Navratri Begins In Vrindavan, Maa Katyayani Temple Echoes With Chants Of The Goddess

Vrindavan: On Sunday, the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, the Goddess temples in Mathura-Vrindavan—the land of Lord Krishna—resounded with chants hailing the Mother Goddess. Marking the commencement of Navratri, devotees performed rituals to worship Maa Shailputri—the first manifestation of Goddess Durga—and prayed for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of their families. A steady stream of devotees visited the temples for worship and darshan from the early morning hours. Men, women, and children arrived at the temples in large numbers to bow their heads at the Mother's feet and seek her blessings.

A crowd of devotees began gathering early in the morning at the famous Maa Katyayani Temple in Vrindavan. The temple premises have been beautifully decorated. On the first day of Navratri, the sanctum sanctorum was specially adorned with rose flowers, further enhancing the temple's enchanting ambiance. Devotees arrived at the temple with great enthusiasm to catch a glimpse of the Goddess. The atmosphere remained filled with devotion, resonating with chants and devotional songs.

Great enthusiasm was evident among the devotees regarding Navratri. They visited temples to offer prayers and sought happiness, peace, and prosperity from Goddess Durga. Meanwhile, preparations for the festival were also visible in households from the early morning. Devotees performed the ritualistic *Kalash Sthapana* (installation of the sacred pot), worshipped Maa Shailputri, and inaugurated the nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of *Shakti* (Divine Power). An atmosphere of religious fervor and celebration prevails across the entire Braj region.