The Journey of Navaratri – A Devotee’s Story

The Journey of Navaratri – A Devotee’s Story:
By Lokanath Mishra

The sun rose gently on the first day of Navaratri, bathing the village temple in golden light. A devotee named Arjun walked barefoot toward the shrine, his heart filled with excitement. Navaratri had begun — nine days of prayer, fasting, and devotion to the Divine Mother.

Day 1 – Shailaputri

Arjun lit a lamp before the idol of Shailaputri, the daughter of the Himalayas. He remembered the story of how she was born as the mountain king’s child. As he closed his eyes, he prayed,
“O Mother, help me stay grounded like the mountains, strong and steady.”
He felt calmness rise within him, as if his very soul had taken root in the earth.

Day 2 – Brahmacharini

On the second day, Arjun offered flowers to Brahmacharini, the goddess of penance. She stood serene, holding her rosary and water pot. Arjun thought about her great tapasya and asked,
“Bless me, Mother, so I may stay disciplined in my thoughts and actions.”
A sense of determination filled his heart, as though he had taken a vow of truth and simplicity.

Day 3 – Chandraghanta

The temple bell rang louder on the third day. Arjun gazed upon Chandraghanta, fierce and radiant, riding her lion. Her ten arms carried weapons ready to protect her devotees. Arjun bowed deeply, whispering,
“Mother, give me courage to face my fears.”
That night, he dreamt of light driving away darkness, and he woke up fearless.

Day 4 – Kushmanda

On the fourth morning, Arjun offered a ghee lamp to Kushmanda, the cosmic creator. The priest narrated how her divine smile brought forth the universe. Arjun smiled too, praying,
“May I see joy in everything around me, just as you created the world with joy.”
He felt light and cheerful, as if the burdens of life had melted away.

Day 5 – Skandamata

Day five was special — the idol of Skandamata showed her holding baby Skanda in her lap, seated on a lion. Arjun thought of his own mother and felt warmth in his heart.
“Mother,” he prayed, “protect me like you protect your child. Keep me safe under your care.”
He left the temple with a deep sense of love and security.

Day 6 – Katyayani

On the sixth day, the temple was decorated with yellow flowers. Arjun saw Katyayani, powerful and graceful. The priest told how she was born as the daughter of sage Katyayana and later became the destroyer of demons.
Arjun prayed,
“Mother, remove the demons of anger and jealousy from my mind.”
He felt a new strength rising within, as though he could overcome any weakness.

Day 7 – Kalaratri

The seventh day came with stormy clouds and wind. Arjun entered the temple and saw Kalaratri, her form dark as night, with blazing eyes, riding a donkey. She held a shining sword.
“O fierce Mother,” Arjun said softly, “take away my fear of darkness, take away my fear of the unknown.”
That night, he walked under the moon without fear.

Day 8 – Mahagauri

On the eighth day, the idol of Mahagauri glowed in pure white. She was serene, seated on a bull, holding a trident and a drum. Arjun felt peace as he prayed,
“Mother, cleanse my heart and bless me with purity of mind.”
He left the temple with a gentle smile, as if his soul had been washed by the rain.

Day 9 – Siddhidatri

The ninth day was the most auspicious. The temple was bright with lamps and chants. Arjun bowed to Siddhidatri, the giver of all blessings, seated on a lotus with her four divine arms.
“Mother,” he said, “grant me wisdom and fulfill my good desires, so I may walk the right path.”

As the final chants echoed, Arjun felt as though the nine days had transformed him completely — his fears had gone, his heart felt light, and his mind was full of faith.

Vijaya Dashami – The Day of Victory

On the tenth day, Vijaya Dashami, Arjun joined the village procession. People celebrated with music and flowers, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Arjun smiled, feeling victorious within himself.
“The Mother has guided me,” he thought. “This is not just a festival — it is a journey of the soul.”

And so, Navaratri ended, but for Arjun, the blessings of the Mother would stay forever in his heart.

A Story of Dvapar Yuga in Prose ( part-10-B)