KATHMANDU, Oct 25: ‘Maha Nawami’ or the ninth day of Bada Dashain festival is being observed on Sunday by worshiping Goddess Durga.
This day usually falls on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Asoj as per lunar calendar. However, this year it falls in the month of Kartik.
During the day, special worship of Goddess Durga is performed while offering the Jamara or germinated seeds sown on the first day of the festival at various temples and shrines. Various other kinds of offerings are made to the goddess.
Maha Nawami being observed today
In this festival observed by the majority of Hindus, the Durga Saptashati and Devi Stotra scriptures are recited at homes and in temples on this day. Today is also the day when people worship their vehicles and other machinery.
Meanwhile, the Taleju Temple located at Hanumandhoka in the capital city that is open for devotees to pay homage only on Maha Nawami Day will remain closed this year due to the outbreak of coronavirus. Likewise, the animal sacrifice made at Hanumandhoka will also not take place this year, according to chief of the Durbar caretaker office Sandip Khanal.
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 the 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 got its name derived from the Sanskrit word Vijaya meaning victorious, and Dashami, meaning the tenth day.
(with inputs from news agencies)
