Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana Synopsis of the Twenty-Third Session Bhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Four) Inputs for the session from: Chapter 1 to 7 Forms of the Devi Durga Sapthshati —————————————————— Ramayan and now Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapuran, both have placed a lot of emphasis on the Sati, Parvati and Shiv Story. The question arises as to what are they trying to convey.  In order to understand our scriptures one has to delve deeper into the hidden gems in the stories. From the tales to the names, every detail is there for a reason.  ——————————————————— During the Nine days of Navratri, each day different forms of Devi are worshiped; Day 1 - Shelputri Day 2 - Bhramacharini Day 3 - Chandraghanta Day 4 - Kushmanda Day 5 - Skandamata Day 6 - Katyayini Day 7 - Kalratri Day 8 - Maha Gauri Day 9 - Sidhidatri The nine days can also be divided into 3 parts as; Day 1-3 - Durga Day 4-6 - Laxmi Day 7-9 - Saraswati

Day 1-3 - Tamas Day 4-6 - Rajas Day 7-9 - Satva

Day 1-3 - Gross Day 4-6 - Causal Day 7-9 - Subtle It is also worth nothing that there are 4 Navratri in a year, of which 2 are the ‘Gupth’ hidden Navratris. Many gurus also go on to say that, every month, after the Amavasya - the following 3 days are Navratri.  The energy and the Nakshatras at this time of Navratri is conducive for Sadhana, where the universe is reaching out to connect to the Sadhak. Lets try and understand why this particular sequence of worship is followed during the nine days of Navratri. - First the stories behind each form and the festival are mentioned - Second the interpretation has been mentioned. ——————————————————— Story 1 Kushmanda  There was nothing only dark space and there existed energy. This energy was known as Kushmanda - The cosmic egg or the cosmic seed of energy. Goddess kushmanda created the universe from the radiance of her smile. She is the mother of creation.

Story 2 Madhu Kaitab The universe has just been created, Brahmaji is trying to figure out the nature and purpose of his existence, when he is attacked by Madhu and Kaithab. He looks down and goes to Garbodak Shayi Vishnu, who is lying on sesha naag without Laxmi. He later learns that these two demons have come from the ears of Vishnu himself. Vishnuji summons Para Shakti and with her help destroys these two demons. 

Story 3  Sati Dhan Sati is the daughter of Prajapati Daksha and Prasuti. She goes against the wishes of her father and marries Shivji.  Daksha demeans Shivji in one of the yagnas, where shivji did not stand to great Daksha. Later, he does not invite Sati and Shivji to another Yagna.  Sati goes despite being deterred by Shivji. There she witness that there is not place kept for Shivji, this is a great insult. She gets furious and refuses to be associated with Daksha anymore and burns herself.  What follows is destruction and mayhem. Later shivji and his ganas are pacified and everything restored. 

Story 4  Shelputri  Sati is reborn to Himavan and is named Parvati (Shelputri). She grows up oblivious of her past and purpose, till reminded by Narad Muni. 

Bhramacharini and Maha Gauri She goes to do the greatest of tapasya to reach her Lord Shiva. When one aspires the universe conspires. All the devtas and Sidhas help her reach her goal. here she is known as Bhramacharini, who is successful in winning the blessings of shiva. Due to extensive tapas, her body is all bones. Ganga poured by Lord Shiv revives her, she becomes radiant again and is known as Maha Gauri.

Chandraghanta The wedding preparations happen and the wedding day arrives. The grooms procession petrifies the the girls side. On the request of Parvati, Shivji shuns his terrifying look and is adorned by Vishnuji. Parvati adorns the half moon on her forehead, to show her appreciation for Shivji, who always has a half moon on his Jata. Hence, she is named as...