10 Surprising Logics Behind Navratri Rituals that You Must Know

India has a long history of ancient superstition and religious belief. Many customs practised during festivals are considered superstitious. But we are not aware of the logic behind them prescribed by our ancestors. Navratri rituals are not only logical, but also help us to grow physically and spiritually.

Navratri is one of the most sacred festivals of India. It is celebrated with great pomp all over the country. The word Navratri is a Sanskrit word. That means nine nights. Nine Goddesses are worshipped during these nine nights who are actually incarnations of Goddess Durga.

it is considered. That nine goddesses join together to become Goddess Durga. Navratri festival holds a special significance in Hinduism.

For the nine days of Navratri, the devotees of Goddess Durga follow various rituals. Unlike our ancestors we are not aware of the scientific reasons behind these rituals and consider them superstitious.

What are the reasons behind all these customs and rituals? Let's find out.

Here are 10 Surprising Logics Behind Navratri Rituals that You Must Know

1. Fasting 

These rituals begin by observing a fast for nine days. There is a reason behind this. Seasonal change. yes it is  right. Navratri is celebrated at two junctions of seasonal change. once in early summer and once at the beginning of winter

During this period the human body chemistry also changes and our immunity decreases hence fasting is the right way to deal with this condition. It not only increases the immunity power by rejuvenating the vital functions of the body. But it also acts as a detox for the body.

If you cannot fast for the whole day, then consuming fruits, vegetables, nuts and juices is often beneficial as they increase the healing power of the body. Consumption of alcohol and non-vegetarian food is guarded. Because their consumption can cause problems in the treatment of the body. Whether it is modern science or Ayurveda, both tell the benefits of fasting. It proves that our ancestors knew the benefits of fasting and the right time to do it for centuries.

2. Akhand Jyoti 

Have you ever wondered why you don't let the holdings of the lamps burn during Navratri? This custom is called Akhand Jyoti. The spiritual significance of this ritual is that it reduces the negativity of the house and enhances the contented mood among the devotees.

On the other hand, the science behind this custom is that the light of the lamp causes a magnetic change in the environment around it, due to which electromagnetic forces are produced which activate our blood cells by falling on our skin.

The fire of the lamp and the chemicals released from it kill the germs of the house. 

3. Sowing of barley

Sowing of barley is also very popular in Hinduism during Navratri. It is a symbol of prosperity, abundance and growth. The better it grows, the better the salary in the coming months.

Along with this, barley grass is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. The presence of large amounts of oxygen makes it a very good detoxification agent.

According to the old ideology, the juice of barley grass was to be consumed on the ninth day. So that along with cleaning the body, it also gets the necessary nutritional elements which make it energetic.

4. Onion and garlic are prohibited 

Onion and garlic are not used during Navratri. Why ?

During Navratri fasts, when you renounce worldly pleasures and adopt a simple and pure state of life to show your devotion, it is believed that tamasik food can disturb your mental state.

Onion and garlic fall under the category of Tamasik food and increase the sensual energy of the body. Onions also generate heat in the body. Hence they are avoided during Navratri fasts. Along with garlic, onion is also known as 'Rajogini' which refers to substances that cause man to lose hold on his own instincts, making it difficult to differentiate between your desires and preferences.

5. Visiting temple

It is considered very auspicious to worship Maa Durga by visiting temples during Navratri festival. The science behind this is that temples are places where pure magnetic and electric vibrations of positive energy are found.

The center floor of the temples is a good conductor of these positive energies.

Which helps them to enter the body through the feet. That is why it is necessary that bare feet should be entered in the centre of the temples.

Not only this, visiting temples also enhances our 5 senses such as the ringing of bells which produces a very loud and lasting sound that lasts for seven seconds in eco mode and it activates the seven healing centers of the body. 

The sense of sight is activated by burning camphor in front of the idol. Touching the eyes by placing hands over the camphor flame activates the sense of touch. Offering flowers to the deity in the temple activates the sense of smell, Panchamrit from a silver vessel and drinking Gangajal from a copper vessel activates the sense of taste.

6. Dressing up during Navratri 

Why do women dress up during Navratri?

Bangles, earrings have been considered a symbol of beauty and good luck for women since ancient times. It not only enhances the beauty of women. but also promotes their mental and physical condition.

How ?

Bangles increase blood circulation by continual friction with the wrist, and the earrings and nose pins continuously press on the acupuncture points, which regulate the menstrual cycle and maintain normal hormonal balance.

7. Reciting mantras

Durga Saptashati and many other mantras to be recited during nine days?

Durga Saptashati is a symbol of peace, prosperity and wealth. And the recitation of Durga Saptashati for nine days is considered the most auspicious act.

Along with this, when you recite several mantras in a rhythm, your brain releases many hormones which automatically release stress and the body automatically feels relaxed.

All Hindu mantras begin with Om.

When you utter the word Om. A vibrating sound is felt through your vocal cords which clears and opens the sinuses. Chanting Om has heart related benefits. In fact, the frequency of this mantra is the same as that recited by the speed of rotation of the planet Earth.

8. Performing Havan or Yagna

 Havan or Yagna is performed on the ninth day of Navratri.

Have you ever wondered why?

According to ancient texts, each object is made up of five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Sky. In Havan or Yagya we use the thermal energy of fire and the sound energy of mantras which purifies the air and brings harmony in the environment.

Not only this, the fire of Havan acts like a pesticide for the house.

Creates a nutritious and medicinal environment. Decreases bacterial count and attracts minerals to the earth where the Havan takes place.

Along with this, Havan is done with pure ghee of cows, more Havan means more quantity of cows killed in the society. The ancestors knew this reality long back and they had it in the form of a system which is still followed religiously. So this Navratri, follow the rituals logically and get the blessings of Goddess Durga.

9. Worshipping Devi

We worship Maa Durga during Navratri but why? 

We may not remember what our science teacher told us in school but we all at least remember one name and that is "mitochondria" which is also known as the powerhouse of the body. In simple words, mitochondria converts food into energy and they are so effective as they generate an estimated 90% of the energy that our cells need. 

But did you know that mitochondrial DNA transfers only from mother to offspring , often called maternal inheritance . It means you inherited your mitochondrial DNA from your mother and she inherited it from her mother and so on.

It means the thing which gives us power (Shakti) directly connects us from the mother side family. 

Nobody knows the exact reason why we get this DNA only from our mother. Devi represents an omnipresent cosmic energy. That is why we consider Maa Durga as our cosmic mother. 

Maybe the Shakti we refer to this festival is nowhere but inside us. This is the reason we pay respect to our inner maternal heritage and worship it. This is so poetic and beautiful too. isn't it?

Like everything , mitochondria also needs a detox. Intermittent fasting does the same for mitochondria. When we eat less, mitochondria get rest and promote anti ageing factors and healthier lifestyle. 

10. Celebration 

Different regions celebrate Navratri in different ways. Some celebrate it with classic music or some through dance. 

Why so?

To reduce negative energy. Just think about it. Dance is an activity that makes everyone happy. Nobody is negative or sad while dancing. The reason behind it is endorphins.

Endorphins are the chemicals that are produced by the nervous system and cope with pain or stress. They are also called feel good chemicals and also work as a happiness booster. 

Our body releases more endorphins while doing dance than other exercises. Our ancestors knew this fact and that is why they took it as a part of our culture. The core thought is that when we meet people with the same vibe, we feel more positive and make them feel the same and it is beautiful.

These were some surprising logics behind Navratri rituals that each one of us must be aware of. Instead of claiming them as superstitions, take them as an inseparable part of life because every of these festivals or rituals has their own scientific logics.