Shardiya Navratri 2024: Preparations for Shardiya Navratri have been completed. This year Shardiya Navratri is starting from 3rd October. Worship of 9 different forms of Goddess Durga during the nine days of Navratri has special significance. According to religious beliefs, by worshiping Goddess Durga properly during these 9 days, all the sorrows of the devotees are removed and the blessings of Goddess Bhagwati remain on the devotees. Shailputri form of Maa Durga is worshiped on the Pratipada date of Navratri. On this day, Kalash is established and jowar is also sown. Let us know about the importance, rules and benefits of lighting lamps on Shardiya Navratri?
Why is Akhand Jyoti lit?
In Sanatan Dharma, lighting lamps for auspicious works is considered auspicious. There is a special tradition of lighting lamps in the morning and evening puja during special festivals. Shardiya Navratri is considered to be the best time to worship Goddess Bhagwati. During this time, to please Mata Rani, on the first day of Navratri, a Kalash is installed along with the Mata ki Chowki and the Akhand Jyoti is lit and the ritual worship of Goddess Durga is done. After lighting the Akhand Jyoti, the lamp should not be allowed to extinguish. There is a tradition of lighting the Akhand Jyoti for 24 hours throughout the nine days of Navratri. It is not considered auspicious for the Akhand Jyoti to be extinguished. It is believed that by lighting the Akhand lamp during Navratri, Mother Durga fulfills all the wishes of the devotees. By keeping this lamp lit, happiness and peace is maintained in family life and all the works of the seeker are accomplished. Therefore, lighting Akhand Jyoti on the Pratipada date of Navratri is considered very auspicious.
Rules for lighting Akhand lamp:
Lighting the Akhand Jyoti in a brass lamp pot is considered auspicious. If there is no brass lamp pot, then the eternal flame can be lit in an earthen lamp.
Akhand Jyoti should not be kept on the ground. While lighting the lamp, meditate on Mother Goddess and pray for the fulfillment of your wishes.
Pure ghee should be used to light the Akhand lamp. If there is no ghee, you can use sesame or mustard oil.
The Akhand Jyoti should be on the right side of the idol of Maa Durga, but the lamp lit with oil should be placed on the left side of the Mata Rani.
Apart from this, to prevent the Akhand Jyoti from getting extinguished, it should be covered with a glass lamp and after burning the Akhand Jyoti for 9 days, it should not be extinguished by blowing the fan. Instead the lamp should be allowed to extinguish on its own.
Lighting Akhand Jyoti in the southeast corner (east-south) is considered good.
