HPI
PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO, September 24, 2014 ( by Paras Ramoutar for HPI): Religious leaders see the urgent need to enrich society by enhancing cosmic values aimed at fighting injustice and spiritual decay that haunt mankind. Hindus believe that special oblation, penance, meditation, devotion and prayers to their goddesses will provide a new manifestation for a spiritually-charged humanity. This spiritual environment is long overdue. All mandirs and other places of worship will hold special religious services in honor of the Goddesses during the period. This observance is called Nau Raatri (Navaratri–Nine Nights) and is dedicated to the worship of Maha Shakti, according to Pundit Ramesh Tiwari, spiritual leader of the Edinburgh Hindu Temple. “Shakti means energy or power, and the universe is an expression of the Divine Energy,” he added. During these nine-days and nights, the Feminine Aspect of God in the Form of Mother Durga, Mother Lakshmi and Mother Saraswati is extolled and revered.
Prior to the commencement of this observance, Hindus will have cleansed their homes and bodies from all alcoholic, meats or any forms of merriment. Nau Raatri is considered as one of the most holy periods in the Hindu calendar as it not only celebrate special obeisance to the Hindu Goddesses, but it is an opportunity to give, reverence and honor to one’s earthly mother. It is a very serious period for not only Hindu women, but for all women, as these Goddesses, according to the various scriptural texts, become easily accessible to mankind. Hindus believe if one shows true affection, devotion and love to one’s mother, then blessings from the Heavenly Mothers will be assured.