When is Shardiya Navratri 2023? Know start and end dates, mantras and significance
Shardiya Navratri and Chaitra Navratri are more popularly observed. Shardiya Navratri is also popularly known as Maha Navratri. Devotees worship goddess Durga during Navratri and many observe fasts. Garba dance is held in Gujarat and many parts of the country.
Shardiya Navratri Puja Tithi dates 2023
Shardiya Navratri starts from 15 October and ends on 24th October.
Oct 15, 2023 (Day 1) Ghatsthapana/Shailputri Pratipada
Oct 16, 2023 Brahmacharini Dwitiya
Oct 17, 2023 Chandraghanta Tritiya
Oct 18, 2023 Kushmanda Chaturthi
Oct 19, 2023 Skandamata Panchami
Oct 20, 2023 Katyayani Shashti
Oct 21, 2023 Kaalratri Saptami
Oct 22, 2023 Mahagauri Ashtami
Oct 23, 2023 Siddhidatri Navami
Oct 24, 2023 Durga Visarjan Dashami
Significance of Shardiya Navratri
Sharad Navratri signifies the killing of demon Mahishasura by goddess Durga and the tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashami. On this day, Lord Rama also won the battle against Ravana. Both Chaitra and Shardiya Navratri is dedicated worship of nine forms of Maa Shakti — Durga, Bhadrakali, Jagadamba, Annapurna, Sarvamangala, Bhairavi, Chandika, Lalita, Bhavani, and Mookambika. It is also believed that Lord Ram worshipped all the nine forms of Goddess Durga ahead of the battle against Ravana to gain her powers. On the tenth day, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami, it is also believed that Lord Ram won the battle against Ravana.
Day 1 of Shardiya Navratri starts with worshipping goddess Shailputri. It is believed that goddess Shailputri is a reincarnation of godess Parvati. She rides a bull and carries a trident and a lotus in her two hands. Godess Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navaratri. She holds a japamala in her right hand and a kamandalu in her left.
