, refraining from physical relations during Shardiya Navratri is regarded as a way to uphold the sanctity of the festival and uphold the spiritual significance of the worship.
The Need for Restraint during Fasting:
Fasting is a crucial aspect of the Navratri observance, practiced by numerous devotees as a symbol of self-discipline and spiritual cleansing. The act of fasting is not merely abstaining from food but also encompasses refraining from worldly desires and bodily indulgence. Engaging in physical relations during the fasting period is often believed to disrupt the spiritual discipline and the sanctity of the fast. The physical act contradicts the purpose of abstaining, as it involves the indulgence of the body rather than the purification of the soul. Moreover, the impact of physical relations on the fasting individual's spiritual journey is often believed to be detrimental, leading to a deviation from the path of spiritual enlightenment and self-purification. Therefore, maintaining restraint during fasting becomes crucial for upholding the spiritual integrity and significance of the Navratri observance.
"Where women are worshipped, divinity blossoms there":
Shardiya Navratri holds a special significance in the veneration of feminine divinity, with the festival emphasizing the worship and respect accorded to women. In the Hindu tradition, women are regarded as the embodiment of the divine feminine energy, and their worship during Navratri symbolizes the reverence towards the universal motherhood and the nurturing energy of the Goddess. The scriptures often emphasize the idea that where women are respected and worshipped, divinity and auspiciousness prevail. This highlights the importance of upholding the dignity and honor of women, especially during the sacred period of Navratri, where the worship of Goddess Durga is at its peak. Thus, practicing self-restraint and celibacy during this time not only signifies respect for the divine feminine but also reflects a deep spiritual understanding of the interconnectedness between human existence and divine energy.
Shardiya Navratri serves as a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion to the divine feminine energy. The observance of self-restraint and the avoidance of physical relations during this auspicious period are not merely cultural practices but also profound spiritual disciplines aimed at nurturing a deeper connection with the divine. By honoring the sanctity of the festival and upholding the principles of spiritual purity, devotees can imbibe the true essence of Navratri, fostering spiritual growth, and a deeper connection with the divine consciousness.
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