Vasant-Navaratri Celebrations
in Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga Mandir,
from 13th April to 22nd April 2021

The auspicious Vasant-Navaratri Celebrations commenced on 13th April 2021, in the Headquarters of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, in the Yajnashala of Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga Mandir. Daily - without fail - throughout the whole year, Yajnas are conducted here,
and during Navaratri these daily Yajnas are complemented by extra special Prayers and Pujas
for Durga Maa, at the beautifully decorated Altar of the Utsava Murti of
Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga, which can be seen on this photo.

Sometimes Kumari Somashekhari also took part in the special Pujas and Prayers.

Devi Arati by Kumari Somashekhari.

Though being immensely busy as the President of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas,
Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati took part in the Navaratri Celebrations
almost every day. Here one can see Swamiji worshipping Sadgurudev Shri
Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati with flowers from the Ashram garden.

Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda offers fruits to the Divine.

Arati for Sadgurudev Shri Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati and
Shri Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga-Devi by Swami Vishveshwarananda.

The sweet Utsava Murti of Shri Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga, on 22nd April 2021,
Vijaya-Dashami, the concluding day of Vasant-Navaratri, is wearing a shining Tilak and
beautiful glittering ornaments. Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga is the same as Vijaya-Lakshmi or Tripurasundari. She embodies the benevolent, peaceful, blessing, protecting and loving aspect of the Divine Mother. The Omkarananda Ashram Priests, specially Sanjay and Mukesh Panditji,
had taken great care, that on the first day of Navaratri, on the beautiful Altar of
Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga, special earthen pots were placed, in which pure and clean sand from the holy Ganga had been put. Then Jau Seeds (barley seeds) had been sown inside
the holy sand. Every day Ganga Jal was poured into the earthen pots with the Jau seeds.
As one can see on this photo, the Jau seeds have grown into a beautiful, soft, green grass,
which is considered very auspicious.

A very grand and special Hawana for Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga Devi was conducted on
Vijaya-Dashami by the Omkarananda Ashram Priests, under the guidance of Shri Sanjay Panditji.

Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari took also part in this wonderful Yajna.

Very special ingredients were offered for the Divine Mother into Agni-Devata,
like Lotus seeds, different precious wood pieces, various precious herbs, cardamom,
fresh coconut, sugar cane pieces, etc. etc.

Kumari Somashekhari offered the Purnahuti.

This grand Yajna on Vijaya Dashami was concluded by Swami Vishveshwarananda
and Kumari Somashekhari with Arati for the Divine Mother.

In the night of Vijaya-Dashami, Kumari Somashekhari offered a few heart touching Bharatanatyam Temple Dances to the Divine Mother. Here one can see her
at the Dhvajastambha of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir.

In front of the Shrine of the most loving and beautiful Divine Mother, Shri Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi, Kumari Somashekhari presented a few wonderful and specially selected Bharatanatyam Temple-Dances, through which the Supreme Divine Mother
was worshipped and glorified. As usual Somashekhari presented her dances
in a perfect and extremely graceful style.

Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati's enlightening speech and Blessings
were the appropriate conclusion of the auspicious Vasant Navaratri Celebrations on
Vijaya-Dashami in Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas.
Swamiji emphasised in his speech, that only the Divine and strong prayers can save us from all dangers, including the present pandemic. Because of increasing Covid cases in North India, including Uttarakhand, this Function in the Temple was attended only by very few Ashramites
and Ashram Priests. But definitely all Heavenly Beings were present and
showering Their Blessings upon all.