There are several Navratris celebrated each year in India. These are nav or nine day festivals dedicated to the Supreme Power- the Mother Goddess. During these nine days of festival, along with celebrations, there are intense spiritual practices performed by the people. The atmosphere is charged with divine vibrations from the Heavens and the vibrations of love and faith of the people. The Shakambari Navratri falls on the Purnima of the Hindu Month of Paush. This year it falls on 9th January 2012.
Devi Bhagwatam – a holy text of Hinduism, narrates the story of Shakambari Devi. A demon named Durgam practised intense austerities and acquired the four Vedas and also the boon that all worship offered to Gods should reach him and that he become indestructible. The powerful Durgam harassed the people and the loss of dharma lead to severe drought and no rains for a hundred years.
The Rishis and Munis – sages hid in the caves of the Himalayas and performed severe tapas calling upon the Mother Goddess to protect and save them. Moved by their cries of anguish, Ishwari – the Mother Goddess appeared bearing fruits, vegetables, herbs, grains, pulses and greens. Shaaka means vegetables. Hence the Mother Goddess was called Shakambari. She also had countless eyes. So she was called Shatakshi. Seeing the plight of the Rishis and the people, tears rolled down Her countless eyes for 9 days and nights. This turned into a river which brought an end to the drought.
In order to save the Rishis and people of the world, Shakambari Devi fought with Durgam. From Her body She manifested ten powers which helped Her in the battle. She finally killed Durgam with Her spear. All the energy of the Rishis which had been absorbed by Durgam turned into a dazzling golden light equal to ten thousand suns and entered the body of Shakambari Devi. She then handed over the Vedas or the Books of Knowledge back to the Gods. The Mother Goddess or Ishwari was then named Durga as She killed Durgam the demon.
The Shakambari Navaratri festival starts from the eight day of bright fortnight of the Hindu Paush Month ( Paush Shukla Ashtami) and ends on the Purnima of Paush. It is celebrated in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The grand celebrations in the temples of these states of India are for adoring the Supreme Mother who provides food for Her children. The all seeing Mother knows what and when Her children need. When Her children cry, She rushes in with Her Gifts of cereals, pulses, vegetables and fruits. This festival is a celebration of thanksgiving to Mother Nature and the Supreme Mother.
