In Vedic philosophy, Shakti is the primordial cosmic energy - the creative, sustaining and transformative force behind the Universe where masculine energy (Brahma ji, Shivji and Vishnuji) often symbolises consciousness, structure or intention, the feminine (Mata Shakti, Mata Lakshmi, Mata Durga, Mata Saraswati) embodies motion, action and power. Their union symbolises balance and completeness.
A Celebration of the Fierce and Nurturing Feminine
Navratri, observed over nine nights and 10 days, is a vivid and intense celebration of Shakti in her various forms. Each day is dedicated to a different manifestation of the Goddess - Mata Durga, Mata Lakshmi and Mata Saraswati, highlighting her dynamic nature as both warrior and nurturer.
Mata Durga, the fierce protector, is worshipped in the first three days. She symbolises courage, power and destruction of the evil; reminding us the strength inherent in righteousness.
Mata Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and abundance, is venerated in the next three days.
Mata Saraswati, the embodiment of wisdom and knowledge, is honoured in the final three days, guiding devotees towards spiritual growth.
The culmination of Navratri celebrates Vijayadashami (Dussehra), symbolising the victory of good over evil - Mata Durga over Mahishasura and Shri Ram over Ravan. This sets the spiritual tone for Diwali that follows, making Navratri a preparatory period, both spiritually and energetically.
Significance of Diwali lies in the invocation of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, fortune and spiritual well-being. Goddess Lakshmi signifies virtue, growth and auspiciousness which bring peace, harmony and abundance in all aspects of life. She is symbolic of the inner light dispelling darkness - be it ignorance, ego or adversity.
Just as Diwali commemorates Shri Ram's return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, it also highlights Mata Sita's journey - a reflection of resilience and grace amidst hardship. Mata Sita, an embodiment of Shakti, represents the strength of devotion and dharma, further emphasising the feminine divine within the Diwali narrative.
The Journey of Shakti
The nine nights of inward contemplation and worship of Navratri lead to Diwali, where the inner cleansing manifests as external illumination, from destruction of evil to celebration of prosperity.
Before receiving grace and abundance, one must overcome inner demons, just as Mata Durga defeats Mahishasura. Only after this spiritual discipline does Goddess Lakshmi, the energy of abundance, flow into one's life. Both festivals are rich with rituals that honour the feminine in multiple layers.
In Navratri, women are worshipped as living embodiments of Shakti, especially during Kanya Puja, where young girls are ceremonially fed and honoured. This recognises the potential and purity of the feminine even in its earliest form.
Mata Kali's Puja in Bengal during Diwali shows another face of Shakti - fierce protection of devotees and the destruction of deep-seated evils.
During Diwali, the act of lighting diyas (oil lamps) represents more than decoration. Each flame signifies the triumph of light over darkness, much like the divine feminine's ability to bring clarity and life into a world clouded by ignorance. Rangolis, turmeric, red kumkum, lotuses, sweets are symbolic elements, associated with both festivals, all link back to the Shakti principle of beauty, fertility, nourishment and joy.
In Vedic philosophy, Shakti resides in all beings as kundalini - a latent spiritual energy coiled at the base of the spine. Festivals like Navratri and Diwali serve as reminders to awaken and channelise this energy towards higher consciousness.
In yogic traditions, Navratri aligns with the rising of Kundalini Shakti within, while Diwali symbolises the illumination of the crown chakra - Divine Consciousness awakened.
By honouring Shakti, we participate in Vedic tradition that recognises balance, wholeness and the sacred power of the feminine. Shakti, in all her forms, is the living energy that moves the universe - and these festivals are annual reminders to realign with her and increase our consciousness.
