Navratri is one of the most celebrated and spiritually uplifting festivals in India, dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. Each day of Navratri is devoted to a different avatar of Maa Durga, and worshipping her with purity, devotion, and proper rituals is believed to bring blessings, positivity, and divine protection.
But before we explore the nine forms of Durga, let us understand some important aspects of Navratri Puja, remedies, and traditions.
Essential Navratri Remedy
If you want to invite the blessings of Goddess Durga, one powerful remedy is to perform a special ritual every Friday until Diwali. Consistency in devotion and faith strengthens the divine connection and ensures positive energy in your life.
Idol, Picture, or Panna – What to Use in Navratri Puja?
During Navratri, many devotees wonder whether they should worship using a picture, an idol, or a symbolic panna.
- Picture: The simplest and most convenient option. A picture of Maa Durga is considered best for daily puja as it does not involve strict rules or complications.
- Idol: If you choose to keep an idol, there are specific rituals that must be followed. Traditionally, idols are worshipped with full rituals and later immersed (similar to Ganesh Visarjan). Hence, if one cannot perform all rituals, it is better to avoid idols.
- Panna (Sacred Symbol/Cloth): In many traditions, families place a panna dedicated to their Kuldevi (family goddess). Offerings such as kachchi lapasi or pakki lapasi are made to the Kuldevi during Navratri. If you know your Kuldevi, you can prepare and place her symbolic representation on the panna and perform her puja with devotion.
Thus, for general Navratri puja, a picture is the best and most convenient option.
The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga and Their Significance
- Shailputri – Daughter of the Himalayas, representing strength and devotion. Worshipping her removes physical and mental troubles.
- Brahmacharini – The form of Durga who practiced severe penance. She signifies discipline, wisdom, and devotion.
- Chandraghanta – Known for her bravery and grace, she blesses devotees with courage and fearlessness.
- Kushmanda – The creator of the universe, worshipping her brings health, wealth, and prosperity.
- Skandamata – Mother of Kartikeya, she symbolizes motherhood, compassion, and protection.
- Katyayani – Fierce warrior form of Durga who destroys evil forces. She blesses devotees with strength and justice.
- Kalaratri – Dark and powerful, she destroys demons and negative energies. She represents courage in the darkest times.
- Mahagauri – Pure and serene, she symbolizes peace, purity, and forgiveness.
- Siddhidatri – The giver of supernatural powers and blessings, she fulfills spiritual aspirations and grants success.
Ashtami Puja vs Navami Puja – What’s the Difference?
Some families celebrate Ashtami Puja (8th day), while others perform Navami Puja (9th day). The difference lies in family traditions:
- In some families, the Ramayan Path (recital) or other rituals conclude on the 8th day, so they celebrate Ashtami as the main puja day.
- In others, the rituals continue till the 9th day, making Navami the primary day of worship, including havan (fire ritual).
This is not about right or wrong, it depends entirely on your family tradition and the practices followed by your ancestors. For example, in some households, Ashtami has been observed for generations, while in others, Navami has always been the chosen day. Both are equally auspicious.
Kanya Pujan – The Right Way to Worship the Divine Feminine
One of the most important rituals of Navratri is Kanya Pujan, worshipping young girls as the embodiment of Goddess Durga.
Here’s the correct way to perform it:
- Invite in Advance – The girls (preferably 9) should be invited a day before.
- Welcoming the Kanyas – On their arrival, offer them a red chunri (scarf/dupatta).
- Washing the Feet – At the entrance, wash their feet with respect, apply tilak on their forehead, and welcome them warmly.
- Seating Arrangement – Make them sit on a clean, sacred spot prepared for puja.
- Serving Food – Prepare food with purity and devotion (by mothers or elder women in the family). First offer it as bhog to Maa Durga, and then serve the girls.
- Offering Gifts – Along with food, give them a gift as per your devotion. This can include fruits, clothes, toys, or traditional shringar (cosmetic) items.
Worshipping nine girls is considered most auspicious, but if that’s not possible, you can also worship fewer with full devotion.
Vijayadashami (Dussehra) – The Tenth Day
The tenth day, Vijayadashami, marks the victory of good over evil:
- Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura.
- Lord Rama defeated Ravana.
- This day symbolizes triumph, courage, and the positive energy gained from the nine days of devotion.
Vijayadashami reminds us to overcome negativity and embrace divine purity and righteousness.
Final Thoughts
Navratri is not just a festival; it is a spiritual journey of devotion, purity, and inner transformation. Whether you worship with a picture, panna, or idol, the most important element is faith and devotion.
By following your family traditions, performing Ashtami or Navami puja with sincerity, and worshipping young girls as the divine feminine, you invite blessings, prosperity, and peace into your life.
May Maa Durga shower her divine energy upon you this Navratri.
Note: These insights are the personal views of Arpita Trivedi, who joined us as a special guest on our podcast.
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