Why Does a Goddess Enter a Woman’s Body During Navratris?

During the annual Indian festival of Navratris, numerous spiritual experiences are reported, such as the sensation of a divine presence or even possession by a goddess. An intriguing personal experience of mine during a Navratri celebration provided me with first-hand insights into the phenomenon.

Personal Experience

I visited a home in Gujarat with a friend during Navaratri to celebrate with a group of people. The host, a devout follower of Maa Durga, was well-known for her counseling skills, having helped numerous people overcome their challenges. After an evening Aarti, she began to dance and enter a trance-like state. Others within the group also started to show signs of altered states, exhibiting uncontrollable head shaking. Something intangible but palpable filled the space.

Understanding the Phenomenon

While most people do not experience such deep spiritual states during Navratris, the transition of energy is indeed significant. Many women, for instance, feel an intense surge in their energy levels during this period, especially after meditation.

The Navratris can be seen as a period of alignment with the natural energy flow of the Mother Earth. It’s a time when the energy within the Kundalini, a manifestation of the divine energy in the human body, aligns with the energized cosmic consciousness. The accumulation of collective consciousness, fostered by the widespread chanting and practices of devotees around the world, further potentizes the environment during Navratri.

According to the Kriya Yoga perspective, the human body and the divine energy are deeply interconnected. The Goddess is the epitome of Energy. When an individual channels their internal energy through chanting and introspection, it aligns with the universal energy. The cumulative effect of this alignment is much more powerful than the sum of individual efforts. Energy is not only a physical force but also a spiritual one, and during Navratris, the distinction between personal and universal consciousness becomes blurred.

Scientific Interpretation

From a scientific standpoint, the heightened energy levels experienced during Navratris can be attributed to several factors. The environmental conditions, such as the consistent practice of spiritual activities, the chanting of mantras, and the collective intention of the participants, all contribute to the creation of a highly charged atmosphere. This can lead to a state of heightened arousal and altered consciousness.

The mind and body are intricately connected, and the powerful experience of prayer or meditation can trigger a release of endorphins, hormones, and neurotransmitters that enhance the individual’s sense of well-being. The collective intent of the group can also potentiate these effects, making the experience even more profound.

Conclusion

While the exact mechanism behind the sensation of a divine presence during Navratris is still a subject of philosophical and scientific exploration, the experience can be understood as a profound alignment of individual and universal energies. Whether one chooses to see it as a spiritual experience or a skeptical one, the underlying energy and alignment are undeniable.

The Navratris offer us a unique opportunity to explore the depths of our spiritual being and connect with the cosmic energy that flows through everything. Whether or not one chooses to engage in these practices, the essence of harmony and oneness is a valuable lesson for all.