Navratri 2025: Goddess Durga’s Arrival on Elephant and Departure on Nara – Meaning and Significance

Shardiya Navratri 2025 will begin on September 22, 2025 and conclude with Vijayadashami on October 2, 2025. According to Hindu scriptures, the vehicle or Mata Ki Sawari on which Goddess Durga arrives and departs during Navratri is considered highly significant. This year, Maa Durga will arrive on an elephant and depart on a human (Nara), both of which are seen as auspicious signs, bringing blessings of prosperity, rainfall, peace, and harmony.

Shardiya Navratri 2025: Arrival on Elephant

As per the Shrimad Devi Bhagavat Mahapuran, the vahan of Goddess Durga is decided by the day Navratri begins. If Navratri starts on a Monday or Sunday, Maa Durga arrives riding an elephant. This symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and good fortune.

The scriptures say that the arrival of the Goddess on an elephant ensures good rainfall, successful harvests, increased milk production, and overall wealth and happiness. Since Navratri 2025 starts on Monday, 22nd September, devotees can expect this year’s celebrations to be especially auspicious.

Shardiya Navratri 2025: Departure on Nara

The departure of Maa Durga is determined by the day on which Vijayadashami falls. In 2025, Dussehra will be observed on Thursday, 2nd October. On a Thursday, the Goddess departs on a human (Nara). This is considered a highly positive sign, believed to bring joy, stability, peace, and collective prosperity to society.

The ancient verse explains:

“Shashisurye gajaaroodha, Shanibhoume turangame,
Gurushukre cha dolayaam, Budhe noukaa prakeertitaa.
Phalam - gaje cha jalaa da devi, chatrabhanga turangame,
Noukaayaam sarva siddhisyat, dolayaam maranam dhruvam.”

This verse signifies:

• Elephant (Gaja): Brings rainfall, prosperity, and abundance.
• Horse (Turanga): Political unrest or instability.
• Boat (Nauka): Fulfilment of wishes, happiness, and success.
• Swing (Dola): Conflicts, accidents, or misfortune.

Significance of Shardiya Navratri 2025

Shardiya Navratri, also known as Maha Navratri, is observed during Ashwin Shukla Paksha in September–October. Over nine days, devotees worship the nine forms of Maa Durga (Navdurga), each representing strength, wisdom, compassion, and protection.

The festival concludes with Vijayadashami (Dussehra), symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Across India, devotees celebrate through Ghatsthapana, Kanya Pujan, Dandiya, Garba, and in West Bengal, with grand Durga Puja pandals marking Maa Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.

Navratri 2025 holds deep spiritual and cultural significance, with Maa Durga’s arrival on an elephant and departure on Nara marking it as a blessed period. Devotees believe this will be a year of prosperity, good rains, peace, and collective progress, making Shardiya Navratri 2025 especially auspicious for all.

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