Sharad Poornima

The full moon day of Ashwin maas(month) is celebrated as Sharad Poornima. This indicates the onset of Sharad ritu(season).It occur fortnight before diwali.This is the transiting period of summer to winter. Still it is believe that Lord Krishna perform Raas(a kind of dance) with Radha on the night of sharad poornima maiking it auspicious. On this night the moon acquire the special powers called shodash kalas.so the light emitting from the moon is equivalent to nectar. In astrology , the moon is considered as lord of herbs. This is the reason the moon light on this day has curative properties.It is a ritual to prepare kheer(a dish prepared from milk and rice) and kept under the moonlight. On the next day it is distributed as a prasadam. As per Legend it is believe that on the night of Sharad Poornima goddess Lakshmi wanders on the earth to bless the devotee who awake and perform the pooja. Reciting Shrisukatam on this night is considered highly auspicious to acquire wealth.

Shubh Navraatris

Navraatri means 9 nights. This is an auspicious period which is celebrated twice in a year i.e. in the month of Chaitra and in the month of Ashwin as per hindu calendar. This period is devoted to ‘Shakti-Pooja”. During the first 3 days of pooja is dedicated to Goddess “Mahakaali”. The next 3 days dedicated to Goddess “Mahalakshmi” and the last 3 days are dedicated to “Goddess Mahasaraswati”. This auspicious period coincides with the change of season. Fasting observe during these days is beneficial from physical aspect as well as spiritual aspect of life. During these 9 days Goddess Durga is worshipped in nine different forms which are as follows
1) Goddess Shailputri
2) Goddess Brahmacharini
3) Goddess Chandra Ghanta
4) Goddess Kushmanda
5) Goddess Skandmata
6) Goddess Katyayni
7) Goddess Kaalraatri
8) Goddess Mahagauri
9) Goddess Sidhidaatri

“Kalash(pot) Sthapna” is very important in the morning of first navratri.A metal pot filled with water and coconut at top of it is placed along with mango leaves(in odd numbers). It is a symbolic representation of Goddess. This process has to be performed strictly according to muhurat. As per ritual one should sow barley grains in a separate pot.After the completion of fast on ashtami tithi, it is important to worship small girl child which is symbolic to Goddess Durga. Recitation of Durga-Saptashati is considered as highly auspicious during navraatri