Journey From Navaratri To Diwali

We invite you to continue your Mantra Japa practice as we move from Navaratri to Diwali. This practice will have 2 parts.

PART ONE: Rama’s Journey Home to Ayodhya: October 2 -9 2025

Lord Rama

During the first phase of this program we honor the Sun through his avatar Lord Rama.

Select a Mantra: 

You may propitiate Lord Rama: OM Sri Ramaya Namaha. 

Or select a Solar Mantra: These mantras can be chanted individually or sequentially as a solar japa, and can also be paired with physical movements in Surya Namaskar (Yoga sequence of Sun Salutation).

1. Mitra – Om Mitrāya Namaha: The friend of all beings. Surya as the universal companion, offering warmth and connection.

2. Ravi – Om Ravaye Namaha: The radiant one. Surya as the source of brilliance and illumination.

3. Surya – Om Sūryāya Namaha: The supreme light. Surya as the visible form of divine consciousness.

4. Bhanu – Om Bhānave Namaha: The shining one. Surya as the effulgent force that dispels darkness.

5. Khaga – Om Khagāya Namaha: The sky-mover. Surya as the swift traveler across the heavens.

6. Pushan – Om Pūṣṇe Namaha: The nourisher. Surya as the sustainer of life, crops, and vitality.

7. Hiranyagarbha – Om Hiranyagarbhāya Namaha: The golden womb. Surya as the cosmic seed from which creation unfolds.

8. Marichi – Om Marīcaye Namaha: The ray of light. Surya as the subtle spark of insight and perception.

9. Aditya – Om Ādityāya Namaha: Son of Aditi. Surya as the divine offspring of the cosmic mother.

10. Savitar – Om Savitre Namaha: The stimulator. Surya as the energizer of movement, thought, and action.

11. Arka – Om Arkāya Namaha: The fire of worship. Surya as the sacred flame in rituals and offerings.

12. Bhaskara – Om Bhaskarāya Namaha: The bestower of light. Surya as the giver of wisdom, clarity, and spiritual awakening.

PART TWO: Preparing for Diwali: October 10 – 16, 2025

Goddess Lakshmi

As we approach Diwali, we have the chance to prepare for the arrival of the Goddess by reflecting on her various qualities. You may select a single mantra and say it every day during the practice or recite the daily mantras given in the meditation reflections.

Select a Mantra: 

Lakshmi Mantra:

 Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namaha

Meaning: Salutations to Mahalakshmi, the embodiment of abundance and divine grace.

Use: Ideal for daily japa and invoking general blessings of wealth, peace, and prosperity.

Ashta Lakshmi Mantra:

 Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Maha Ashta Lakshmiyei Namaha

Meaning: Salutations to the eight forms of Lakshmi—each governing a different domain of prosperity (wealth, courage, wisdom, progeny, victory, etc.).

Use: For holistic abundance across all areas of life.

Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra:

Om Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe

Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi

Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat

Meaning: We meditate on Mahalakshmi, consort of Vishnu. May she illuminate our minds and guide us toward prosperity.

Use: For deeper spiritual connection and clarity in invoking Lakshmi’s presence.

Some Suggestions for Planning Your Practice.

Goal: Aim to chant one to five malas (one mala being 108 mantras) each day of the program.

How to count your mantras: You can use a Rudraksha or other mala if you have one and know how to use it. It takes your mind off counting how many times you have chanted. You may also consider keeping a simple journal to track your daily progress. This way you can ensure that you don’t miss a day.

Define Your Practice:

• Prepare your meditation space: Find a quiet comfortable area where you will not be disturbed. If you like you can light a diya or white candle and burn incense if you like. Some people choose to ring a bell to harmonize the energy in the area.

• Asana: You can choose to sit on a cushion or in a chair, in either case, you should be sure that you are comfortable and there is a slight curve at the base of your spine to allow your chest and shoulders to be open and relaxed. Take your seat and breathe for a moment to settle into the moment.

• When you are focused, you may want to start with three Mantras to Ganesha so that he will remove all obstacles for your practice. Om Gam Ganapataye Namah x3.

• Then you can complete your Durga Mantras. See Mantra Options below.

• As you end your Mantras, take a moment to be still and receive the practice. Then you can close by chanting:

  • MANTHRA HEENAM,  KRIYAA HEENEM, BAKTHI HEENAM,

  • YA MATH POOJITHAM, 

  • (MAYA DEVI, SURESWARI, or GANAPATHI)  PARI POORNAM THADASTHU ME

  • Meaning: Oh Devi, Sureswari, or (Ganapathi) kindly rectify and complete properly any errors or deficiency in my pronunciation, or in my devotion or in my performance of the pooja ritual.

• Chant OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

Donation: We will not be organizing a group donation for this practice. Please remember that you can make a donation to your local temple or charitable organization if you feel so moved.

WhatsApp Group: Bill Sinclair (Ramdas) has agreed to create and moderate a WhatsApp Group to support each other before and during the program. If you are interested in joining, please email Bill at Ramdasbill@outlook.com and he will send you the links to join the groups.

This program has 2 WhatsApp groups. The first is the Silent group where the Moderators post the daily reflection and the Second is the Interactive group which allows participants to chat with each other about the practice and share support with each other.