Devi Is Not Bound By Gender And Form

Adi Shankaracharya , in his sublime hymns, beautifully weaves together wisdom of Vedanta and devotion of the heart, revealing the Devi as both an infinite cosmic force and an ever-nurturing mother. She is the wisdom that illumines, strength that empowers, compassion that nurtures, and fierce protector who dispels darkness. Unbound by gender or form, she manifests in countless ways, and when visualised by the seeker, her presence empowers mind and sharpens intellect. During Navratri , as these sacred hymns resound, they do more than extol her - they awaken her divine presence within us, stirring dormant divinity at the very core of our being.

The Supreme Being is described as Aum, Brahmn, Truth, Consciousness, and Bliss - an all-pervading reality. However, when the human intellect struggled to grasp this abstract truth, sages personified it as a mother, compassionate and powerful. They proclaimed that the very origin of creation is feminine energy , primordial force from which all life emerges. As such, energy in its essence is neither male nor female, yet sages have expressed it through various forms to aid human understanding.

While Navratri spans nine powerful days of intense sadhana , it also holds deep significance for holistic well-being . This sacred period coincides with natural transition of seasons, as the body adjusts from spring to summer. During this time, our metabolism and immunity may become vulnerable, making it an ideal opportunity for detoxification. Fasting during Navratri supports this process, giving the digestive system a chance to rest and rejuvenate. Alongside physical cleansing, mantra chanting and visualisation of various forms of Devi empower mind and intellect. The rhythmic recitation of mantras has a calming effect on mind; it strengthens one's connection to the Divine. As we align with this sacred practice, we release mental clutter and negative emotions, creating space for spiritual growth , clarity, and self-awareness.

Thus, Navratri offers a perfect blend of inner and outer purification, aligning the body and mind with nature's rhythm. By embracing physical detox through fasting and the spiritual renewal through chanting, devotion and visualisation, we emerge from this period refreshed, strengthened, and more attuned to sacredness of life.

This divine transformation is embodied in the Devi, hailed as a manifestation of Shiv. In this context, Shiv signifies universal consciousness - boundless energy that empowers our minds to think, feel, and contemplate. Just as electricity powers a bulb, fan, or cooler, without which these devices would cease to function, conscious energy that animates our intellect, mind, and senses is what we call Shiv.

The entire universe - both animate and inanimate, flowers, stars, beautiful vistas - is Devi. Everything in this universe is interwoven with Devi, inseparable from her essence. She is both the source and sustainer of life and its ultimate end.

Devi is also hailed as the embodiment of Rudra, energy responsible for destruction, and by extension, for transformation. Destruction, creation, and sustenance are eternal cycles of existence, and the same energy that brings life into being also holds the power to dissolve it when time comes. In this, Devi embodies fullness of the universe: she is gentle and fierce, nurturing and destructive, all at once.

Authored by: Anandmurti Gurumaa