From a satsang with Pt. Balram Persad, Spiritual Leader, SWAHA Om Shakti Mandali
Children, the most cherished of treasures, are the genesis of life’s journey. The formative years of a child, spanning from birth to seven, mark a period of impressionability. It is during these precious years that both mind and body continue to develop, a process that persists until the age of 25. This phase is an essential crucible, wherein the foundation for all future growth is laid. As children evolve, their education is chiefly derived from their observations and the wisdom they glean from their surroundings. It is, therefore, our solemn responsibility to epitomise virtuous living through our actions and words.
Within our unique spiritual paradigm, our profound vision of the Divine, one that transcends gender distinctions, recognises God as both male and female. In the auspicious celebration of Nav Raatri, we encounter numerous divine forms that personify the maternal principle. Among them, the Nav Kanya, as elucidated in the revered Devi Bhagwat, takes a prominent place. These nine celestial maidens are to be venerated and revered as incarnations of the Divine Mother.
The great Bhagavan Shankar, in his divine manifestation as Ardhanishwar, embodies the harmonious union of both masculine and feminine energies. Indeed, across the pantheon of divine manifestations, we discern the presence of both male and female counterparts: Shri Raam and Sita Maataa, Radha Krishna, Lakshmi Narayan, Shiv Shakti, and myriad others. These divine pairs are, in essence, complementary forces, symbolising the harmony between masculine and feminine energies. An age-old analogy poetically equates the mother to the foundation of a home, the father to its protective roof, and the children to its doors and windows, thus establishing the importance of each element to the home.
Sanaatan Dharma’s sacred scriptures resoundingly proclaim the importance of the female. Throughout our hallowed texts, an unequivocal emphasis is placed upon the essential significance of the feminine, the Divine Mother, symbolising shakti or divine energy.
The Nav Kanyas span the tender ages of 2 to 10, each possessing their unique virtues:
The 2-year-old represents Kumarika, promising the alleviation of physical afflictions and the bestowal of robust health. As we know, health is wealth, and her veneration yields this precious bounty.
At 3 years, Trimurti blesses us with the gift of harmony in relationships, uniting family, community and society. This extends to the harmony within, between mind and body, and the soul and the Supreme Soul.
Kalyaani, represented by the 4-year-old, embodies the pursuit of knowledge, urging us to seek wisdom from the scriptures as our guiding light.
Rohini, represented by the 5-year-old, offers respite from mental afflictions such as depression, stress, anxiety and restlessness.
Kaalikaa, represented by the 6-year-old, empowers us to vanquish our internal foes – anger, loss, hatred, jealousy, arrogance and ignorance. These formidable adversaries demand our utmost effort to conquer, a journey aided by sacred occasions designed for internal transformation.
Chandikaa, at 7 years, enriches us with spiritual wealth, nurturing the divine connection within.
Shambhavi, the 8-year-old, bestows recognition and triumph in the battles we face, ushering in success and inner peace.
The 9-year-old Durga aids us in transcending fears, unveiling the illusion of Maayaa that shrouds the material world, and dispelling the doubts and insecurities that hinder our constructive growth.
Subhadra, the 10-year-old Devi, responds to our heartfelt desires, particularly those that are virtuous and righteous.
In the revered Argala Stotram, there is an ancient mantra that beseeches the Divine Mother: “Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dwisho Jahi.”
O Divine Mother, grant us physical and spiritual beauty, bestow victory, bestow glory and vanquish our internal adversaries.
When humanity conquers the internal and external material distractions that divert our focus from the Divine and ascends to higher realms of self-awareness, we attain the victory of the blissful state of spiritual fulfilment and true success.
