Sharadiya (Autumnal) Navaratri Celebrations,
in Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas,
from 15th October to 24th October 2023

The Altar for the Utsava Murti of Shri Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga Devi, in the Yajnashala of Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga Mandir, has been beautifully decorated for the holy Sharadiya Navaratri Festival, from 15th October to 24th October 2023.
Shri Swami Satchidananda Saraswati, Treasurer, Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, is doing Sankalpa, assisted by Omkarananda Ashram Priest, Shri Mukesh Pandit ji.

Pushpanjali to Sadgurudev Shri Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati.

During the holy Navaratri Festival - besides the regular, daily morning Hawanas - special extra Hawanas are performed in the evening by the Priests of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas.

Arati for the Divine Mother by Shri Swami Satchidananda.

Purnahuti for the powerful Navaratri evening Hawana.

Devi Arati by Mukesh Pandit ji.

Special Sankalpa by Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati, President, Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas.

Swami Vishveshwarananda offers the Devi-Arati with deep devotion.

Pushpanjali by Swami ji.

Purnahuti by Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati, during the powerful and mystical evening Hawanas.

The auspicious Hariyali, the soft green grass, has nicely grown from Jau seeds, at the feet of the Divine Mother Shri Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga Devi, during the time of Sharadiya Navaratri.

On the Main and Final Day of Navaratri, on Vijaya Dashami, 24th October 2023, Kumari Somashekhari took part in a grand final Yajna for the Divine Mother, with many special holy and fragrant ingredients for Ahuti. Here one can see her offering organic Haldi powder to the Divine Mother, through the medium of Agni Devata.

Purnahuti by Kumari Somashekhari, General Secretary, Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas and Indian Classical Dancer and Musician.

Immediately after the Purnahuti, Cow's Ghee was poured into Agni Devata by Kumari Somashekhari, assisted by Chief-Priest of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, Shri Suresh Pandit ji.

After having made Puja with the holy Hariyali grass, Kumari Somashekhari cuts it for distribution as Prasadam.

Devi Arati.

Finally, Omkarananda Ashram Priest, Shri Sanjay Pandit ji, blesses Kumari Somashekhari, Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda and Shri Swami Satchidananda with the sacred water from the Kalasha, which had been charged with powerful Mantras and Prayers during Navaratri.

Since Vijayadashami is a very auspicious day, dedicated to the Supreme Divine Mother Shri Lalita Maha-Tripurasundari, Whose manifested Form on earth is Shri Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi, a beautiful shining silver Vel for Lord Karttikeya was brought in a procession to the Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir, where, inside the Sanctum Sanctorum, Lord Karttikeya resides in front of Shri Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi, along with Lord Ganapati. The silver Vel had been purchased by Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari during their special visit to Tamil Nadu.

The Vel is a symbol of the Supreme Divine Power and Divine Wisdom of the Divine Mother, which She granted to Lord Karttikeya.