SHIVA PUJAI
(Day 9 Alankaram)
The ninth day of Navarathri is marked by the Shiva Pujai alankaram in all the major temples.
Goddess Parasakthi takes the form of Durga and engages in a penance during the nine days of Navarathri praying to Lord Shiva in order to gain the power to destroy the wicked asuras who are ravaging the world. The Asuras had obtained a boon from the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva that their death will not be at the hands of Devas. But when the trinity asked them from whom they would face death, they arrogantly replied let it be from a woman, thinking women were weak and in no way posed a threat to them. Ultimately, through the intense tapas of the rishis and saints, Parasakthi took the avatar of Durga and was born to sage Karthyayanar and his wife Narayani. She grew up as a young girl and acquired the strength of all the goddesses and the powerful weapons of the Devas and the Gods. She then annihilated all the evil Asuras including Mahisha, bringing great relief to the world. But, even killing of evil demons result in Brahmahatthi sins. In order to absolve and wash away these sins, Parasakthi performed the Shiva Pujai and then re-unites with Easwara. The strength and power of women are exemplified in this avatar, proving that women are in no way inferior to men. The people of the world need to understand the strength of the union between men and women. Shiva Pujai brings peace and harmony to this world. Get Parashakti’s boundless blessings by having darshan of the Shiva Pujai alankaram.
