2000- 04-05 Gudi Padwa/Navaratri Puja Talk, India Here, in India, two Navratris (nine nights of the Goddess) are celebrated. One is the Chaitra Navratri (the first month of the Hindu calendar)  when She is worshipped in the form of Shailaputri. This is Her first incarnation, and She had taken birth in the Himalayas. That is why She is called Shailaputri (daughter of the Himalaya). She has other names also.  But Shailaputri has special significance because it was the very first time that She took an incarnation.  She was born in the extreme cold conditions of the Himalayas because whatever She had to achieve, was confined to that environment. But you are not aware of the whole story.  Her father Daksha had held a great Havan, but did not invite Shiva. She was Shiva’s wife.  So She, the Devi, immolated Herself. This was the first time Sati was performed. She entered the fire of the Havan, and offered Herself as “Aahuti” (oblation to the fire). Then Shiva came.  He picked up Her body and left.   As He kept moving, pieces of Her Divine Body fell in different places on Mother Earth.  We believe that wherever the sacred pieces fell, Her Shakti vibrates there. Like in Vindhyaachal, and many other places. It is said that in all those places, the  Shakti of the Devi acts, and purifies everything. Among the seven Shaktis (powers) of the Devi, one of them is ‘Saunharak’ Shakti, (the destructive power). This Saunharak Shakti is right sided. On Read More …