KATHMANDU, Oct 10: Nepali people, mainly Hindus are observing Maha Nawami or the ninth day of Bada Dashain festival today by worshipping Goddess Durga.
Devotees are thronging Hindu shrines across the country to worship Goddess Durga. Various Hindu temples in Kathmandu Valley are crowded since early this morning. Maha Nawami is celebrated on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Ashoj as per lunar calendar.
Special worship is performed to Goddess Durga today in various Hindu shrines. Jamara, the germinated seeds sown during Ghatasthapana, the first day of Dashain festival, is offered to Goddess Durga today. Devotees offer different fruits to the goddess during the special worship. People sacrifice he-goats and other animals today to please Durga Bhawani.
Maha Nawami being observed today
Apart from worshipping in the temples, general public recite Durga Saptashi and Devi Strota, the Hindus scriptures, in their homes.
Taleju Bhawani Temple located at Hanumandhoka Durbar Squarer has also been opened today for devotees to pay homage. The renowned Hindu temple remains open only on the occasion of Maha Nawami every year. Meanwhile, today Newar community worship Bhimsen, a Hindu deity.
Maha Nawami is a Hindu or Vedic festival that is celebrated on the ninth day of Navaratri and the fourth/fifth day.
Religious significance of Maha Nawami
Maha Nawami is observed to mark the victory of good over evil. It is the last day of battle between goddess Durga and demon Mahishasura. Maha Nawami begins with Mahasnan (holy bath), followed by prayers to goddess Durga. It is believed that on Maha Nawami goddess Durga is worshipped as Mahisasuramardini - which literally means the slayer of the buffalo demon.
On Maha Navami, Durga Bhawani made her final assault on demon Mahishasura, and the following morning, on Vijayadashami, triumphed over him. In fact, Vijaya Dashami gets derived its name from the Sanskrit word Vijaya meaning victorious, and Dashami, meaning the tenth day.
(with inputs from news agencies)
