Shardiya Navratri 2024: The festival of Navratri is celebrated four times a year, with two major and two minor Navratris. The Navratri that falls in the month of Ashwin is known as Shardiya Navratri. This is one of the two major Navratris, celebrated with grand fervour across India. Among all four, Sharadiya Navratri is the most popular and widely observed.
Know all about this festival in the month of Ashwin:
When is Sharadiya Navratri 2024?
According to the Panchang (Hindu calendar), the nine-day festival of Navratri begins on the Pratipada of Ashwin Shukla Paksha and lasts until Navami. This year, Sharadiya Navratri will commence on Thursday, October 3, 2024, and conclude on October 12, 2024. During these nine days, devotees worship Goddess Durga in her nine different forms.
Goddess Durga’s Vehicle During Navratri
According to astrology, Goddess Durga's arrival and departure during Navratri are believed to have significant effects on the world, nature, crops, and human life. Her chosen vehicle for the occasion is said to indicate good or bad times. Thus, the mode of transport she uses during Navratri is considered important.
Goddess Durga To Arrive On A Palanquin
The vehicle for Goddess Durga's arrival or departure is determined by the day of the week Navratri begins. This year, Sharadiya Navratri begins on a Thursday, and the Goddess is said to arrive in a palanquin. It is believed that when Navratri starts on a Thursday, Goddess Durga’s vehicle is a palanquin or ‘doli.’
Is The Palanquin Auspicious Or Inauspicious?
According to the astrologers, the arrival of Goddess Durga in a palanquin is not considered an entirely positive sign. It may signify potential concerns such as economic decline, a slowdown in trade, an increase in violence or pandemics, and the occurrence of natural calamities.
Goddess Durga’s Vehicle According To The Day Of The Week
While Goddess Durga's primary vehicle is a lion, giving her the name Sherawali, her mode of transport changes during Navratri based on the day of the week.
A verse from the Devi Bhagavat Purana says: “Shashi Surya Gajarudha Shanibhauamai Turangame. Gurau Shukrecha Dolayam Budhe Naukaprakirtita.”
- If Navratri begins on a Monday or Sunday, Goddess Durga arrives on an elephant.
- If it begins on a Saturday or Tuesday, she arrives on a horse.
- If it begins on a Thursday or Friday, her vehicle is a palanquin.
- If it begins on a Wednesday, she arrives by boat.
Significance Of Different Vehicles:
- Palanquin: Not considered auspicious.
- Horse: Not considered auspicious.
- Elephant: Very auspicious.
- Boat: Very auspicious.
[Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on astrological predictions, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]