NAVDURGA SCIENTIFIC FACTS
The universe is created from the Energy which pervades everywhere and had existed on its own all along throughout a timeless eternity in one or other form of the energy. Supreme Energy that is being recognized as the Super power or Supreme God/ Goddess. Adishakti (आदि शक्ति) is the name given as per Indian mythology.
Scientific theories proved that matter is no more than insubstantial fields of energy moving in a great emptiness (space) or ‘shunya’(शून्य) that pervades and surrounds everything. Thus, all objects and living things have no substance except as bundle of energy. Thus, different stars and planets like sun, moon, earth, etc. have been formed from the energy and sustained in the universe with the help of the forces like gravitational, nuclear, and electromagnetic forces. Gross elements (earth, water, air, fire and space) were created.
Adishakti (Initial supreme energy) created these three types of forces in the form of Trinity of great Gods. The Trinity of great Gods Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu are the forms of universal forces: Nuclear forces, Gravitational forces, and Electro-magnetic forces respectively.
Other gods (Devas) are divine powers within this material universe or nature. They represent spirits behind specific posts in the affairs of running the world of nature; such as Agni Dev (the god of fire), Vayu Dev (the god of the wind), Varuṇa Dev (the god of the ocean), Indra Dev (the king of the celestial gods), etc.
As administrators of various processes of the universe, these gods provide us with rain, wind, crops, vegetation, minerals, fertile soil, etc. We human beings are indebted to them for all that we receive from them. These gods perform their duty, and expect us to perform our duty in the proper consciousness too. They become pleased when someone performs a sacrifice for whole, and in turn assist by creating favorable material conditions. Thus, it is said that when we strongly resolve to serve God, the universe begins to cooperate with us.
LIFE ENERGY: The universe is made up of energy, and the language of energy is waves and frequencies. Scientists have detected that at every dimension of life, including the human body, subtle energy layers are vibrating beneath the visible world of matter. Everything in the universe being energy, even the so-called lifeless objects are also vibrating and capable of responding and changing under the influence of vibrations.
Energy system in human-being: There are two aspects to human life:
1. One that relates to the physical body, the material,
2. The other that relates to the inner self or the soul, the spiritual
Cosmic Energy is within and around us, recharging the body at all times with vitality. We can call on that eternal supply to make the body fit in every respect.
Life Energy and willpower: Life and strength do not depend solely on food or exercise, but are sustained from the powers within.
- The more we depend on the will and Cosmic Energy to sustain ourselves, the less are our food requirements;
- the more we depend on food, the weaker our will and the less our recourse to Cosmic Energy.
Our thoughts, will, feeling, muscular strength, proper action of organs and glands all depend for their existence on the Life Force. Billions of body cells are kept alive, properly working through this secret vital power. By consciously willing, we can draw Life Energy into the body through the medulla oblongata to replenish the energy that is expended through thoughts, feelings, and physical activities. Accordingly, our life is comprised of two kinds of energy.
Conscious energy: When we observe silently and eyes closed, we notice only those activities we have control over. This is conscious energy with which we function consciously.Conscious energy, however, normally, is uni-tasking. That is, it cannot do more than one task (action or thought) at a time. We can, on our own, see the speed and variety of thoughts in our mind at any time.
Unconscious energy: The other energy that operates in inner body organs and is not noticeable is unconscious energy. This unconscious energy is common to all living beings, as we are all connected to the cosmos through breathing. Animals, birds and plants breathe as we do without any control over this. So, the pool of unconscious energy is common and we are given our share rhythmically, as determined by the beautiful but chaotic rules of the cosmos. We don’t breathe, the cosmos breathes for us. Unconscious energy is multitasking.
The non-unifocused state of an individual’s conscious energy demands additional energy which is stolen from the unconscious domain which in turn cuts short the share of energy of unconscious parts and builds up stress in those inner organs.
When we are in anger, we require more energy than that can be supplied fully by the conscious domain. Therefore, it steals some energy from the unconscious domain which in turn tries to compensate by breathing more and by increasing heartbeats. In anger we stress the conscious-self and unintentionally stress the unconscious energy causing our breathing and heartbeat to become abnormal.
In order to function properly, human-being require four types of energy:
1. Physical energy: Depends upon eating habits, exercise, proper sleep, etc.
2. Mental energy: One should be mentally alert and focussed.
3. Emotional energy: Negatively charged or positively charged
4. Spiritual energy: A person who has compassion, who enjoy the joy of others, who are helping others. One should not be selfish always.
As energy becomes more subtle it becomes more pervasive. The energy of the body is not as fine as the energy of the breath. The energy of thought is even subtler and emanates from pure consciousness which makes it the most pervasive.
– Energy always carries a charge. Similar charges attract each other; that is why anger incites anger and trust begets trust.
– Energy is communicative. This can influence our responses and physical health.
– A low energy system can drain a person with a high level of energy.
All people we interact with daily including our closest of family require some amount of energy from us. Fortunately, the same also replenish energy. Given the demands of day-to-day life, we must replenish ourselves frequently with self-loving choices and actions to keep our spirit light-hearted and energised.
Innate Energy from Mother: We receive 50% nuclear DNA from mother and 50% from father.
But we receive 100% mitochondrial DNA from mother. Mitochondrial DNA is the small circular chromosome found inside mitochondria. These organelles found in cells have often been called the powerhouse of the cell. The mitochondria, and thus mitochondrial DNA, are passed almost exclusively from mother to offspring through the egg cell.
Mitochondria produce ATP. ATP is energy currency of biological system. For everything we do, we require ATP. ATP is source of energy for doing all activities. It means we receive Power (energy DNA) from mother. Mothers had received from their respective mothers … And so on.
So, God of Power is Mother only. That is the reason energy is always called the Mother; such as ‘Ma-Adi-shakti’ or ‘Ma Durga’.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES AND HUMAN-BEING: Twice in a year such conditions prevail in Nature that indicate the major changes in the environment around us; one is when the winter approaches and the other when the summer approaches. Because of the begining of the change of season, during these periods human body becomes more prone to diseases as it is less resistant, both physically and mentally to the attack of outside environment, micro organism, bacteria and viruses. Our body acts as a fortress for us; and body’s immune system is the army that defends our body-systems from the outside environment and foreign bodies such as micro organism, bacteria and viruses.
The Sanskrit word Durga (दुर्ग) means fort or a place that is protected and thus difficult to reach. It is derived from the roots ‘dur (दुर्)‘ (difficult) and ‘gam (गम)‘ (pass, go through). Thus, DURGA refers to a fortress that we build to protect ourselves from marauders. That is why these two periods have been termed as NAV DURGA also. Thus, Durga is the psychological fortress of our body and mind that we build by making a system leading life and get them audited regularly by regulating our life style.
Remedial measures to combat the possible disease is the deep significance in celebrating the NAV-DURGA.
Zodiac and constellation: After generations of observation or investigation, our great saintss (Sages) concluded that the “key lies in the heavens”. They divided the apparent sky into stellar zones for reference, like we divide land by fixing fences!
Zodiac or Rasi Chakraराशि-चक्र is a circular path with constellations as mile stones. These stellar zones are termed as constellations, stars, asterisms etc. Therefore, at any point of time a constellation will rise in the east and another constellation which is 180 degrees away from it sets in the west. After keen observation and research our saints recorded the properties of these constellations and designed rituals in symmetry with them. Among the constellations, those rise and set in a particular period have strongest influence on our nature.
Aswin Maasआश्विन मास is when Full Moon day forms in Aswini star. During this month before sun rise on the horizon, we can visualise the constellation “Simha” सिंह-राशि (Leo) and later Kanya कन्या-राशि (Virgo) on the horizon as ascendants. Hence we can visualises the image as a “a young woman sitting on lion”. This is the image of Goddess Durga (देवी दुर्गा). Both the major planets the Sun and the Moon reaches to Kanya कन्या-राशि (Virgo). Earlier to that both the planets were on “Simha” सिंह-राशि (Leo). It is well known fact that the Sun affects the health our body and the Moon affects the health of our mind.
Nav-Durga signifies that we should renew our body system (DURGA) by detoxifying through fasting and purifying the environment by HAVAN or YAGYA. According to Ayurveda, fasting enegises the digestive fire. An increase in the digestive fire burns the toxins in the body. When the toxins are flushed out of the body, it loses dullness and lethargy. It helps in de-stressing and building up immunity. All the cells of the body are rejuvenated. Fasting, therefore, is an effective therapy to cleanse our body.
Also, we need to get rid of all the negative feelings and emotions. Our nervous system needs to be strengthened by performing a specific meditation (SADHANA) each night of NAVRATRI in the manner specified for that (NAV DURGA) day in order to rejuvenate our mind and nerves in order to make our body capable to fight disease and get success in life. These celebrations motivate us to contribute for the society as a whole as we are enjoying today the fruits of the actions earlier performed by the society only. Prayer and celebrations for that fill us with the positive energy that strengthen our nervous system.
Celebration of Na-Durga: The best way of celebrating is to energise the body and mind. There are seven centres of energy or Shakti in the body called energy centres (chakras in Sanskrit). In modern medical science, we are studying about the sensing nerves and motor nerves passing through the spinal cord and connecting different parts of the body to the brain. The Chakras are thought to represent the whole body with the Goddess Durga Devi in different forms, residing in different chakras. Different emotions are linked with each of these energy centres.
These chakras manage our body’s energy. They receive, assimilate and distribute energy to our energy centres. Malfunctioning of chakras triggered by negative thoughts and actions may restrict the movements of the life force from one to other and cause the energy system to haywire. You could fall ill. So, tuning of the chakras continually is vital for regular upkeep of physical, mental and emotional health. Balancing chakras is central to our wellbeing.
- 1st Day Goddess Durga Shailputri: The divine root chakra (MOOLADHAR CHAKRA) helps devotees begin their path of self-realization. The first chakra, muladhara, is located in the base of the spine. Here, the energy manifests as inertia or enthusiasm. The positive attributes of the Muladhara Chakra are vitality, vigour and growth. The negative qualities are laziness, inertia, self-centredness and domination by one’s physical desires.The root chakra rules the base of the spine, the rectum, lower limbs and supports the physical body, bones, and immune system. It also controls your mental and emotional thought patterns that can cause an imbalance. It is linked to the unconscious mind, where our actions and experience from past lives are stored. This Chakra is also the foundation for the development of our personality.
In the symbolic picture of the Muladhara Chakra there is a Lotus with four petals representing the four functions of the psyche: mind (Manas), intellect (Buddhi), consciousness (Chitta) and ego (Ahamkara) – all of which originate in this Chakra.
Life is consciousness and consciousness strives for evolution. The symbols of the Muladhara Chakra are characteristic of both energy and upward movement indicating an upward expansion of consciousness. unfolding of consciousness towards human consciousness. The Chakra’s colour is red, the colour of Shakti.
Belief patterns stored in the root chakra include beliefs about family, community, law and justice, society, sexuality, survival issues, including thoughts of retaliation and revenge, and an inability to grow and express one’s self within the family.
Physical dysfunction related to imbalances leads to chronic lower back pain, varicose veins, rectal tumour or cancer, depression, and immune-related disorders.
MANTRA
वन्दे वांछितलाभाय चंद्रार्धकृत शेखरां
बृशारूढं शूलधारं शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्
Short Mantra ॐ देवी शैलपुत्रै नमः
- 2nd Day Goddess Durga Bramhacharini: By worshiping this form of Goddess Durga, one develops the intent of sacrifice for creativity. For this concentration is required to wards the second energy centre, swadhistana chakra. Itis the sex centre just four inches above the base of the spine vibrating from the pubic bone. This chakra controls the sexual instincts. Here energy manifests as pro-creativity or creativity. This creation is a mental product rather than a physical one. Creativity gives one a pleasure and wonder that child feels on seeing a new object. Hence by balancing this chakra, one becomes creative. This chakra is linked with the Adrenal gland which secretes a hormone named Adrenaline. When this gland functions well and there is no blockage of energy, one is vey self confident. Adrenaline induces enthusiasm, courage, faith and strength etc. and prepares the body and mind to endure or react in cold, heat, defence, struggle, self defence etc. Under the influence of this hormone one tries to create his own identity and existence. He also make an effort to know his own self. The Svadhishthana Chakra marks the second level of our development. The evolution of consciousness towards pure, human consciousness begins in the Svadhishthana Chakra. It is the seat of the subconscious mind where all life experiences and impressions since the beginning of our existence in the womb are stored. Our negative qualities which are to be overcome – anger, hatred, jealousy, cruelty, desire and pride. Other base qualities that hinder our development are lethargy, fear, doubt, revenge, envy and greed. When negative emotions arise from the subconscious to the conscious state, we can be completely put off balance.
Awakening of the Svadhishthana Chakra brings clarity and development of the personality. But before this can happen, we must purify our consciousness of negative qualities. Orange is the colour of activity and purity. It indicates the positive qualities that unfold in this Chakra such as joy, faith, self-confidence and energy.
- 3rd Day Goddess Durga Chandraghanta: By worshipping this form of Goddess Durga, the Manipur Chakra is awakened in the worshipper. The third chakra, manipura, is in the navel region located on the solar plexus in the lower thoracic area, at the controlling point of the pancreas. Manipura is closely tied to the digestive fire and heat regulation. Here energy manifests as four emotions: Generosity , joy, greed and jealousy (two positive and two negative emotions). Pancreas is the corresponding gland of this chakra. This chakra helps in producing digestive juices and a hormone named insuline which oxidises glucose and provides strength to the body. Manipura relates to the kidneys, adrenals, mid-spine, spleen, and stomach. Imbalances may be in the form of liver and kidney disorders, diarrhea, indigestion, and other digestive issues. When this chakra is completely balanced, his relation with others will always be cordial. Everyone likes meeting him. In case of imbalance one feels lonely and neglected. Activation of this chakra grants one the gift of speech and he becomes a gifted speaker and orator. The feelings of love and happiness that we feel in our heart actually originate in the Manipūra Chakra and rise from there to the Anāhata Chakra. The positive radiance emanating from the Manipūra Chakra also purifies the Svādhishthāna and Mūlādhāra Chakras and their qualities.
When the energy of our food is not properly absorbed, utilised and distributed in the Manipūra Chakra we feel tired, weak and ill, but with an active Manipūra Chakra the body is provided with sufficient energy, even if we have only eaten or slept a little. This is why the Manipūra Chakra is the most important energy centre for our physical well-being. An imbalance or blockage in the Manipūra Chakra paralyses and destroys our energy and triggers diverse physical and psychic problems. If we are unable to think clearly, to express our thoughts and feelings, or if our mind is foggy there is often a disturbance in the Manipūra Chakra. Numerous complaints such as Diabetes, skin diseases, cardio-vascular diseases, Gout, Arthritis, rheumatic diseases, many types of migraines, allergies and many more can trace their origin back to a lack of energy within the Manipūra Chakra and a badly functioning digestive system. The functioning of the Manipūra Chakra is closely connected to the Pancreas. A displacement of the Pancreas is an important cause for an imbalance in the Manipūra Chakra. If the Pancreas is in its correct position one can feel a slight pulse at the centre of the navel; but sometimes the pulse can be felt further to the left or right, or a little above or below the navel. Through this shift in position different disorders such as headache, migraine, diarrhoea, abdominal pains, a lack of energy or feelings of anxiety can occur.
The energies of Prāna and Apāna meet at the Manipūra Chakra. They represent the two basic functions of giving and taking, expansion and contraction, assimilation and elimination. Apāna is the “eliminating power” that brings about detoxification through excretion, secretion and exhalation. Its seat is in the lower abdomen. If Apāna Vāyu cannot flow freely then it results in toxicity within the body. Illnesses or diseases that affect the lower abdomen, intestines, kidneys, urinary tract, legs, etc., result from a disturbance of Apāna Vāyu.
The element of the Manipūra Chakra is fire, a symbol for activity and creativity. The colour of the Manipūra Chakra is YELLOW-ORANGE. In the Manipūra Chakra we have the unique opportunity to free ourselves once and for all of bad qualities and habits. When we consign our doubts and weaknesses, such as anger and envy, to the fire of the Manipūra it burns them to ash on the spot. Therefore we should not guide the energy of such emotions to the head or the heart where it causes blockages, tension and pain, but to our inner fireplace.
Passion becomes pure selfless love; through the light of wisdom, prejudice and aversion change to respect and understanding; and envy and insatiable greed change to goodwill and healthy moderation. With the gaining of self-confidence, pride and jealousy change to modesty and generosity, ignorance changes into clarity, and laziness into focussed, consistent effort.
- 4th Day Goddess Durga Kushmanda: By worshipping this form of Goddess Durga, the Anahat Chakra or cardiac chakra is awakened. Anahata nada = eternal sound the sound OM. The Anahata Chakra is the seat of the Divine Self (Atma). These represent the Divine qualities of the heart, such as bliss, peace, harmony, love, understanding, empathy, clarity, purity, unity, compassion, kindness and forgiveness. However, the Heart Centre is also the centre of emotions and feelings. The fourth Chakra, anahata, is located in the chest region where energy manifests as three emotions love, fear and hatred. The Thymus gland which motivates the body to fight bacteria and viruses is also located here. Anahat chakra is the centre of love and compassion — not possession or selfish emotions — located in the thoracic region, lies in the heart, (the solar plexus) and is associated with air (atmosphere) i.e. related with Vata. It emits a mysterious cosmic vibration as of un-struck sound. That is sound beyond the realm of senses. This gland is active in childhood and lies inert on his growing into an adult. Inactivity of this chakra may result in problems related to the lungs, liver and blood circulating system. An active and balanced chakra ensures emotional satisfaction and his heart is always full of love for everyone without any ill will for anyone. Activation of this chakra Opens the way to self-realisation. Inactivity and imbalance of this chakra may present problem to heart and chest and emotional problem. If our consciousness sinks down to the spheres of worldly passion, our emotions become confused and unbalanced. It is then that desire, jealousy, sadness and despair overwhelm us. Concentration on this Chakra can develop one’s talent as an author or poet. Another power arising from Anahata Chakra is Sankalpa Shakti, the power to fulfil desires.
- 5th Day Goddess Durga Skand Mata: Vishuddhi, essentially means filter. If your Vishuddhi is active, it filters everything. Poisons can enter you in many ways – a wrong thought, emotion, idea, energy, or impulse can poison your life. An active Vishuddhi saves you from all these influences. In other words, once your Vishuddhi is active, whatever happens around you will not have an impact on you anymore. The vishuddhi Chakra is located in the throat region where energy manifests as two emotions gratitude and grief. Vishuddhi Chakra is the starting point of Udana Prana. It is a function of this Prana to purify the body of toxic substances while breathing. Thyroid and Para-thyroid glands are also positioned here which help in the physical and mental development. These glands keep on check on the level of iodine and calcium in the body and maintain the strength of the bones. Vishuddhi chakra is the seat of art and higher forms of creativity governing the highest physical aspect of creation, art, definitely over and above other physical aspects of creation. All artists have a pronounced vishuddhi chakra, but this centre is also directly connected with the swadhishthan. It penetrates thyroid glands also and digestion increases. Until this Chakra is fully developed, certain difficulties may be experienced. Blockage of the Vishuddhi Chakra produces feelings of anxiety, lack of freedom, restriction, thyroid and throat problems. There may be swallowing problems and speech impediments. If this chakra is inactive and unbalanced there may be diseases related to thyroid gland and throat and find himself in pain and sadness without any obvious reason. Everything in the world appears to him wrong. Throat related ailments such as goiter, sore throat, loss of voice, asthma, sterility etc. Asthma also happens because of emotional problems. If the person is unable to express himself/herself freely, it causes a constriction of the windpipe, which could result in asthma.
Shoulder pains can be caused by emotional troubles which affect the Throat chakra as well as the solar plexus chakra or Manipura chakra.
Too much anxiety can cause the Throat chakra to become over-activated. Hyperthyroidism can cause the Vishuddhi chakra to become reddish and over-activated.
- 6th Day Goddess Durga Katyayani: By worshipping Goddess Katyayani, the worshipper is bestowed with awakening of AGYA CHAKRA. The Agya chakra is located between the eyebrows where energy manifests as anger and alertness. For this reason it is also known as the “third eye”. The Agya Chakra is the centre of clarity and wisdom. It forms the boundary between human and Divine consciousness. It is the meeting point of the three principle Nadis, Ida (Moon Nadi), Pingala (Sun Nadi) and Sushumna (Central Nadi). The Ajna Chakra controls and energizes the pituitary gland, the endocrine glands and the brain to a certain extent. This chakra provides soundness to the mental state of a person. When a person’s Ajna Chakra is strong, he will smile even when he is under tremendous pressure. A strong Ajna Chakra ensures active intelligence- intelligence along with the ability to take action. The Ajna Chakra is the Master Chakra that controls all the other chakras. One is able to accomplish his tasks with determination and zeal. He is also able to exercise a strict control over his sensory organs. Here, Devi is six-faced, representing the five senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste) and the mind.
The Ajna Chakra activation benefits include healthy eyes and the nose.The Ajna Chakra influences the basic chakra or Mooladhara Chakra and is thus also responsible for the health of your skin
Energizing the Ajna Chakra causes the other chakras to light up rapidly. Thus, the whole body is energized.
- 7th Day Goddess Durga Kaalratri: While worshipping this Goddess, one should start experiencing that energy from the sun is coming and energising the whole body. The Sahasrāra Chakra is located on the crown of the head beneath the Fontanelle. The crown chakra is the seventh chakra. Located at the top of the head, it gives us access to higher states of consciousness as we open to what is beyond our personal preoccupations and visions. The function of the Crown chakra is driven by consciousness and gets us in touch with the universal.By this all the ill effects caused due to diseases get permanently over. Shakti is located in the Mūlādhāra Chakra and Shiva in the Sahasrāra Chakra. The trench that separates Shiva and Shakti (otherwise known as Purusha and Prakriti – consciousness and nature) are emotions full of suffering, such as loneliness, sadness, bitterness, fear, doubt, etc., that accompany us through life.
Icchā Shakti (willpower) is the force that finally provides the impulse for the removal of the rocks of Karmas and cumbersome qualities once and for all.
MEDHĀ SHAKTI is one of the most influential and important forces in the body; mental power, intelligence and memory depend upon it. Medhā Shakti is quickly used up by excitement, stress, hustle and bustle, sexual intercourse, strong emotions, empty chatter, crying, shouting, brooding and worrying. Anger, hate, jealousy, unresolved conflict, feelings of revenge and resentment that we carry with us from the past weaken and destroy it.
We strengthen our Medhā Shakti through relaxation of body and mind, quietening our thoughts, trusting in God, inner peace, joy and contentment. All inverted postures of yoga such as Shirshāsana (headstand), Sarvāngāsana (shoulderstand) Viparītkaranī Mudrā (Energy Regeneration Pose), Yoga Mudrā (Forward Bend sitting on heels) and Shashankāsana (Hare) are particularly beneficial. Agnisāra Kriyā , Prānāyāma, concentration and meditation practices also strengthen Medhā Shakti. This mental and spiritual power is also supported through prayer. A food recommended to strengthen the Medhā Shkti is Almond milk. It is also beneficial for headache and tiredness, and is an excellent drink for promoting concentration and memory performance. Chew the almonds, which have been peeled and soaked overnight in water.
- 8th Day Goddess Durga Gauri: On 8th day (Astami) Navratri, the devotees worship Mother Gauri by experiencing that their mind is being filled with coolness emanating from the moon and slowly their mind is becoming quiet and calm.
- 9th Day Goddess Durga ‘Siddhidatri’: When the whole body has already been made free of toxicity and energised and also mind is calm and quiet, one is to pray the Goddess Siddhidatri to bestow with success in all walks of life.
These chakras manage our body’s energy. Tuning of the chakras continually is vital for regular upkeep of physical, mental and emotional health. Balancing chakras is central to our wellbeing. Durga embodies Shakti, the dynamic aspect of ultimate reality and its role in creation, protection and transformation. Durga also embodies empowerment of women and reverence for them. Durga gives the eternal message of hope and assurance for divine intervention in times of trouble.
Bhagwati Prasad Gupta 