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When the Supreme Being begins to manifest Its
Cosmic Energy, It is variously known as akti, Devi or Divine Mother,
Who assumes many forms according to the tasks to be preformed by
Her. She is known as Durgă, Lakshmi or Sarawati in her Destructive,
Protective, and Knowledge giving roles respectively. These three
aspects of The Divine Mother are worshipped during Devi Navarătri
(The Nine Nights).
Durgă or the Destructive aspect of the Divine Mother
is worshipped during the first three nights. On the succeeding three
knights, Her Protective aspect of Lakshmi and on the last three nights,
Her Knowledge aspect or Saraswati are worshipped. The significance
of this order is that first Durga destroys all the evil propensities
lurking in the minds of Her devotees; then Lakshmi implants Daivi
Sampat (divine qualities conductive to spiritual unfoldment) in the
devotees minds and finally Saraswati bestows true Knowledge to Her
devotees. The tenth day known as Vijaya Daami, commemorates the
victory of Knowledge over ignorance of Goodness over evil. On this
day, also known as Ăyudha Pooja, young children are initiated into
learning and all devotees re-dedicate themselves to their chosen
paths by worshipping the tools (ayudha) of their respective livelihoods.
May The Divine Mother bless us all during this most auspicious season.
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