Shardiya Navratri 2024: Goddess Durga To Arrive On Palanquin, Here's What It Signifies

Shardiya Navratri, which begins on October 3 as per the Hindu Vedic Calendar, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It will end on October 12 with Vijayadashami. Pandit Kalki Ram, astrologer from Ayodhya told Local 18 Uttar Pradesh that Goddess Durga has chosen a palanquin as her vahana to arrive on Shardiya Navratri. According to the astrologer, in Devi Purana, riding a palanquin is considered very auspicious. However, when Maa Durga rides on a palanquin, the country and the world may face a partial epidemic. Pandit Kalki Ram explains that the vehicle on which Goddess Durga’s arrival and departure will be decided according to the day. If Navratri starts on Monday or Sunday, Maa Durga arrives on an elephant. On Tuesday or Saturday, the Goddess arrives on a horse whereas on Friday or Thursday, she arrives on a palanquin. On Wednesday, Maa Durga arrives in a boat. This year, she will arrive in a palanquin which is not considered auspicious.

According to Pandit Kalki Ram, during this time, Goddess Durga will be worshipped as per the rituals. So the auspicious time for the establishment of Ghat will also be from 6:14 am to 7:21 am. That is, the auspicious time for Ghat establishment is 1 hour and 6 minutes. On the other hand, Abhijit Muhurat will be from 11:45 am to 12:33 pm. Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month will start at 12.18 am on October 3 and will end at 02.58 am on October 4.

The Navratri is celebrated four times a year which first being the Shardiya and the second being Chaitra Navratri. The other 2 are the Ashadha Navratri, also known as Gupta Navratri. In the Sanatana Dharma, Shardiya Navratri has special significance. As per the Hindu religious beliefs, during Navratri, Navdurga (manifestation of Maa Durga in nine different forms) is worshipped for 9 days. It is said that during Navratri, Goddess Jagdamba lives among her devotees for 9 days. During this time, people who believe in Sanatana Dharma should worship Goddess Jagadamba as per the said rituals.