The sacred, ceremonial worship of the Goddess (the universal creative power, the divine Mother) takes place throughout India twice each year.

The ancient rites are conducted by Brahmin priests over nine nights (Nav = nine;  ratra = night) and comprise Havan (fire worship), poojas to the Goddess in three of her forms - Durga (the destroyer of spiritual ignorance), Lakshmi (the bestower of spiritual wealth) and Saraswati (the bestower of spiritual knowledge), chanting of the names of the Goddess (Lalita Sahasranam) and recitation of the story of  Her glory, wonder and might (Chandi Path).

Sharad Navratra traditionally begins on the first day following the October new moon. This year, the new moon arrived most auspiciously on Gurudev's 40th birthday, October 6. The worship of the Goddess began October 7, concluding October 15 with the Dashhara celebrations (ritually commemorating the glorious victory of the Goddess over the forces of darkness – the great demons known as Mind and Ego).

Below is a pictorial account of the celebrations.

Devayani performs pooja to the revered saint Mahamandaleshwar Swami Brahmanandji, then to Swami Gopalanandji and Swami Gitanandji who joined Gurudev and devotees for the two-week celebrations.

Gurudev's father receives the blessings of Swami Brahmanandji.

Early morning chanting of the Guru Gita in the Pancha Dev Mandir (Temple of the 5 Deities) during the celebrations.

Gurudev's Sanskrit students, Krishna and Naveen, chanting mantras with other students in the
Pancha Dev Mandir.

Chanting of  Chandi Path (Durga Saptahshati).

 Gurudev leading evening chanting.

Couples and Brahmin priests performing the fire ritual with Sanskrit mantras and offerings.

Women devotees preparing lunch during one of the nine days of  the Goddess worship (Navratra).

 Devotees preparing for Lakshmi pooja.

 Waving lights during Lakshmi pooja.

Gurudev making offerings to the fire on the eighth day (Ashtami) of Sharad Navratra.

Gurudev making offerings to the fire on the eighth day (Ashtami) of Sharad Navratra.

 Couples making offerings to the sacred fire (Havan) during the victorious 10th day (Dashhara).

Couples with Gurudev and saints following the successful completion of the sacred Havan.

Couple performing Kanya Pooja, the worship of three young girls as forms of the Goddess.

Couple and young girls with Gurudev and revered saints at the end of the Kanya Pooja.

Madan Gopal Sharma and his wife after Dampatti Pooja was offered to them take blessings.

Padma performing aarti on Dashhara.