Amla Navami- What Is It? Why Is It Celebrated Today?
Akshay Navami, also known as Amla Navami, holds significance in the Hindu calendar as an auspicious day. On this occasion, women observe a fast and pay reverence to the amla tree. 
This special day falls on the ninth day of the bright fortnight, known as Shukla Paksha, in the month of Kartik. Celebrated in various regions across the country, Akshay Navami is marked by rituals that highlight the spiritual and cultural richness of Hindu traditions.
The auspicious occasion of Akshay Navami falls on November 21, 2023. The Navami Tithi begins at 3:16 AM on this day and concludes at 1:09 AM on November 22, 2023. The Purvahna, or the first half of the day, considered significant for Akshaya Navami rituals, spans from 5:58 AM to 11:32 AM. It is during this period that devotees observe fasting and engage in worship activities, marking the sanctity of the occasion.
Akshay Navami holds significant religious importance among Hindus. Married women, on this auspicious day, observe a fast and perform puja dedicated to the Amla tree, a highly revered symbol. It is believed that individuals who observe the fast, offer prayers, bhog (ritual offering), and light diyas (lamps) on Akshay Navami can attain salvation, or moksha.
Devotees often undertake pilgrimages to places like Mathura, Vrindavan, and circumambulate the Govardhan Mountain on this day. According to scriptures, Lord Krishna, on Akshay Navami, journeyed from the streets of Vrindavan and Gokul to Mathura to fulfill his divine duties. This day is also celebrated as Satya Yugadi, and it is believed that commencing any religious activity on Akshay Navami yields greater benefits.
In West Bengal, Jagaddhatri Puja is observed on this day, and it is believed that sincere devotion during the prayers brings relief from various problems. According to ancient texts, Akshay Navami commemorates the day when Lord Vishnu vanquished the demon named Kushmanda, giving rise to the alternative name Kushmanda Navami for this auspicious occasion.
On Akshay Navami, devotees follow a specific ritual known as Puja Vidhi:
1. Morning Bath and Clean Attire: The day begins with a morning bath, followed by dressing in clean clothes.
2. Selection of the Worship Site: Devotees choose a temple or a location where an amla tree is present to perform the puja. The puja is conducted facing east, adhering to traditional practices.
3. Puja Rituals:
- Offering Raw Milk: Devotees pour raw milk at the roots of the amla tree as part of the worship.
- Garlanding: A garland is draped around the tree, symbolizing reverence and adornment.
- Lighting a Diya: A lamp or diya is lit, signifying the illumination of the sacred space and the dispelling of darkness.
- Offering Sweets: Devotees present sweets as an offering during the puja.
- Tying a Red Wreath: Finally, a red wreath is tied around the amla tree seven times, completing the ritual with this symbolic act.
This Puja Vidhi is a way for devotees to express their devotion and seek blessings on Akshay Navami, fostering a connection with the divine through these sacred rituals.
On Akshaya Navami, the Puja Vidhi (ritual procedure) involves the following steps:
1. Morning Bath: Begin the day by taking a morning bath to purify oneself.
2. Seating Under the Amla Tree: Sit under the Amla tree facing east, a sacred direction in Hindu traditions.
3. Mantra Chanting : ‘Om Dhatryai Namah’: Chant the mantra ‘Om Dhatryai Namah’ while seated under the Amla tree.
4. Sixteen-fold or Five-fold Worship: Perform the sixteen-fold or five-fold worship as part of the ritual.
5. Offering Milk to the Amla Tree: While chanting the mantra mentioned in the text, offer a stream of milk to the roots of the Amla tree.
6. Thread Wrapping Ceremony: Wrap a thread around the Amla tree seven times while chanting the mantra ‘Om Damodaranivasayai Dhatryai Devyai Namo Namah.’
7. Aarti with Camphor or Desi Ghee Lamp: Conduct Aarti using a lamp of camphor or desi ghee, symbolizing the illumination of the sacred space.
8. Mantra Chanting: ‘Yani Kani Cha Papani’: Chant the mantra ‘Yani Kani Cha Papani’ after Aarti.
9. Circumambulation: Circumambulate the Amla tree eleven times as a form of reverence.
10. Giving Alms and Praying to God: Conclude the ritual by giving alms and offering prayers to God.
This Puja Vidhi is a detailed guide for devotees to follow on Akshaya Navami, incorporating specific mantras and actions to invoke blessings and positive energies from the sacred Amla tree.
FAQs
1. What is Amla Navami?
Amla Navami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Indian gooseberry, Amla, celebrated with various rituals and cultural significance.
2. Why is Amla considered auspicious?
Amla is considered auspicious due to its medicinal properties and symbolism in Hindu mythology, signifying purity and prosperity.
3. How do people celebrate Amla Navami in different regions?
Amla Navami celebrations vary across regions, with unique customs and traditions reflecting the cultural diversity of India.
4. What are some popular Amla-based products in the market?
Amla-based products include health supplements, hair care items, and skin care products, capitalizing on the fruit’s numerous benefits.
5. How can one incorporate Amla into their daily routine for health benefits?
Amla can be consumed in various forms, such as fresh fruit, juice, or supplements, to enjoy its health benefits as part of a daily routine.
