My OHMazing™ Journey: Hey Maa!

 by Ahila Gulasekaram

Hey Maa!

Finally, my most favorite time of the year is here…BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL FALL!! 

Tree pose celebrating the return of fall!

What’s not to like about the cooler weather, field trips to the pumpkin patch, and homemade Halloween costumes? It’s the time of year that always makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside! Besides the steamy apple cider and yummy pumpkin pie, I’m most excited about this time of year because of the festival of Navaratri. I have the fondest childhood memories of this colorful, joyous festival which celebrates the Divine Mother in her glorious forms. 

The word Navaratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights. During these nine nights, three powerful forms of Shakti (Female Energy) are worshiped and celebrated. 

The first three nights are dedicated to the mother goddess in her primal force called Durga also known as Kali, in order to destroy all our impurities. 

On the second three nights, the Mother is adored as the goddess of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to have the power of bestowing inexhaustible prosperity on her devotees.

With my mother

The final three nights are spent honoring the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati, who is also known as the goddess of knowledge, music, and arts. We seek the blessings of all three aspects of the divine Shakti, hence the nine nights of celebration!

I am so blessed to have an amazing mother who truly embodies the essence of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Her love is instinctual, unconditional, and forever. When I spend time with my mom I’m constantly reminded of the Jewish proverb,” God could not be everywhere and, therefore, He made mothers.” 

 

Five months ago I began my sweet journey into motherhood. If I can be half the mother that my mom is, I know that I’ve succeeded!

Jai Shri Maa!

How has your mother or other women in your life influenced your personal journey? Comment below for a chance to win the new Yogiños: Yoga for Youth® DVD, Vishnu's OHMazing™ Journeys.

Ahila Gulasekaram is a Yogiños:Yoga for Youth®-Inspired instructor at the Crow Collection of Asian Art Museum.  Ahila’s classes are uniquely influenced by her background and passion for Indian classical dance.  She is committed to helping kids make OHMazing™choices for themselves, others, and the environment!