We worship the Divine Mother Ambika (or Amba, the Mother of all beings) during the nine days of Navaratri and establish the mind in contemplation on the deity’s powers and Her divine incarnations (Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati). During these days we beautifully adorn the form of Shakti (The Divine Mother as the energy of God) just as we would wish to adorn ourselves on special occasions , and we worship Her with a pure body and heart.

The number nine is prominent as in “Navadaniam” (nine grains), “Navakragham” (nine planets) and “Navaratri” (nine nights). We arrange dolls in the forms of animals, birds, elephants and human beings which are all creations of the Divine Mother, and keep them on steps (this arrangement is called a “kollu”) to get Her blessings. These days, plastic ornaments and dolls are used and worshipped, however, this is not the correct way. If we arrange dolls that are made of earth (clay), which is one of the five elements, in order of their importance, then only will it be beneficial. There are nine steps in the “kollu” and each step has its own significance.

We put figures of grass, small plants and trees, which have only one sense, on the first step of the “kollu”. On the second step we place figures of beings with two senses such as fish, snails and shellfish. On the third step, dolls of ants and termites, which have three senses, should be kept and on the fourth; four-sense beings like crabs and beetles. On the fifth step we place dolls of forms that have five senses such as animals and birds. On the sixth step we arrange dolls of human beings and on the seventh we can place figures of avatars, rishis and saints who have extraordinary powers. On the eighth step, the devas (gods), the deities of the nine planets and other forms of god can be kept. Finally, on the ninth step, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the creator, the sustainer and the destroyer, along with their consorts, the goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi and Durga should be placed and worshipped. In the very center of the “kollu” we place Adiparashakti (the highest and most ancient form of the Mother Divine) and Lord Ganesha and revere them.

In days gone by, a man called Abishekapattar reverently worshipped the Divine Mother. She set a test for Abishekapattar in front of the king and through Her mercy there was a marvelous and miraculous occurrence. The king asked him if it was true that through the Divine Mother’s grace, a full moon could appear on the night of the new moon. Abishekapattar replied that it was true that Amman could do this through Her power. The Divine Mother made his words come true and on that new moon night, in that way, Abishekapattar caused the full moon to appear in the sky. Looking at him, the Divine Mother Amba said, “ Because of your devotion and love you did not tell a lie to the king. Through the power of illusion we caused the moon to come.” Ambal once more proved that if all the souls have faith in Her and are devoted to Her then through Her grace She will grant what you desire, just as she caused the full moon to appear on the day of the new moon.

During these nine days, Ambal only desires all that is good for my children who fast, perform poojas and have faith in Her. Les us sincerely perform sacred rituals for Her, the Divine Mother who gave us life, She who learned the Vedas, the ancient, wisdom-Knowledge, from Lord Shiva Himself. All forms of riches arise from Divine Mother’s power and understanding and only good will come to those who worship Her during these nine days. During these auspicious days all beings contemplate and worship Her. Through your forgetting the self and being devoted, She will occupy your mind and bestow Her grace.

During these nine days do not allow your mind to become confused or doubtful or to be angry with anyone. Allow only pure love to manifest. During these days, bring about a change in yourself. In these holy Navaratri days, I sit in front of Mother Shakti, and I am completely absorbed in Her graceful energy. Remaining in this state, I bless all my children to live in fullness and prosperity.

Jai Prema Shanti!

Swami Premananda