Navaratri (Sanskrit: नव nava – nine, रात्री rātrī – nights) is a time when yogis observe nine days and nine nights as a period of asceticism, fasting, inner silence, concentration, meditation, and glorification of the Goddess. Navratri is considered an intense phase of spiritual growth and spiritual transformation, where through purification, asceticism, and the grace of the Goddess, a yogi moves resolutely towards embodying their practice.

Navaratri sadhana (spiritual practice) is practiced twice a year. The spring Navaratri period is called Chaitra Navaratri and takes place in March or April. The autumn Navaratri period is called Sharadiya Navaratri and takes place in September or October. These two periods are related to the ongoing changes in nature, with the transition from winter to summer and from summer to winter.

For a yogi, Navaratri is an important period of inner transformation and spiritual growth. During this period, the yogi worships the feminine divine energy, glorifying the forms of the Goddess. These forms symbolize certain spiritual aspects and powers that help overcome inner obstacles, promote prosperity, and help acquire wisdom. Each day of Navratri, the yogi meditates on a specific form of the Goddess, i.e., a spiritual quality that helps them develop courage, peace, compassion, wisdom, and other qualities. All that is necessary for spiritual growth.

The Goddess symbolizes the spiritual power that can overcome even the most powerful forces of darkness. Thus, this symbolism of the Goddess exists in every human being; it is their inner strength that helps overcome inner "demons" in order to gain spiritual knowledge.

The Navaratri period symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, the victory of light over darkness, and spiritual light over ignorance. The culmination of Navaratri is when the Goddess defeats the demon, thereby bringing peace and harmony. The demon symbolizes the ego, ignorance, and inner obstacles that hinder a person's spiritual and moral growth. The demon also symbolizes the unstable, distracted human mind, which, due to ignorance and negative thoughts, never experiences peace.

During the Navaratri sadhana period at the Mai Ram Yoga Ashram, morning and evening rituals, chanting of mantras, and meditations take place. People who come to the ashram offer symbols of the causal, subtle, and physical bodies, i.e., flowers, fruits, incense, candles, and a monetary offering.
The symbolism and meaning of the Navaratri offering:

• During the first three days, the yogi sacrifices the ego and strives to overcome obstacles, remove negativity, and release fears and attachments. This is the first period of Navaratri, which is the establishment of inner purification, discipline, self-control, and courage. At this time, offering red flowers symbolizes the activation of spiritual energy. Offering candles symbolizes burning away inner darkness. Offering fire symbolizes the transformation of negative karmas.

• The fourth, fifth, and sixth days are dedicated to establishing love and abundance, and strengthening harmony, prosperity, and inner purity. In the early days, the yogi strives to remove inner blocks, and later, they establish love and pure thoughts and emotions. Also, throughout the Navratri period at the ashram, they strive to perform service and selfless activity.

• The seventh, eighth, and ninth days are dedicated to the sacrifice of spiritual wisdom and realization. They are intended for strengthening pure consciousness, creativity, and higher understanding. Therefore, white flowers, symbolizing spiritual wisdom, are offered.

• The tenth day symbols victory over inner limitations; it is a celebration that establishes a new, higher spiritual state. It is a commitment to a new spiritual phase and the bringing of a new understanding into daily life.
  The inner offering consists of:
  • fasting, abstaining from certain foods so that energy is directed towards spiritual practice;
  • mauna – the practice of silence, which is the sacrifice of thoughts and speech;
  • letting go of selfish desires – trusting in the Divine order;
  • service – self-sacrifice for the benefit of others without seeking personal gain.
  The Navaratri offering is a process of inner transformation in which the practitioner renounces aspects of the ego and limitations in order to become a purer and more balanced being. Navaratri sadhana symbols an inner journey through struggle, renewal, and spiritual victory that a person can establish in their life through the practice of yoga. Throughout the Navaratri period, the power of the Goddess is worshiped.

Navaratri sadhana is for everyone who seeks to deepen their spiritual practice and, through inner transformation, gain spiritual knowledge. During the Navaratri period, Navaratri sadhana practices take place at the Mai Ram Yoga Ashram every morning and evening at the specified times: arati, satsang, chanting of Navaratri sadhana hymns, meditation, and karma yoga. To attend these practices, one must arrive having bathed and wearing clean, light-colored clothes. Upon arrival, it is important to observe silence (mauna) and strive to maintain inner composure and focus on the practice.

The dates and times of the practices for the Navaratri period are announced in the news section of the website, in the class schedule, and on Mai Ram Yoga's social networks. Those who cannot come to the ashram can find the recording of the morning Navaratri sadhana hymn chanting by logging in to the Mai Ram Yoga Patreon platform.