In this article, Pujya Bhaishri explains the spirituality of Navratri by the way it is celebrated; playing garba, the decorated pot of clay kept at the centre with the symbols Shri and swastika are all very symbolic.
The garbo (pot of clay used during Navratri) which consists of several tiny holes symbolises our body which has five openings. This body is made of earth. The brightness of the aatmaa (soul) manifests via the various openings in this body.
We decorate this pot of clay with holes in it. We also dress up. Shringaar (dressing/decorating) is a type of devotion. When we sit to perform God’s pooja, we must dress up well to please God, not the society. We must not sit for a pooja anyhow.
Furthermore, when is a garbo worshipped? It is worshipped when there is a lamp (diya) in it which is lighting.
Until when does this lamp keep lighting? Up till when there is oil in it.
Similarly, until the oil of our destiny and karma remain, the brightness of our soul will remain. As we endure our accumulated destiny, the lamp turns off and the body dies.
To play garba signifies that I should live in such a way that my central point of focus is God. Similarly, the reason we circumbulate a temple is that I walk with God at my centre. I will not leave him and go anywhere. Instead, what do we do? We keep our ego as our centre point and build our world around our ego.
When one walks in this world with God in focus, the distance between God and one does not increase. This is why Vratrasur requested to God that I do not mind if I do not gain you, but let me be in the company of saints and great people who are one with you. Such company will enable me to develop devotion for you.
Look at the wonderful spirituality shown via this festival! However, this spirituality has disappeared and replaced with Disco Dandiya raas. There is no refusal to enjoy yourself, but God should always be at the centre. Only then is there bliss in life.
You can now view and enjoy the Navratri Anushthan by Pujya Bhaishri from day 1 of Navratri and also the highlights via the following links:
Navratri Anushtan Day 1 Part 1
Navratri Anushtan Day 1 Part 2
Navratri Anushthan Day 1 Highlight
