The Number 9 has spiritual significance in Hindu Religion. It is a Sampurna number meaning that which completes everything. The number 9 is synonymous with Brahma the creator. During ancient times the concept of Mother Goddess prevailed there was this widespread opinion that the Feminine Power was synonymous with the creation. In Hinduism the number 9 is associated with goddess Durga.
So, we have Navaratri celebrating the divinity of Durga as the Universal Mother. Number 9 is symbolic of wealth, wisdom and valor represented by the three forms of Durga as Parvati representing power and energy, Goddess Lakshmi representing wealth, prosperity and fertility. Goddess Saraswati representing wisdom the fine Arts and spiritual knowledge. The Nine forms of Durga are worshipped as Nava Durga.
On the first day of Navaratri the goddess is worshipped as Shailaputri – the Daughter of the Mountains. The second form of the goddess is Brahmacharni – this is the ascetic form of the Goddess she carries a japamala made of dried rudraksha in her right hand and a Kamandalu in her left hand.
The third form of the Goddess is Chandraghanta . Here the Goddess has a half-moon on her forehead shaped like a Bell which leads to her being called as Chandraghanta . On the fourth day of Navaratri the Goddess is worshipped as Kushmanda. the Goddess is credited for the creation of the universe and she is shown as mounting a lion as her Vahan . Skandamata is represented as the Goddess of motherhood . She is shown as carrying Kartikeya the God of war and the son of Shiva and Parvati on her lap.
Katyayani is worshipped as the warrior form of the Goddess who slays the demon Mahishasura. Kalaratri is the seventh form of the Goddess. Here she is the destroyer of evil and darkness. She is shown as mounting a donkey and is also known as Kali in a violent form. Mahagauri is the eighth depiction of the Goddess Here she is a four-armed deity carrying a trishul on one hand and a damru on the other hand. The ninth form of the Goddess is Siddhidhatri – the giver of Siddhis, Enlightenment. She is shown as sitting on a Lotus and carrying a Lotus, conch or shanka , Gada and chakra on her four hands. The Nava Chandi Homam is performed in many temples during Navaratri.
In Hindu philosophy the Nine universal elements are – Earth, water,Air,Fire, Ether, time space,Soul and mind. The Navagraha are the Nine Heavenly bodies- 1) the Sun 2) Moon – Chandra, 3) Mars- Mangala 4) Mercury – Budha 5 ) Jupiter – Brihaspati 6 ) Venus – shukra 7 ) Saturn – Shani 8 ) Rahu – the North Mode of the Moon and 9 ) Ketu – the South Mode of the Moon . These Grahas influence Human life on Earth . The Nine colors of the Navagraha are Red for Sun . White for Moon , red for Mars , Green for Mercury , Yellow for Jupiter , white for Venus , Black for Saturn , Blue forRrahu and grey for Ketu .
It is believed that the Navratna – the nine gems invoke planetary powers. The Nava Rasas are the nine profound emotions – 1) Shringara (love and beauty) 2) Hasya (laughter) 3) Karuna (sorrow) 4) Raudra (anger) 5) Veera (Courage) 6) Bhayanaka ((Terror) 7) Bibhatsa –(Disgust) 8) Adbutha (wonder) 9) Shantha – (Peace). These nine emotions are significant in Indian Literature and Arts. Numerologically the Number Nine signifies self-expression, creativity and leadership abilities.
From – Indira Satyanarayan
