By Rons Bantwal
Daijworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Sep 29: As part of the Navaratri celebrations, the annual Durga Namaskara Puja was performed with devotion at the Mumbai branch of Udupi Shri Pejavara Math (Madhva Bhavan), located in Prabhat Colony, Santa Cruz East.
Under the blessings of Guruvarya Shri Krishnaikya Yatikula Chakravarti Shri Vishweshateertha Swamiji and the guidance of Shri Vishwaprasanna Shripad, the head of Udupi Shri Pejavara Adhokshaja Math, the ritual was conducted at the Shri Vishweshateertha Sabha Hall of the Math on Monday evening. The puja was organized by Purnaprajna Vidyapeetha Pratishthana’s management, Dr A. S. Rao and Asha E. Rao, and performed under the chief priestly leadership of Dr Ramadas Upadhyay Renjal, with the support of priests Girish Patil and Ramesh Bhat. Devotional singing was led by Shyamala E. Shastri along with the Madhvesha Bhajana Mandali, Santa Cruz, and various other bhajana groups.
The nine-day Navaratri festival worships Goddess Durga in her nine divine forms, symbolizing the destruction of evil and the protection of devotees. Dr Ramadas Upadhyay said that chanting the Durga mantra can help overcome fear and obstacles in life. He prayed for the well-being, prosperity, and peace of all devotees, and hoped the Goddess would bless everyone with a life of harmony and contentment.
Priest Praveen Joshi explained that the Durga Namaskara Puja invokes the Goddess’s blessings for protection, success, and prosperity. The ritual helps remove misfortunes, correct planetary afflictions, and promote health and positive energy in life. The puja involves lighting lamps, offering turmeric, kumkum, and flowers, and reciting mantras to invite the divine presence. It is believed that performing the ritual dispels obstacles and fulfills devotees’ wishes.
The event was attended by Purnaprajna Vidyapeetha Pratishthana member Avinash Shastri, Shri Hari Bhat Puttige and Niranjan Gogte, administrators of the Mumbai Math branch, priests Undaru Raghavendra Bhat, Mukund Baitmanglkar, Vishnutirtha Sali, and other priests of the Math. The annual Durga Namaskara Puja concluded successfully with the special support of the Math’s staff and the enthusiastic participation of devotees.