During the auspicious period of Nau Raatri, special homage is paid to the three forms of Devi , namely, Durga or Kaali, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Usually, the first three days are dedicated to the worship of Durga Devi, the next three to Lakshmi Devi and the last three to Saraswati Maataa. A close look at the symbolism surrounding each form will provide some enlightenment as to this specific order of worship.
DURGA: The word ‘Durga’ literally means ‘that which is inaccessible’. According to Devi Bhagavatam, one of the names accorded to this form of Devi is Mahishaasur Mardini – the one who destroyed the demon Mahish, who assumed the form of a buffalo. Within each individual roams the buffalo of ignorance, with its attendant ‘kleshas’ or flaws of egoism, fear of death, attachments and dislikes. These qualities are all indicative of tamas prakriti or undivine nature. The worship of Durga Devi signifies one’s efforts at conquering these negative elements. It asserts the dominance of the higher self over the lower self. Without determination and sincerity of effort such a state could be very difficult to attain.
LAKSHMI: Having achieved this dominance, Lakshmi Maataa, the sustaining force blesses one with prosperity. For such an individual, the concept of prosperity at this stage undergoes a change as his wants are drastically minimised or even totally eliminated. Prosperity is then defined in terms of how little his needs are. The individual at this stage enjoys unlimited prosperity as the whole world belongs to him. He is free from ‘raag’ (attachment). He sees the entire world as one. He wants nothing material. He lives by the principle of ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’- the whole world is one family! No longer has he any physical cravings as he lives a life fully imbued with tranquility, serenity, endurance, faith, control of the senses, renunciation and contentment. He dwells in ‘nandanam ban’- the garden of bliss.
SARASWATI: The next step is the worship of ‘gyaan shakti’, the energy of knowledge. This is Saraswati Devi. With one’s consciousness at a heightened state of awareness, far beyond the impure and worldly conditions of the mind, the focus then shifts to the changeless state which is the only reality. The attainment of this unchangeable state is the victory we achieve by sincere worship of the Divine Mother.
With this realisation, one’ s individual ego identifies with the Cosmic Ego as one perceives the Supreme Power everywhere, in everyone and in everything. His experience of ‘Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Sarva Rupena Sangsthita’ becomes a living reality.
