Navratri Pooja

Worshipping the Nine Forms of Goddess Durga

Materials Required

  • Idol or Picture of Goddess Durga
  • Kalash (Copper/Earthen pot)
  • Coconut & Mango Leaves
  • Red Cloth (Chunri)
  • Barley seeds (Jawara) & Soil
  • Flowers (Hibiscus/Rose)
  • Fruits & Sweets
  • Incense, Lamp (Diya), Ghee
  • Roli, Kumkum, Akshat (Rice)

Ghatasthapana (Day 1)

1. Sow Barley: Fill a wide earthen pot with soil and sow barley seeds. This symbolizes growth and prosperity.

2. Kalash Sthapana: Fill the Kalash with water, put a coin, betel nut, and some rice in it. Place mango leaves at the mouth and top it with a coconut wrapped in red cloth.

3. Invocation: Place the Kalash on the barley pot or near the idol. Invoke Goddess Durga and request her to reside in your home for the 9 days.

The 9 Days of Worship

Day 1: Maa Shailaputri

Daughter of the Mountains. Embodiment of the collective power of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.

Mantra: "Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah"

Day 2: Maa Brahmacharini

The ascetic form of the Goddess. She bestows wisdom and knowledge.

Mantra: "Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah"

Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta

She has a half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead. She destroys evil and demons.

Mantra: "Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah"

Day 4: Maa Kushmanda

The creator of the universe. She resides inside the sun.

Mantra: "Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah"

Day 5: Maa Skandamata

Mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya). She represents motherly love and power.

Mantra: "Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah"

Day 6: Maa Katyayani

The warrior goddess who slew the demon Mahishasura.

Mantra: "Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah"

Day 7: Maa Kalaratri

The fiercest form of the Goddess. She destroys ignorance and darkness.

Mantra: "Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah"

Day 8: Maa Mahagauri

The symbol of purity and serenity. Worshipped on Ashtami.

Mantra: "Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah"

Day 9: Maa Siddhidatri

The giver of supernatural powers (Siddhis). Worshipped on Navami.

Mantra: "Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah"

Conclusion (Kanya Pujan)

On Ashtami or Navami, invite young girls (representing the Goddess) to your home. Wash their feet, offer them food (Halwa, Puri, Chana), and give them gifts.