This is where we will meet for the first time and officially open the Navarātri Festival. Come as you are and connect with your community. I’ll share how to make the most of these nine nights and ten days, give a brief overview of the schedule, and explain the significance of Navarātri—why it’s such an important time for us to come together and engage in devotional spiritual practices.

We will also consecrate the altar and make a dedication together. You’re invited to bring water, flowers, and a candle—the same items we’ll be using each day for the midday puja.

We will also announce the 9 winners of the first Give Away Phase. 

The Durgā Devī Sādhana / Day 1 

On this first day, we will invoke the blessings of Goddess Durgā and explore the significance of Dharma—universal values that apply to all people, at all times.

We will offer our first Vedic Puja ritual together. You can either join me in spirit as I perform the Puja, or have your own altar prepared with offerings from the Navaratri Guide to actively participate in the ritual. 

Either way, the most important thing is to come as you are. Participating in the Puja is optional—simply being present with an open heart during these midday sessions will offer you profound benefits.

Devī Shakti and Connectedness with All

As we move through the day and weeks and months, what do we draw power and strength from? What or Whom do we feel most connected to? Do our connections bring us strength and love or bring us down? We will explore if Devi shakti can make all our connections sacred and blessed.

If there had to be a two word biography of Swamini, it would be – I am

If that is too brief then glimpses of the journey follow – Swamini Brahmaprajnananda Saraswati Ph. D has dedicated her life to serving the Vedic tradition by sharing teachings of Advaita Vedanta. A Hindu monk who currently lives in Mumbai (India) she is a teacher, podcaster, writer, creator who points to the suffix -er in all the roles as the abiding Atma in all beings.

She offers regular Vedanta courses (online), the podcast – Vedanta – the river of wisdom, insightful videos, workshops and retreats in India and abroad. Her teachings range from the depth and breadth of self mastery to self discovery. She is the author of ‘You matter – Insights from Vedanta.’ Swamini ji teaches three core courses at Hindu University of America. She is a direct disciple of Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati, having studied Vedanta, Sanskrit and Vedic chanting at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in a residential, intensive three year course in Coimbatore and Rishikesh. She studied part time with Swami Brahmavidananda for about twelve years. Her last leadership role was as the Country Head (India) of an international organisation which positively impacted the lives of 150,000 street children. She was a former psychologist.

Parvati is an experienced healer, guide, and coach who uses the knowledge and practice of Vedic Astrology, Vedic Counseling, Ayurveda, and Vedanta to help clients see the root of their karmic life obstacles and gives clear and effective remedial measures on how to help overcome them quickly. She also points back to your place of power and guides you to realize how to access it for your personal healing journey. To “know thyself” is the cornerstone of her work.

In this presentation of the Nava Grahas (nine planets) and the Nava Durgas (nine forms of Goddess Durga), Parvati will introduce how each of the rupas (forms) of Ma Durga inculcates and represents the qualities of the graha (planet) she is associated with. This workshop will bring a deeper awareness of the cosmic connection between the Divine Mother and our celestial sky. 🙏 Shri Matre Namaha 🙏