My Navratri, ’She Is My Lived Experience’

For me, the Goddess is a living presence. Almost fourteen years ago, I found myself in her lap of grace, and there has been no turning back ever since. In our Dharmic understanding, Shakti is the primordial energy that existed even before creation. Brahma represents creation, Vishnu sustenance and Shiva dissolution, but the energy flowing through all three is Adi Para Shakti.

This feminine energy is present everywhere, in form and in the formless. Whether we call her Lakshmi, Meenakshi, Vishalakshi, Mallamma, Maisamma or Yellamma, these are different manifestations of the same source. Because relating to the formless can be difficult, consecrated murtis offer us a form through which we can connect with and experience different aspects of her energy . My everyday sadhana is a way of keeping myself clear and receptive, removing accumulated layers, going deeper within and loosening the hold of everything we absorb while living in the material world.

During Navratri, I undertake a sankalpam, a commitment to recite a particular chant a specified number of times, completing it on the ninth night. I also try to bring awareness to each breath and keep Devi in my remembrance. And, of course, I enjoy dressing up and visiting friends’ homes for puja. These celebrations are occasions when the feminine aspects of life come into full bloom.

I experience these nine nights as a powerful catalyst for transformation. The practices prescribed in our Dharma help us prepare ourselves to receive her grace. My relationship with Devi, then, goes beyond belief. She is my lived experience. Others may perceive her differently, but that does not diminish what she means to me. There is something that words cannot convey; it unfolds through personal experience, heartfelt devotion and absolute surrender.

Highlight: For me, worship is about becoming receptive and allowing her presence to transform me from within.