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Mata Rani Temple
Gandhinagar Kolhapur
Though in Gandhinagar, there are very few temples of
Matarani but still the Navratri Festival is celebrated
with all the devotion. A few Mandals are also
celebrating the navratra on the same norms of
Ganeshoutsav, Rupani family leads from the front. A
small Temple of Devi Mata is situated at Bk. 46 Room No.
7 [which is being looked by Mata Jamuna Devi], have
considerable Number of devotees. On the Ashtami Bhandara
is also organised at this temple.
Navratra Festival
 In
the Hindu religion every God and Goddess are having a
special worship period or day. Navratara : the worship
for Nine Nights are related with the Goddess Jagdamba
Mata Rani. In fact Navratra means the worship of Goddess
in Nine Roops [Hindi] . Every year Navratra are
celebrated twice, Once at the juncture of, ending of
rainy seasons and start of winter [ Shardayes Navratra ]
and at the end of winter and start of summer [Basantik
Navratra] but more importance is given to Navratra that
are celebrated before the Diwali, the most celebrated
festival not only of Hindus but also of India . In the
West Bengal these Nine Days are celebrated as the Durga
Pooja Festival and among theses days Calcutta is
decorated as bride groom and if you are there at this
time, you will be surprised to see the enthusiasm of
Bengali people.
According to Hindu religious faith, When Goddess Durga
was in the state of war with daitya [evil forces], all
the Hindu Gods and Goddess transferred their power to
her for winning the war. The war was lasted for Nine
days and in fact these Nine days are celebrated as the
Navratra. It is also said during these Nine days no
other God or Goddess are in the position of fulfilling
the prayer of devotee as their powers are with Mata Rani
Jagdamba for these nine days.
In Gujarat state Garba is closely associated with
Navratra Festival and during these days demands for "Chanya
Choli " the tradition ladies dress of Gujrati people
touches highest mark. Presently in India at many cities
Garba Festivals or nights are arranged during these nine
days.
Here at Kolhapur idol of Mata Rani at Mahalaxmi Temple,
is decorated in different forms daily during the
Navratra, The whole temple is decorated specially for
the festivals and additional decorative lights are also
used during these nine days. Goddess Mata Rani Durga is
the symbol of strength and power, devotees remembering
her with various names, in fact 108 names.
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