Sacred veneration of the Divine Mother during Spring Navaratri under the guidance of Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vishnudevananda Giri will take place on March 19 – 27, 2026, at the Shiva Prem Sagar Ashram (Umbria region, Italy).
Navaratri (Sanskrit: navarātri) is a compound word derived from the roots nava ("nine") and ratri ("night"). In the tradition of Sanatana Dharma, this period marks nine sacred nights dedicated to the veneration of Shakti — the primordial creative energy of the Universe, manifested in the form of the Goddess Durga.
According to the Puranas and Agamas, Navaratri symbolizes the victory of divine forces (devas) over the forces of ignorance and egocentrism (asuras). The celebration of Vasanta Navaratri (the spring period) is traditionally associated with the renewal of the natural cycle and the purification of the practitioner's inner space for the realization of higher states of consciousness.
The tradition of venerating the nine forms of the Goddess (Navadurga) is based on the "Devi Mahatmya" (a fragment of the Markandeya Purana) and the "Devi Bhagavata Purana".
"O Goddess, You remove the suffering of Your devotees. Be merciful to us, O Mother of the whole world. You are the sovereign of all existence, protect the Universe."
"Devi Mahatmya"
Each of the Goddess's incarnations corresponds to a specific stage of the adept's spiritual transformation — from primary purification to the attainment of supreme liberation (mukti).
Within the spiritual lineage (parampara) of the Shiva Prem Sagar Ashram, the Navaratri practice integrates methods of Advaita Vedanta, classical Raja Yoga, and Tantric Shaivism. Conducting rituals in a monastic environment (an ashram for sannyasis) ensures strict adherence to canonical requirements and the creation of a concentrated field of tapas (spiritual austerity).
Each day of Navaratri is dedicated to a specific form of the Goddess, correlating with the human chakra system and planetary influences (grahas) in the Jyotish system.
March 19 — Shailaputri (Muladhara Chakra).
Daughter of the mountains, embodying stability. Focus: laying the foundation of practice, harmonizing prana, working with the element of earth.
Astrological correspondence: Moon (Chandra).
March 20 — Brahmacharini (Svadhisthana Chakra).
The aspect of asceticism and discipline. Focus: sense control, strengthening of vows, transformation of creative energy.
Astrological correspondence: Mars (Mangala).
March 21 — Chandraghanta (Manipura Chakra).
The bearer of the bell in the shape of a half-moon. Focus: removal of fears, awakening of courage and will.
Astrological correspondence: Venus (Shukra).
March 22 — Kushmanda (Anahata Chakra).
The creative power of the Universe. Focus: opening the heart center, purification from emotional obscurations, prosperity.
Astrological correspondence: Sun (Surya).
March 23 — Skandamata (Vishuddha Chakra).
Mother of Skanda, the commander of the gods. Focus: purity of speech, maternal protection, attainment of wisdom and well-being.
Astrological correspondence: Mercury (Budha).
March 24 — Katyayani (Ajna Chakra).
The warrior who crushes demons. Focus: overcoming duality, activating intuition (viveka), removing obstacles.
Astrological correspondence: Jupiter (Guru).
March 25 — Kalaratri (Sahasrara Chakra).
The fierce form that destroys the darkness of ignorance. Focus: liberation from egoic attachments, realization of unity (advaita).
Astrological correspondence: Saturn (Shani).
March 26 — Mahagauri.
Symbol of absolute purity and Clear Light. Focus: integration of the fruits of contemplation, establishment in the sattvic state.
Astrological correspondence: Rahu.
March 27 — Siddhidatri.
The giver of perfections (siddhis). Focus: the crown of the spiritual path, realization of the fruits of tapas, and attainment of spiritual abilities.
Astrological correspondence: Ketu.
The Navaratri program at Shiva Prem Sagar Ashram includes the fundamental disciplines of the tradition:
Homa (Yajya): Daily fire rituals performed according to Vedic canons. The goal is to purify the subtle bodies of participants and harmonize the external environment through offerings to the sacred fire while chanting mantras.
Satsangs with the Guru: Philosophical discourses and instructions by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vishnudevananda Giri, revealing deep aspects of the teachings of Advaita and Shaivism.
Practices with sannyasis: Collective meditations, study of yoga techniques, and traditional ritual service under the guidance of the monastic community.
The Shiva Prem Sagar Ashram, located in the peaceful region of Umbria, provides authentic conditions for deep immersion in sadhana, combining natural isolation with the institutional support of the lineage of succession.
Registration and Contact Information
Practitioners seeking a systematic study of Sanatana Dharma and the deepening of personal spiritual experience in a traditional ashram setting are invited to participate.
Contact details for registration:
Phone (Europe), WhatsApp: +39 3921 50 5513
This event is an important milestone in the annual cycle of the spiritual community and serves to strengthen the connection of practitioners with the authentic Vedic tradition and parampara.
