‘Navaratri’ means nine nights. Darkness is associated with night. What is this darkness? It is the darkness of ignorance. The purpose of the Navaratri celebrations is to enable you to win over darkness which has enveloped you. When a reference is made to Devi, it signifies the unified form of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. Lakshmi, who is the embodiment of all prosperity, is represented by the heart. The mouth represents Saraswathi. Purity in action (Kriya Shuddhi) is represented by Durga. To secure the grace of the Lord, you must cultivate purity of the heart, purity in speech and purity in action. This triple purity is described in Vedantic parlance as ‘Tripurasundari’. Observe Navratri to get rid of the darkness within you, by cultivating the triple purity of thought, word and deed. On this sacred occasion of Navarathri, you must also revere Nature. Natural resources like water, air, power and minerals must be used economically, without misuse, abuse or waste.

– Divine Discourse, Sep 27, 1992.