Chaitra Navarātri: Nine Nights of the Divine Feminine

CHAITRA NAVARĀTRI

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March 30th - April 7th

Chaitra (Vasanta) Navarātri commences on the Pratipadā tithi (1st lunar day) to the Navamī tithi (9th) of the Śukla Pakṣa (waxing moon) in the month of Chaitra (March/April). This nine-day festival marks the arrival of spring, a time of renewal, blossoming life, and spiritual purification.

Dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durgā and her nine forms, this Navarātri is one of the four sacred Navarātris observed throughout the year. It is a time of deep transformation, particularly connected to Mahāvidyā Tripura Sundarī, the embodiment of supreme beauty, clarity, and the power of refined discernment. Through her grace, we learn to see beyond the architecture of illusion, aligning with the deeper intelligence that orchestrates all things.

This sacred passage culminates in Rāma Navamī, celebrating the birth of Bhagavān Śrī Rāma, making it especially significant in the Vedic tradition.

Navarātri invokes an internal quest to locate and establish our seat within the center of the heart of the Goddess. In a world that grasps our attention and seize our mind to look outside of ourselves to seek truth, validation and even to gain a so called glimpse of the goddess - this festival calls us to go deeper within to attune with her rivers that flow within us and to cultivate a direct experience, and personal relationship with Her. 

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Devī is that awakening force, that primordial energy that lives within us and awaits our attention. Yoga teaches us that whatever we put our attention on grows stronger in our lives. Move beyond your ideas of who she is and how she can be reached.

This window is ripe for putting into physical practice the teachings found in the yoga śāstra. In the quieting of our mind (yogaś-citta-vr̥tti-nirodhaḥ) and the investigation of all that lies below the surface — in the observation and embrace of both our shadows and our light, which are ultimately one and the same — we’re being called now to enter into that space, and to transcend. 

As we tend to śakti, and begin to establish a firm foundation in Her, we begin to awaken our power to focus, to cultivate our dhāraṇā and draw all our energies inside — this continued focus is the active meditation requesting our attention — calling us to become completely absorbed in Her. 

She is the embodiment of all that is and ever will be, She is our very breath and that which gives life to all, yet she cannot be reached by contemplation or intellectual understanding and philosophizing, or even described through words, she can only be touched through direct experience — that which requires digestion and stabilization to be truly lived. Can you answer that call? 

ॐ श्री मात्रे नमः | Sri Matre Namaha

Tulsi specializes in Vedic Astrology & Compatibility readings, personalized Vedic Couture and Yoga Sādhana. @turiyacollection | Jyotish Consultations

Artowrk: Pinterest

The nine names of manifestation have been spoken in the Devīmāhātmyam DevĪ Kavacaṃ, by the Lord Brahmā (the creator) Himself:

"First is Goddess Śailaputrī, the Daughter of the Himālayas, and second is Brahmachāriṇī, She who observes the vow of celibacy, the Goddess of sacred study and penance; third is Chandraghaṇṭā, the Goddess of the Delight of Practice, who bears the moon in her necklace, Kūṣmāṇḍa, the Goddess of Purifying Austerity is fourth.”

“Fifth is the Goddess Skanda-Mātā, the mother of Skanda, born out of her powers, sixth is Kātyāyanī, the One Who is Ever Pure; seventh is Kālarātrī, the Goddess of the Dark Night of Overcoming Egotism, Siddhidātrī, Mahāgaurī, the wife of Lord Śiva is eighth.”

“Ninth is the Goddess Siddhidātrīm, the provider of Siddhis, and bestower of mystic powers; the nine Durgas, relievers of difficulties, have been enumerated, and these names have been revealed by the great soul of the Supreme Brahmā himself."

ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः

• March 30: Pratipadā (Ghatasthāpana & Śailaputrī Pūjā)

• March 31: Dvitīyā (Brahmacāriṇī Pūjā)

• April 1: Tṛtīyā (Candraghaṇṭā Pūjā)

• April 2: Caturthī (Kuṣmāṇḍā Pūjā)

• April 3: Pañcamī (Skandamātā Pūjā)

• April 4: Ṣaṣṭhī (Kātyāyanī Pūjā)

• April 5: Saptamī (Kālratri Pūjā)

• April 6: Aṣṭamī (Mahāgaurī Pūjā & Kanyā Pūjan)

• April 7: Navamī (Siddhidātrī Pūjā & Rām Navamī)

Yugādi & Gudhi Pāḍavā: The Vedic New Year

Gudhi Pāḍavā: Vedic New Year

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Falling on March 30th, Ugadi and Gudhi Pāḍavā and mark the Vedic New Year, aligning with the lunisolar calendar and heralding a time of renewal and auspicious beginnings. Commencing on Chaitra Śukla Pratipadā—the first lunar day after the new moon closest to the vernal equinox—this day reflects the harmony of lunar and solar cycles, with the Sun and Moon positioned in Pisces.

The panchāṅga, the Vedic almanac, designates this astronomical new year based on the new moon in Pisces or the one nearest to the vernal equinox. This moment marks the start of a new Samvatsara, the 60-year cycle in the Hindu lunar calendar.

In Maharashtra and beyond, this day is observed as Gudhi Pāḍavā, while in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, it is celebrated as Yugādi—derived from Yuga (era) and Ādi (beginning), symbolizing the dawn of a new epoch. It is believed that Lord Brahmā commenced the creation of the universe on this day, making it a sacred threshold for fresh beginnings.

Recognized as one of the Sāḍhe Tīn Muhūrtas—a highly auspicious time requiring no additional muhurta for initiating significant ventures—this day holds immense spiritual, cultural, and agricultural significance. The chart of this day is believed to set karmic trends for the year ahead, with this year’s alignment placing six grahas in Pisces in the first house at sunrise (location: India).

Traditionally, Gudhi Pāḍavā is celebrated with vibrant rituals, including raising a gudi dvaja (victory flag) adorned with flowers, mango leaves, and neem leaves—symbolizing prosperity and triumph. Homes are decorated with colorful rangoli, and special sweets are prepared to mark the occasion.

Yugādi is welcomed with panchāṅga śravaṇa (almanac reading), symbolizing the wisdom of aligning with natures rhythms. Homes are cleaned and adorned with toranas of mango leaves, and families wear new clothes to mark the fresh beginning.

A significant tradition is the preparation of Yugādi Pachadi—a unique blend of six flavors: neem (bitterness), tamarind (sourness), jaggery (sweetness), green mango (tanginess), chili (heat), and salt—each representing the varied experiences of life. This ritual serves as a reminder to embrace the full spectrum of existence with equanimity.

Symbolically, this day represents new beginnings, prosperity, and spiritual evolution. Along with the omen of the Solar eclipse, this rare astrological alignment and convergence is signalling that start of a new era.

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"In order to establish order, disorder has to be shaken; and for shaking to remain under control, we who are at the basis, at the level of Para, have to be Para – that is, unreachable by the surface turmoil. In that integrated state, the fast moving chaos and change will pass away in a steady manner.

So, we have to be very steady. We have to be very careful not to get upset by little or big things. If we lose our basis, our dignity, the phase transition will take much longer.

Don't give importance to things which may upset us. This is a very precious time for the world. Everything depends on how our awareness is; just don't let it be shaken. Our awareness is the basis of all these transformations. 

More than ever before, time demands we remain completely ourselves. It is a very tender, delicate time for us - we should not become angry, indifferent, or sad; we should just be like an ocean. The evolutionary power is waking up.

We shake it, then leave it; then after some time shake it again. Each time a new level of purity, awakening, is added.”

~ Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Mercury Retrograde in Uttara Bhādrapadā

Mercury Retrograde

March 15th - April 7th

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Budha Graha (Mercury) stations retrograde on March 15th in the Vedic lunar mansion of Uttara Bhādrapadā उत्तरभद्रपदा (sidereal Pisces), the Warrior Star—punctuating a passage of deep reflection, reimagination, and renewal.

Budha (Mercury), fourth among the navagrahas (nine planets), the embodiment of rajo-guṇa (the mode of passion) and pṛthvī tattva (earth element), is revered as the radiant son of Chandra (the Moon), known for his golden eyes and tireless energy. He is also connected to Mahāvidyā Tripura Sundarī, who embodies supreme beauty, clarity, and the power of refined discernment.

Mercury bestows discernment and is the karaka (significator) of intellect, skill, talent, eloquent speech, the nervous system, storytelling, the student, negotiation, and neutrality. Just as Viṣṇu takes birth age after age to reestablish dharma and restore balance, mercury retrograde invites us to return to the center of our wheel

This powerful asterism resides at the heart of the last water sign, in a mokṣa bhāva (house of liberation), ruled by ākāśa tattva (ether element) and Ahirbudhnya (Serpent of the Deep). As the seat of Mahā Lakṣmī, this nakṣatra is deeply connected to the fertility of both earth and sky, dreamtime, the excavation of the unconscious, and the harmonization of universal mind. Here, we are beckoned to uncover hidden wisdom through humility, experience, and self-sacrifice—a śakti that is both transformative and karmic.

With Budha in Uttara Bhādrapadā conjunct Śukra (Venus) and Rāhu, rajo-guṇa is amplified, along with a heightened sense of protection. What is it that you are seeking to protect? A position you have claimed or wish to claim? A sense of personal justice? Or perhaps, your connection to source?

Mahāvidyā Śrī Lalitā Tripurā Sundarī | Kapoor Galleries Inc. wrote: Mandi, style of Sajnu, circa 1810

This transit embodies the dual current of existence, urging us to reconcile the spiritual and material realms. As Mercury retraces its path through the deep waters of Uttara Bhādrapadā, we encounter the mystical serpent—a force that strips away illusion, purges material toxins, and refines perception. This is a time when logic softens into intuition, and clarity arises not through analysis, but through surrender.

It is a period of intellectual purification, where communication is tested and refined—not for speed, but for depth. Unresolved matters from the past—especially those placed on the back burner—may resurface, seeking resolution through contemplation rather than reaction. Through introspection and surrender, the trials of this transit can lead not to confusion, but to spiritual illumination and ultimate liberation.

We are stepping powerfully into a new timeline—go inward to catch the memo of this time. Some karmas are requesting completion, release, and unraveling. How can you return to the center of your wheel and step into greater balance and neutrality?

Pay close attention if you have major planets—your Sūrya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), or Lagna (rising sign)—in Uttara Bhādrapadā, as this cycle may bring a lasting effect, especially with the New Moon Solar Eclipse occurring in this constellation on March 29th. Also, take note if you are currently running a daśā (major planetary period) or antara-daśā (sub-period) of Śani (Saturn).

For a more detailed look at what this means for you personally, I offer one-on-one consultations, which you can book directly at Jyotish Consultations

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ॐ श्री मात्रे नमः | ॐ ब्रां ब्रीं ब्रौं सः बुधाय नमः

AKṢAYA TṚTĪYĀ: Day of Lasting Achievements

Akṣaya Tṛtīyā

अक्षय तृतीया

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Today marks the most auspicious day in the Vedic calendar, where both the luminaries, sūrya (sun) and chandra (moon) are in their exalted positions. Occuring on the third (tr̥tīyā) lunar day of the spring month of Vaiśākha, Akṣaya, meaning “never decreasing,” illuminates this day as a beacon of enduring accomplishments.

This auspicious occasion beckons new beginnings with unparalleled favorability, be it in the sacred bond of marriage, the initiation of ventures, the acquisition of gold or a new abode, or acts of benevolence. Such is its potency that the necessity of calculating an auspicious moment, known as muhūrta, becomes obsolete, for the entire day brims with divine blessings.

Today commemorates the denouement of the epochal Mahābhārata war, a pivotal event signaling the transition from Satyayuga, the golden age, to Tretāyuga, the silver era. It is also revered as the day when Lord Gaṇeśa and Veda Vyāsa commenced the writing of the Mahābhārata, and the moment when the celestial waters of river Gaṅgā decended from heaven to grace the earth realm.

This revered thiti (तिथि), or lunar phase, spans from 4:19 am 5/10 - 2:51 am 5/11 IST |  15:49 5/9 - 14:21 5/10 PST

New Moon in Bharaṇī: Star of Restraint

NEW MOON

अमावस्या

Artwork by Trisha Thomason Adams

May 7th 8:22 PM PST | 8th 8:52 AM IST

As we eagerly welcome the long awaited energies of May’s New Moon (Amāvásyā) aligned with the Vedic Lunar mansion of Bharaṇī भरणी (Aries), the Star of Restraint, we find ourselves standing at a doorway between worlds — a pivotal moment for purification and initiation into transformative new beginnings.

Bharaṇī Nakṣatra, associated with Yama Dev, the lord of the afterlife, beckons us to cleanse ourselves of impurities and embrace the germination of long-term plans and goals. It invites us to stand at the threshold, where the old is shed to make way for the new.

This lunation cycle marks the culmination of recent energies, revealing new aspects of ourselves and our lives—a delicate balance between self-discovery and interconnectedness.

We're being guided toward a revolutionary reconstruction—one that mirrors the assimilated revelations, lessons, and growth stemming from the encouraging turmoil of recent planetary shifts and changes.

Mercury is wrapping up its post-shadow period and awakens a huge potential for deep healing now. Notice what’s coming forward to be healed in order to usher in this next chapter. Jupiter's (Bṛhaspati) recent shift into Taurus prompts us to reflect on what truly nourishes us. It's a time for radical release, shedding what no longer serves us, to pave the way for rebirth.

This transformation will require forbearance, hard work and discipline, echoing the deeper wisdom found in the Yamas and Niyamas of the Yogasūtras. Exciting energies await us by the end of the month. Embrace this potent moment between sunrise and sunset, life and death. What leap are you willing to take?

For those seeking deeper insights and personalized guidance, I invite you to book a private consultation from my booking page. Let's navigate this potential for profound new beginnings together. All my relations - Tulsi 

Nisargadatta Maharaj // “Pain is physical; suffering is mental. Beyond the mind there is no suffering. Pain is essential for the survival of the body, but none compels you to suffer. Suffering is due entirely to clinging or resisting; it is a sign of our unwillingness to move on, to flow with life.”