During these 9 days and nights, prayers are offered to 'MAA (MOTHER)' who is
the manifestation of the Absolute Energy that pervades the universe.

As 'DURGA MAA' sitting on a Lion, she is a manifestation of 'Shakti' or the primordial Energy. The power to breath, walk, digest etc, comes from Maa Durga.

As 'LAXMI' She is abundance. Not only material, but of Air, Land, Space etc. The fact that you have understood what is written so far is due to the Grace of 'MAA SARASWATI' the Goddess of Knowledge. She is the 'OM', from where all sound emanates.

'MAA' is the 'Garba (Womb)' from where the Universe manifests. The word 'Garba' stems from 'Garbha' and symbolises the 'Dance of Creation'.

The first 3 days of HOLY NAVRATRA are dedicated to 'MAA KALI' to anihilate
the enemies within.

The next 3 days are dedicated to 'MAA LAXMI' and the last 3 days to 'MAA SARASWATI'.

On the 10th day a bonfire is lit to burn the Self arrogating Ego. Whether we
pray to 'MAA' or not, she thinks of us all the time. She holds us in our
arms when dejected, gives us various gifts from time to time, but admonishes
us when we cross our line.

WAY OF OBSERVING THE HOLY NAVRATRAS

To keep fast during the period, eat one meal a day and on one sitting. The food should be cooked without onions and garlic and should be pure vegetarian meal. First the devotee may offer the prayers and food to MataRani and then eat the meal as prasad. Do chant "JAI MATA DI" nine times before starting and after finishing the meal. It should preferably be taken after sunset. (If the time after sunset is not possible, then any other time is also fine, but should be taken after offering prayers and as prasad.) During the rest of the day, fruits, juices, milk and kheer could be taken. (However, some devotees keep fast for all the days by consuming only fruits or liquids This is purely the devotee's choice and offering to the Great Maa Vaishno Devi.) Please be noted that it is not a compulsion to keep fasts for devotees who have health problems, medical reasons or for any other problems. MataRani is all-knowing and kind and showers her blessings on all her devotees.

All the time during the period of Holy Navratras, the devotee must keep his mind, body and thoughts pure. Try and visit MataRani temples and offer prayers and Aarti daily during this period. You should start the prayers with the name of LORD GANESHA with GANESH VANDANA.

Try and light a JYOT in front of MataRani picture or statue. MataRani is also called JYOTA-WALI and is present in the flame which becomes holy. Visit a MataTemple (if possible), or pray to MataRani at home.

Try and sleep on a sheet on the floor during this period.

Do not shave or cut hair or use sharp objects (like nail cutters etc.) during this period.

Try and avoid wearing black cloths and leather during the period of fasting. (Like leather cloths, belts, handbags etc.)

The devotee observing the fasts should avoid sensual and procreation activities during this period.
Offer prasad of Halwa/Poori/Channa to MataRani.
If possible, feed a little adolescent girl (kanya) daily OR feed 9 Kanyas on the last day of fasting. If this is not possible, distribute dry fruits (specially AKHROD and RAISINS) and fresh fruits to Kanyas.
Eat one vegetarian meal on one sitting. Avoid Garlic, Onion, Eggs. (If you have any health problems etc, do not avoid any food or medicines. MataRani is all knowing and blesses everyone who has sincere devotion).

JAI MATA DI