As I mentioned earlier, in South India, the last three days of the Navaratri festival celebrate Goddess Saraswathi, the goddess of knowledge. While in northern India, they pay reverence to Kalaratri, the goddess who is the destroyer of darkness and ignorance.
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Saraswathi and Kalaratri
Goddess Saraswathi
Goddess Saraswathi is the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and arts, worshipped as the embodiment of creative energy and intellect. She is revered for bestowing learning, music, and eloquence.
And I think she is my favorite goddess!
Who is Goddess Saraswathi?
Saraswathi is a serene, radiant goddess, often depicted seated on a white lotus or swan. In her four hands, she holds a veena (a musical instrument), a book, a rosary, and a water pot. Her pure white attire symbolizes purity and clarity of mind. As the goddess of speech and learning, Saraswathi is associated with the written word, sacred hymns, and all forms of knowledge and intellectual pursuits.
According to mythology, Saraswathi is the consort of Lord Brahma, the creator. She is believed to have gifted the world with the knowledge of the arts and sciences. Saraswathi’s presence is vital in maintaining the balance of the universe through knowledge and wisdom, which ensures the flow of creative energies.
Her devotees, especially students, musicians, and artists, worship her to seek blessings for knowledge, wisdom, and success in their intellectual and artistic endeavors.
A Saraswathi Story: The Gift of Knowledge to the World
In one well-known tale, Brahma, upon creating the world, realized that his creation lacked form and structure. To bring wisdom and order, he created Saraswathi, who, with her divine knowledge, blessed the universe with speech, intellect, and learning. She organized chaos, giving form to words, music, and the sciences, making life comprehensible.
Her festival, Saraswathi Puja, is celebrated with devotion by students and scholars who seek her guidance in their academic and artistic endeavors. She is invoked to inspire creativity, dispel ignorance, and grant success in education.
Sources/references/further reading: Wikipedia/The Kula Collective/Lotus Sculpture
Kalaratri: The Dispeller of Darkness
Goddess Kalaratri is the seventh form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the seventh day of Navaratri. Known for her terrifying and fierce form, she symbolizes the destructive power that clears all negativity and darkness.
Who is Goddess Kalaratri?
Kalaratri is depicted with dark black skin, disheveled hair, and a fiery aura. She rides a donkey, holding a scimitar and a thunderbolt in her two left hands while the right two hands are in gestures of blessing and protection. Her appearance is both fearsome and protective, symbolizing the removal of fear and destruction of evil.
According to mythology, Kalaratri emerged from Goddess Parvati to destroy the powerful demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. Her ferocity knows no bounds as she represents time itself—unstoppable and inevitable. Kalaratri’s power lies in her ability to obliterate ignorance, fear, and darkness, ultimately leading her devotees to spiritual awakening. She personifies the acceptance of these dark aspects within ourselves. After all, acceptance is the first step towards victory over these, right?
Devotees worship Kalaratri to seek protection from evil, courage to face challenges, and the removal of obstacles in their spiritual journey. Her fierce form is a reminder that destruction is a necessary step toward rebirth and transformation.
A Kalaratri Story: The Slaying of Shumbha and Nishumbha
One of the most significant legends of Kalaratri involves her battle against the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. These demons had gained immense power and were threatening the stability of the universe. To counter their menace, Kalaratri appeared, her terrifying form striking fear into the hearts of the demons. In a fierce battle, she emerged victorious, restoring cosmic balance.
Her devotees honor Kalaratri during Navaratri to seek her blessings for protection, fearlessness, and the destruction of inner and outer obstacles.
Source/references/further reading: Wikipedia/Sadhana
Related Reads and More
- Check out Amar Chitra Katha’s Saraswati and Kavita Kane’s book Saraswati’s Gift for stories of and to learn more about the goddess of learning
This is such an interesting read. I love learning about goddesses. They were pretty amazing.
This is so interesting!!! Thank you for sharing these fascinating stories!!!
I appreciate learning about their significance during Navaratri and how they symbolize knowledge and the dispelling of darkness.
I love learning about other cultures. Your post on Indian traditions surrounding how the Navaratri festival is celebrated is absolutely fascinating!
I’ve never heard of these people. I like that each person/character has their own strengths, weakness, and purpose. I don’t study books about this time period so it is interesting to learn about.
Loved learning all about the culture and such interesting facts. Coming from South America, I love hearing about cultural traditions!
I appreciate you sharing about these beautiful goddesses and I especially love the picture of the beautiful Goddess Saraswathi at the top of the post. Very cool and cannot wait to learn more!
What an interesting recommendation this is. I want to read this more.
Wow, I love learning about different religions. Thank-you for sharing so much information about this Goddess.
This is a wonderful read, that I learned a lot about the goddess. thanks for sharing
These goddesses enchant me for two very different reasons. I enjoy your lovely descriptions, too. Thank you for this fascinating post.