Navratri is observed for nine nights. This is based on the Devi
Mahatmya scripture. As per Devi Mahatmya and Devi Bhagavatam, Goddess Durga
fought for nine days and nine nights against Demon Mahishasura. This battle happened
from Ashwin Shukla Paksha Pratipada Tithi to Ashwin Krishna Paksha Navami Tithi
– from the first day of the waxing phase of moon in Ashwin month to the ninth
day of waxing phase of moon in Ashwin month.
During the course of the battle, Mother Goddess took several
ferocious forms to annihilate innumerable powerful demons.
She annihilated all the demons and finally on the ninth
night she killed Demon Mahishasura.
There is another belief that the nine days and nine nights of fighting happened during first nine days of Chaitra month. Bhagava Sri Ram invoked Goddess Durga for success in battle against Ravana in Ashwin month and then onwards the nine days began to be celebrated in Ashwin month.
There is another belief that the nine days and nine nights of fighting happened during first nine days of Chaitra month. Bhagava Sri Ram invoked Goddess Durga for success in battle against Ravana in Ashwin month and then onwards the nine days began to be celebrated in Ashwin month.