Happy Navarathri - Sarva Mangala Maangalye..

Navarathri 2015 in Boston area was as colorful and festive as it always has been.  From displays of colorful dolls and dioramas on a set of odd numbered steps (Kolus) to belting out the different songs (devi krithis) in honor of the nine Devi goddesses to step dancing using colorful sticks (dandia or Garba raas) - Navarathri in Boston is abuzz and replete with traditions. Visiting several homes for Golus and Haldi-kumkum is a sweet tradition that the Indian Hindu community tries to follow so our traditions do get passed on to the younger generation even if it gets diluted. 

 I had the pleasure of attending a soulful concert by Pt. Sanjeev Abhyankar in Spring. I have been an avid follower of his music, and it's really generous of him to provide downloadable access to many of his compositions as well.  
A pristine moment for me, sharing a click with Pt. Sanjeev AbhyankarJi.
A down to earth person, truly dedicated to music, and delivers it with so much soul and bhaav of the raga, in his sweet voice. 

For the Navarathri festival, I wanted to chant a Durga Dhun composed in Raag Bibhas by SanjeevJi.
This powerful sloka is from Devi Mahaatmayam, chanted to invoke Goddess Narayani, and to bless us with protection and safeguard us from negative influences.

सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके ।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Sarva-Manggala-Maanggalye Shive Sarvaartha-Saadhike |
Sharannye Tryambake Gauri Naaraayanni Namostu Te ||
Meaning:
Source of All Blessings, Auspicious One, She Who Is Refuge, She Who Has Three Eyes, Golden One, Bestower of All Wishes, Blessed of All Blessed Ones, I honor you, O Narayanee
Om and Salutations to Durga, that feminine energy which protects from all manner of negative influences
Let us all invoke the blessings of Goddess Narayani and Durga Devi by chanting this mantra.
Durga Chanting and Mantra by: swaravanshi
Mantra, dhun, inspired by Bibhas/Marwa version from Pt. Sanjeev Abhyankar.

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