Sharadiya Navaratri Celebration in Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas,
from October 4 to 11, 2005

The Sharadiya Navaratri was celebrated from October 4th to 11th, 2005, in the beautiful Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir. The Durga Devi Murti was brought by the Ashram Priests in a procession from Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga Mandir to the big Yagnashala of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir and installed there. The Priests made a beautiful Altar and decorated it with shining lights and lots of flowers. Daily Chandipath and special Pujas were conducted in the morning and afternoon and in the evening additional special Homas were performed by the Chief Priest of Omkarananda Kamakshi Devi Mandir, Shri Suresh Shastriji, along with other Ashram Priests.

Chief Priest Shri Suresh Shastriji during Arati	Kumari Somashekhari and her students offering deepas with flowers to Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi

On 9th October, after the completion of the Yagna, Kumari Somashekhari and 9 of her dance students performed different devotional dances exclusively dedicated to the Divine Mother in the Temple Mandapa in front of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi. Many devotees from Rishikesh and neighbouring Ashrams came to watch the dance performance, which was meant as a special spiritual offering to the all-merciful Divine Mother.

Kumari Somashekhari and her students  performing a Divine Mother Dance	Chandi Yagna being performed

October 11th was the concluding day of Sharadiya Navaratri. After a special Durgapath and Puja in the early morning an elaborate Chandi Yagna was performed by Chief Priest Suresh Shastriji and other Pandits. Many devotees attended the Yagna and the grand Purnahuti was offered by Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda, President of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas.

Swami Vishveshwarananda, Kumari Somashekhari and Chief Priest Suresh Shastri offering Purnahuti	Devotees attending the Puja and Chandi Yagna

After the completion of the Yagna, a special Kanya and Suvasini Puja was performed. Nine small girls were worshipped as small Devis by Kumari Somashekhari with the help of the Pandits. Puja and Arati were performed for the nine Kanyas and they were given many beautiful gifts by Kumari Somashekhari. An elderly lady, whose husband is alive, was worshipped by Kumari Somashekhari as "Suvasini" with Puja, Arati and gifts. This celebration always gives great happiness to the small girls and also to the Suvasini and this time it took place in the Yagnashala of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir and was watched by many devotees. After this wonderful ceremony the nine Kanyas and the Suvasini were served special Prasadam in the Annakshetra Hall of our nearby Omkarananda-Yoga-Sadhana Kutir.

Kanya Puja	Kanya Puja

In the end, all Ashramites and Ashram Devotees were specially blessed by our priests with holy Water, Tilak, Hariyali and Prasadam. Everybody enjoyed the elaborate function and thanked Swami Vishveshwaranandaji that they got the opportunity to attend this celebration, which was performed for nine days with utmost devotion and intense spiritual fervour. Many devotees expressed their admiration and gratitude for the beautiful and powerful celebration. Everybody present had felt strong spiritual Blessings and Bliss.

Om Shri Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Ki Jay - Om