Observe fasts on these magical days to bring prosperity

AWAKEN your consciousness and improve your fortunes in the next nine days.

This is the time to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul in quick time. This time is known as the Ramayana week in South Africa, while in India people celebrate this time as Navaratri.

People in South Africa usually celebrate Navaratri once a year but it happens twice a year, and both occasions are equally important.

The first Navaratri usually occurs during March and April, and the other falls in September and October annually. This year, the first Navaratri occurs between April 9 and 17, and is known as “Chaitra Navaratri”. It is also the first day of the Hindu New Year. The second Navaratri is known as “Shardiya Navaratri”.

If you are a follower of Hinduism, then it is recommended that you offer worship to Mother Durga (Adi Shakti), Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman, especially during this auspicious period.

However, whatever your religious inclination might be, I encourage everyone to show greater devotion to Allah, Jesus and Buddha, so that your fortunes, according to astrology, rise quickly in a short period.

There are two main solar influences in astrology each year. The seasons are determined by the direction in which the sun appears to move.

One is when it crosses the equator and moves south, and the other is when it moves north – signalling winter and summer.

The beginning of summer and winter are important junctions of climatic and solar influences.

Bodies and minds undergo considerable change on the account of nature’s changes. Ayurvedically, our digestion is weakened in these periods. So fasting is recommended for health, spiritual and material benefits.

These two solar changes are considered very sacred periods to worship Adi Shakti and all forms of the divine as per scriptures. It is recommended in our holy books to worship Goddess Shakti during this time.

This period generally lasts for nine days and nights, hence the name, Navaratri, which enables one to achieve greatest results with maximum benefits in a short period of time.

If one fasts on these magical days, it will bring prosperity, power, progress and peace until the next Navaratri.

Astrologically and spiritually, these days are auspicious.

During Navaratri, we invoke the “shakti” (energy) aspect of God in the form of the universe’s divine mother, “Durga Maa”.

Durga in Sanskrit means the “remover of miseries”. Hindus believe she is the female energy behind the creation, preservation and destruction of the universe. Each night of Navaratri is dedicated to one form of Goddess Durga.

Recommended:

1. Read Durga Saptashati daily.

2. Read the Ramayana every day and complete it by the last day of Navaratri. Scriptures indicate it is auspicious to have the Ramayana recited at home, at least once in a lifetime. It brings unity and love into the family.

3. Read the Sunderkand daily.

4. In India, highly-spiritual devotees live on a liquid diet, some on a diet of fruits and vegetables, but no grains. Others have grains once a day for nine days. Devotees in South Africa should try to follow one of these diets. If it's not possible, then one should be vegetarian on these very pious days.

5. On the final day, April 17, also known as “Mahanavami”, Kanya pooja is performed. Nine young girls, who have not yet reached puberty, are worshipped. Each girl symbolises one of the nine forms of the Goddess Durga. Their feet are washed to welcome the Goddess and show respect. Then the girls are offered food and new clothes, as gifts from devotees. Some people offer halwa puri as parsad on Ashtami (a day before). This depends on your tradition, and also varies from family to family.

6. Mahanavami is an extremely auspicious day and night. At midnight, Mother Adi Shakti appeared, and on the same day, at midday after a thousand years in Treta-yuga, Lord Ram was born. Hence, we worship all forms of the mother and Lord Ram. So, whenever Lord Ram is worshipped, then Lord Hanuman Ji is to be worshipped.

7. Some devotees of the mother do Akhand jyoti – one diya or lamp is burned throughout these days. Care must be taken that there is enough ghee or oil in the diya all the time. Keep the diya in a temple and in such a place where it does not get much breeze. This diya is called Akhand jyoti (burning all the time during Navaratri). This Akhand jyoti will destroy all the negativity in your house. If the jyoti is extinguished, then light it again. 8. People buy property, cars, jewellery, new stuff, start new businesses or jobs during this period to become more successful.

Astrologically, if you observe the ritual with full faith, you will instantly build your confidence, willpower, gain power to overcome your problems, have energy, gain victory over your enemy, obtain good health and peace.

If you follow the above sincerely and are dedicated whole-heartedly to the divine, then you can remove evil eyes (Nazar) and negative vibrations.

¡ Special note: In India, many celebrities like Bollywood stars and politicians ensure they do not miss the opportunity of the immense astrological, spiritual and material benefits gained by observing Navaratri. It is very easy to please God during this time. Engage in good karma by informing relatives and friends about the immense benefits of performing this fast.