---
title: "Sharad Navratri & Vijayadashami"
sanskrit_name: "नवरात्रि"
tithi: "Ashvin Shukla Pratipada to Navami (Dussehra on Dashami)"
canonical: "https://sattvalok.com/festivals/navratri"
attribution: "Source: SattvaLok (https://sattvalok.com/festivals/navratri)"
---

# Sharad Navratri & Vijayadashami (नवरात्रि)

> Navratri is a 9-night celebration honoring the Nine Forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga), culminating in Vijayadashami (Dussehra), which celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura and Lord Rama over Ravana.

## Observance Tithi & Season
- **Tithi**: Ashvin Shukla Pratipada to Navami (Dussehra on Dashami)
- **Season**: Sharad (Autumn)

## Spiritual Significance
The 9 days symbolize overcoming the 3 Gunas (Tamas, Rajas, Sattva) and destroying inner demons (Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment, Ego, Envy).






## Scriptural & Puranic Origins

### Slashing of Mahishasura by Goddess Durga (Markandeya Purana (Devi Mahatmyam / Durga Saptashati))
When Mahishasura threatened the heavens, the combined energies (Tejas) of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva manifested Goddess Durga. After 9 days of fierce battle, She slew Mahishasura on Vijayadashami.

### Lord Rama's Chandi Puja before Ravana Yuddha (Ramcharitmanas & Krittivasi Ramayan)
Before the final battle against Ravana, Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Chandi (Durga) for 9 days, offering 108 blue lotuses. Pleased by His devotion, Goddess Durga granted Him victory.