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Who first observed the fast of Navratri?

Navratri is called Mahaparva of Shakti Sadhana. Mother Durga and her nine forms are worshiped for nine days. But the question arises when and how the Navratri fast started? Scriptures and traditions answer this question in two forms. The origin of Chaitra Navratri has been associated with ancient times, while the tradition of Shardiya Navratri became the most popular over time and became the most popular.

Who started the tradition of Sharadiya Navratri?

Navratri is one of the biggest festivals in India, which is called the festival of Shakti Sadhana. Maa Durga and her nine forms are worshiped for nine days, but often people ask who first observed the fast of Navratri. In the scriptures and traditions, the answer is found in two parts, on the one hand, Markandeya Purana states that the Navratri fast was started by King Surath and Samadhi Vaishya, while on the other hand it is mentioned in the Ramayana that Lord Shri Ram established the tradition of Sharadiya Navratri. Let us understand both aspects in detail.

Story of King Surath and Samadhi Vaishya: The origin of Navratri fast

In the detailed Durga Saptashati, the goddess Mahatmya of Markandeya Purana, there is a description in detail that King Surath and Samadhi Vaishya first observed the fast of Navratri. According to the legend, King Surath was deprived of the kingdom by losing to his enemies. Unhappy, he went to the forest, where he met a businessman named Samadhi. Samadhi was also abandoned by his family. Both were in deep pain and while searching for answers, Meda reached the ashram of the sage. The king and the businessman asked the sage a solution to his sorrows. Then the sage told him that all the powers of the world are under Adishakti Durga and if they worship the mother for nine days of Navratri, then their wishes will be fulfilled. King Surath and Samadhi fasted and worshiped for nine days with full rule. Maa Durga was pleased and gave the king a boon of salvation in the next life and salvation to the businessman. This is the reason that it is said that King Surath and Samadhi Vaishya did the first follow of Navratri fast.

Lord Shri Ram and Sharadiya Navratri: The tradition of Akal Bodhan

On the other hand, it is mentioned in the Ramayana and folklore that when Shri Ram was preparing for war with Ravana, he wished for the worship of Mother Durga with the wish of victory. The problem was that autumn was going on at that time, while the festival of Navratri was traditionally come in Chaitra month. Then Shri Ram started worshiping Maa Durga in the autumn, moving away from the scriptures. This was called Akal Bodhan, that is, the call of the Goddess in a different period from time. Mother Durga blessed Sri Ram of Vijay and only then Ravana-slaughter was possible. The tradition of Shardiya Navratri began only after this incident, which became the most popular over time.

Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri: Both importance

Chaitra Navratri: Its original origin is associated with the practice of King Surath and Samadhi Vaishya. It is also celebrated as the beginning of the spring and the beginning of the new year (according to the Hindu calendar). It comes in the beginning of spring, it is considered a festival of self -purification and practice.

Sharadiya Navratri: Got associated with the story of worship and victory of Lord Shri Ram. It comes in Ashwin month and today is celebrated with great pomp across India. This Navratri, which came in the autumn, became a symbol of power, victory and the grace of Goddess.

The basis of both festivals is the same. The worship of Adishakti Maa Durga, but their form and importance were established in different forms over time. Thus Navratri originated in the month of Chaitra, but over time Sharadiya Navratri became the biggest and popular tradition. This is the reason that today people celebrate it as Mahaparva of Shakti Sadhana, Victory and Faith. In this way, according to the scriptures, the ancient tradition of Navratri fast is associated with King Surath and Samadhi Vaishya, but Lord Shri Ram started the tradition of Sharadiya Navratri, when he worshiped Maa Durga before the war with Ravana. This is the reason that today Sharadiya Navratri is considered to be the biggest festival of victory, strength and faith.

Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs. TV 9 India does not confirm this.