Kamal Ghorui
The Chaitra Navratri heralding the new year on Gudi Padwa around the vernal equinox is one of the most auspicious time of the year . Whatever you seek, prosperity, success, fame, health or spiritual advancement, this is the time you need to put in the right effort.
One simple way to find what is appropriate for each individual is to align these efforts based on which Nakshatra out Ascendant and Moon are placed in the Zodiac and use this knowledge to channelise our Navratra spiritual practice . The 27 Nakshatras which were even used in the Rigvedic times have an immense significance in our lives and aligning our efforts with them is a great way to awakenthe divine potential of our inner energy, enabling positive external forces to support our efforts and lead us towards success.
Navratri and Mahashivratri are unique festivals that are traditionally associated with night-time spiritual practices, whereas most other festivals are celebrated during the day. Navratri is not merely a celebration but a sacred period of spiritual discipline and devotion to the Divine Mother. During these nine days, the nine divine forms of Adi Shakti are worshipped. This spiritual practice becomes a powerful medium to activate the subtle energy centres (chakras) within the human body. When these centres awaken, our consciousness begins to align with cosmic consciousness. As a result, awareness increases and we move towards living a more balanced, successful, joyful and fulfilling life.
During the nine days of Navratri, the Moon’s journey through different nakshatras offers a special opportunity for inner purification and for balancing planetary energies. During this period the Moon passes through various nakshatras one after another. Each nakshatra resides within a zodiac sign and operates through its ruling planet, influencing the mind, life and circumstances of an individual. Therefore, the spiritual practices performed on each day of Navratri are not merely religious rituals; they can also become a powerful means to harmonise the energy of the corresponding planet in one’s birth chart and bring positive transformation in life. If a practitioner worships the related form of the Divine Mother according to their Ascendant Nakshatra or Moon Nakshatra, the practice becomes even more effective and fruitful. It brings balance to the mind, intellect and consciousness and strengthens weak or afflicted planets in the horoscope.
In 2026, the first day (Pratipada) of Navratri begins on 19 March under Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra. This nakshatra is ruled by Saturn and is placed in Pisces, the sign governed by Jupiter. The presiding deity of this nakshatra is Ahirbudhnya. The word Ahirbudhnya means “the divine serpent of the deep ocean”, symbolising mystery, hidden strength and profound spiritual wisdom. In mythology, Ahirbudhnya is also considered a form of Lord Shiva and is associated with the awakening of Kundalini energy. Therefore, this Chaitra Navratri, beginning with Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra, offers a meaningful opportunity for individuals to understand deeper truths of life, awaken their inner power and progress towards spiritual growth.
On the day that corresponds to your Ascendant Nakshatra or Moon Nakshatra, one should observe a fast and perform morning worship of the Divine Mother with incense, lamp and flowers. Offer sacred food to the Goddess and perform the worship with devotion. At night, worship the corresponding form of the Divine Mother according to your Ascendant or Moon Nakshatra and chant the associated mantra as many times as possible.
Such spiritual practice dedicated to the presiding Goddess of the nakshatra strengthens the Ascendant and harmonises the energies of all the planets in the birth chart. The planets gradually release their negative influences and begin to express their positive results in life. This practice also helps activate Kundalini energy, developing patience, confidence and inner balance within the individual.
A brief description of the nine days of Navratri including the goddess form, nakshatra, ruling planet, zodiac qualities, mantra, method of worship and possible benefits is given below.
The spiritual practice of Navratri is a subtle yet powerful path for awakening the divine energy within an individual. When the nine forms of the Divine Mother are worshipped with devotion, faith and awareness, this practice not only brings mental peace and spiritual balance but also harmonises the planetary energies in one’s horoscope, opening the path to success, happiness, prosperity and deep inner fulfilment in life.
The spiritual practice of Navratri is a subtle yet powerful path for awakening the divine energy within an individual. When the nine forms of the Divine Mother are worshipped with devotion, faith and awareness, this practice not only brings mental peace and spiritual balance but also harmonises the planetary energies in one’s horoscope, opening the path to success, happiness, prosperity and deep inner fulfilment in life.
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