The festival of Navratri is associated with the worship of:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
Goddess Durga
Explanation
The festival of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine distinct avatars (Navadurga). The word 'Navratri' literally translates to 'nine nights' in Sanskrit. During these nine nights and ten days, devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and perform traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya (predominantly in Gujarat) or set up grand pandals for Durga Puja (celebrated extensively in West Bengal and Eastern India).
The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, commemorating Goddess Durga's victory over the demon king Mahishasura.
Key Points
Each day of Navratri is associated with an incarnation of the Goddess: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Sharad Navratri, which falls in the autumn month of Ashvin (September–October), is the most prominently celebrated among the four seasonal Navratris in a year. The tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, which also marks the day Lord Rama defeated Ravana.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Which demon king did Goddess Durga defeat, symbolizing the victory of good over evil during Navratri?
Answer: Mahishasura.
Question: What is the literal meaning of the Sanskrit word 'Navratri'?
Answer: Nine nights.