Wat Wisnu in the Sathorn district of Bangkok is opening an important annual ritual ceremony "Navratri 2569" inviting Buddhists and those with faith in Durga, the powerful goddess of Hindu religion, to pay homage and seek blessings during this auspicious festival, which is considered a time for spiritual cleansing and building positive energy in life.

What is Navratri

The word "Navratri" comes from Sanskrit, meaning "nine nights" and is an important festival of the Hindu religion held twice a year, during spring and autumn seasons. According to belief, Navratri is the period when Durga, or Devi, manifests in various forms to fight demons and protect the world. Each night of the festival is a worship of the Goddess in different incarnations, reflecting distinct qualities and powers.

Durga, Goddess of Power

Durga is one of the most highly revered goddesses in Hinduism. She is the symbol of feminine power (Shakti), courage, and victory over evil. According to legend, Durga manifested when the gods combined their powers to defeat Mahishasura, a powerful buffalo demon that even the gods could not overcome. The Goddess has ten arms, holding various weapons bestowed by each deity, and rides a lion or tiger as her vehicle.

Worship in Thailand

Although Thailand is a Buddhist land, Hindu beliefs and rituals have been deeply rooted since ancient times. Wat Wisnu is one of the important religious centers used by Indian-Thai people and those faithful to Hindu deities as a spiritual gathering place. The celebration of Navratri in Thailand typically consists of worship ceremonies, chanting, offering flowers and incense, as well as performing aarti (worship with lamps) that creates a sacred and warm atmosphere.

Spiritual Significance

According to Hindu principles, Navratri is not merely external worship of deities but also a journey inward to one's own mind. The nine nights of worship are divided into three phases: the first phase is cleansing of evil and defilements, the middle phase is building virtue and wisdom, and the final phase is attaining enlightenment and unity with the supreme power. Participants typically observe fasting or abstain from certain foods, meditate, and practice dharma to enhance their spirituality.

For those interested in studying or wishing to experience the power of faith across cultures, Navratri at Wat Wisnu is a good opportunity to learn about religious diversity and experience the sacred atmosphere of ancient rituals that continue to live in modern Thai society.

Compiled from publicly released news · Source: Foreground