The feminine gender of the word ‘mardan’ (in Sanskrit it means destroy) is ‘mardini’, hence the one who destroyed the evil spirit is called ‘Mahishasur-Mardini’. A compilation of 700 shlokas spread over 13 chapters, ‘Durga Saptashati’ is as invaluable as the Gita. The northern part of the country enjoys the nine days listening to kirtans and observing fast during Navaratri at home-grown small temples. Conversely in the grand, ancient temples of southern region, through the nine days, the goddess sports various alankarams (special decoration). On Vijayadashami, they worship Saraswati seeking enlightenment while chanting the same mantras from ‘Durga Saptashati’.

Source: The Hindu October 18, 2023 11:20 UTC