Bavina Sookdeo
The Shri Nav Durga Kali Ashram held puja for nine days dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mother Durga. According to spiritual leader of the ashram, Larry Vinayak Yogesh, “This deity Durga, is the female aspect of God also known as Devi Maa and these nine days of prayer and fasting (known as Nav-Raatri) are dedicated to the nine forms of Durga Maa.”
The nine forms of Durga are: Shailaputri, Bharmacharini, Chandra Ghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kaal Ratri, Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri.
Maa Kaal Ratri, who is also Kali Maa, is the goddess who is normally worshipped at Yogesh’s temple in South Oropouche. Since Maa Kaal Ratri is the seventh form of Maa Durga, the spiritual leader saw it fit to conduct puja and scriptural readings for the nine nights.
The Sanskrit word ‘Durga’ means fort or a place that is protected and difficult to reach, thus, Mother Durga is known to protect her devotees. She rides on a lioness and has eight hands which carry different weapons. While she is a warrior, to her devotees the goddess is the most loving mother.
Asked what Durga Maa represents, the spiritual leader fondly called ‘Baba Larry’ stated, “She represents the energy of the universe. Without her nothing will exist. She is the positive energy that makes everything happen. She is also the ideal wife and mother and she possesses qualities which we should all have.” He explained that the purpose of performing her puja is to get rid of negative energy and to have a productive life with positive energy. This puja also holds benefits for the entire country the spiritual leader disclosed. “This puja brings rainfall and regulates climate” he said. “Anyone who goes to Durga Maa is protected and she always rescues them.”
Durga puja is done at the Shri Nav Durga Kali Ashram every Friday night. The ashram is opened to the public.