The Durga Prashnavali, also known as the Durga Shakti Prashnavali, is a divination system used by devotees of Goddess Durga, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. This divination tool is consulted for seeking guidance, clarity, and insights into various aspects of life.
Durga Prashnavali is practiced with reverence and faith, and devotees often perform rituals or prayers before and after using it to show respect to the deity and to enhance the effectiveness of the divination. It's considered a tool for spiritual guidance and is used by many devotees as a means to connect with the divine and seek clarity in their lives.
Goddess Durga is a prominent deity in Hinduism, revered as the divine mother and the embodiment of feminine power. She is known by various names such as Devi, Shakti, Parvati, and Amba, among others. Durga is considered the supreme goddess who encompasses the energies of all other goddesses.
The legend of Durga revolves around her battle against the buffalo demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, the gods were being oppressed by Mahishasura, who had obtained a boon that made him nearly invincible. The gods then combined their powers and created Goddess Durga, who possessed multiple arms and rode a lion or tiger. Durga waged a fierce battle against Mahishasura for nine days and nights, ultimately slaying him, and this victory is celebrated during the festival of Navaratri or Durga Puja.
Durga is often depicted with a beautiful and fierce countenance, symbolizing her protective and nurturing nature. She is typically shown with multiple arms, each holding a weapon or an object representing various qualities and powers. Her weapons include a trident, a discus, a sword, a bow, and arrows, among others. Durga's mount, the lion or tiger, represents her power and courage.
As a motherly figure, Durga is believed to provide protection and guidance to her devotees. She is considered the source of energy and strength, representing the overcoming of obstacles and the destruction of evil forces. Devotees seek her blessings for courage, wisdom, and liberation from suffering.
Durga is also associated with different forms or aspects, each representing a specific quality or power. Some of her well-known forms include Kali (the fierce form), Saraswati (the goddess of knowledge and learning), Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity), and Parvati (the consort of Lord Shiva).
Overall, the worship of Goddess Durga is deeply ingrained in Hindu culture, and she holds a significant place in the religious and spiritual practices of millions of people around the world.
Worshipping Maa Durga, or Goddess Durga, is a significant practice for devotees who seek her blessings and protection. Here are some common aspects of worshipping Maa Durga:
Preparation: Before beginning the worship, devotees clean themselves and the area where the worship will take place. They may take a bath and wear clean clothes as a sign of purity.
Setting up the altar: A sacred space or altar is prepared with an image or idol of Goddess Durga. The idol is adorned with flowers, garlands, and other decorations. Some people also place a red cloth or saree as a symbol of auspiciousness.
Invocation: The worshipper invokes the presence of Maa Durga by chanting mantras or prayers dedicated to her. This is usually done by reciting hymns or performing an aarti (a ritual of waving a lamp).
Offerings: Devotees make offerings to the goddess, which may include flowers, fruits, sweets, and incense. These offerings are considered a way to express devotion and gratitude.
Mantra recitation: Devotees often chant specific mantras dedicated to Maa Durga, such as the "Durga Chalisa" or the "Durga Mantra." These mantras are believed to invoke her divine energy and blessings.
Reading scriptures: Some devotees also read or recite passages from sacred texts, such as the Devi Mahatmya or the Durga Saptashati, which narrate the stories and exploits of Goddess Durga.
Fasting: Many devotees observe fasting during certain days of worship, particularly during Navaratri, which is a nine-night festival dedicated to Maa Durga. Fasting is seen as a way to purify the body and mind, and to enhance spiritual focus.
Bhajans and devotional songs: Singing bhajans (devotional songs) or listening to devotional music dedicated to Maa Durga is a common practice during worship. It creates an atmosphere of devotion and helps connect with the divine.
Prayers and seeking blessings: Devotees offer prayers to Maa Durga, seeking her blessings for various aspects of life, such as courage, strength, protection, success, and liberation from difficulties.
Conclusion: The worship is concluded by offering a final aarti and seeking the departure of the goddess, with gratitude for her presence and blessings.
It is important to note that practices and rituals may vary among different regions and communities. Devotees may also have their personal preferences and additional rituals based on their family traditions or spiritual beliefs.
Faith in Maa Durga, like any religious belief, is a personal and subjective experience. For many devotees, their faith in Maa Durga is deeply rooted in their cultural, spiritual, and religious upbringing. Here are some aspects of faith in Maa Durga:
Divine Power and Protection: Devotees believe that Maa Durga possesses immense divine power and represents the ultimate source of strength, protection, and guidance. They have faith that by worshipping her and seeking her blessings, they can overcome obstacles, face challenges, and find solace in difficult times.
Motherly Love and Compassion: Maa Durga is revered as the divine mother, embodying unconditional love, care, and compassion. Devotees have faith that she nurtures and supports them like a mother, providing comfort, healing, and emotional strength.
Liberation and Spiritual Growth: Faith in Maa Durga often includes the belief that she can aid in spiritual growth and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Devotees have faith that by surrendering to her and seeking her grace, they can attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation from worldly sufferings.
Symbolism and Mythology: The stories and symbolism associated with Maa Durga play a significant role in nurturing faith. Devotees find inspiration and meaning in the tales of her battles against evil forces, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The various forms and weapons she embodies are believed to represent different virtues and powers that devotees aspire to cultivate in their lives.
Personal Experiences and Miracles: Many devotees have personal experiences or witness miracles that they attribute to the grace of Maa Durga. These experiences reinforce their faith and deepen their devotion, providing them with a sense of divine presence and intervention in their lives.
Rituals and Worship: Engaging in rituals and worship practices dedicated to Maa Durga strengthens faith for many devotees. The act of offering prayers, making offerings, reciting mantras, and participating in festivals creates a connection with the divine and fosters a sense of devotion and reverence.
Community and Shared Beliefs: Faith in Maa Durga is often shared and nurtured within a community. Being part of a community of like-minded devotees, participating in collective worship, and hearing stories of others' faith experiences can reinforce and deepen personal faith.
It is important to remember that faith is a deeply personal and subjective experience, and individuals may have different interpretations and experiences of their faith in Maa Durga. What matters most is the personal connection and belief that brings comfort, inspiration, and guidance to the devotee.
Worshipping Goddess Durga is a significant practice in Hinduism. Durga, also known as Devi or Shakti, is one of the major forms of the Divine Feminine in Hindu mythology. She represents the power, strength, and protection of the cosmic mother.
The worship of Goddess Durga is primarily associated with the festival of Navaratri, which is celebrated for nine nights and ten days. Navaratri usually takes place in the months of September or October, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. During this festival, devotees honor the various aspects of Goddess Durga.
The worship of Durga involves elaborate rituals and ceremonies. Many devotees observe fasting during Navaratri, abstaining from certain types of food and maintaining a pure and disciplined lifestyle. They offer prayers, perform aarti (a ritual of waving a lamp in front of the deity), sing devotional songs, and recite hymns dedicated to Goddess Durga.
The centerpiece of Durga worship is the creation of temporary shrines or pandals, where an image or idol of the goddess is installed. These pandals are beautifully decorated, and devotees gather to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Durga. In some regions, traditional dance forms like Dandiya and Garba are performed as a part of the festivities.
The significance of worshipping Goddess Durga varies among devotees. Some see her as the supreme power and seek her blessings for prosperity, protection, and liberation. Others consider her as the divine mother and approach her with devotion and gratitude. She is often depicted as riding a lion or tiger, with multiple arms carrying weapons symbolizing her power to overcome evil forces.
It's important to note that the worship of Goddess Durga and Hindu practices can have regional variations and cultural nuances. Different communities and regions may have their own unique ways of celebrating and worshipping the goddess.
Durga Prashnavali Chakra. Maa Durga Prashnavali Chakra is for devotees of Goddess Durga, who believe in her divine powers. The Durga Prashnavali online is based on the Durga Prashnavali Chakra. The Chakra has 15 digits, from 01 to 15. Each number has an answer associated with it.
In life, you may come across a situation where you have to take a decision. Or you may like to have some guidance for your future. Durga Prashnavali is the web enabled version of the answers based on the 15 digits of the Durga Prashnavali Chakra.
To use the Durga Prashnavali first have a bath and wear clean clothes. With full faith meditate on Maa Durga for a few moments.Chant the mantra "ॐ जयन्ती मंगला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी।
दुर्गा क्षमा शिवा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोऽस्तुते।।" 5 times.. After that click on the Goddess Durga's image. Your prayers to Maa Durga give you one answer out of the 15 answers. Please pray to Goddess Durga and get answers to your questions.
