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Chaitra Navratri

Durga Maa

  • Puja vidhi
  • 6 Wishes to send
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Chaitra Navratri

Why it is celebrated

Chaitra Navratri runs from Chaitra Shukla Pratipada to Navami, in spring. Over these nine days the nine forms of Maa Durga are worshipped. The Hindu New Year begins on the first day, and the ninth day is Ram Navami, the birthday of Shri Ram.

The story

The nine forms of Navratri are like one complete story of the Mother.

On the first day Maa Shailputri is worshipped. Sati ji was born again as the daughter of Himalaya, king of the mountains, so she was called Shailputri. On the second day comes Maa Brahmacharini, who did hard tapasya for years to win Shiv ji. On the third day comes Maa Chandraghanta, who wears a half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead.

On the fourth day comes Maa Kushmanda, whose gentle smile is believed to have begun creation. On the fifth day comes Skandmata, with little Kartikeya on her lap. On the sixth day comes Maa Katyayani, who appeared at the ashram of Rishi Katyayan.

On the seventh day comes Maa Kalratri: fierce to look at, she takes away her devotees' fear and is also called Shubhankari, 'the one who does good'. On the eighth day comes Maa Mahagauri, whose form became calm and radiant after her long tapasya. On the ninth day comes Maa Siddhidatri, who blesses devotees with wisdom and perfection.

So, over nine days, the Mother appears as a daughter, as a tapasvini, as a mother and as a protector.

Puja vidhi

  1. On the first day, set up the kalash at the auspicious time and sow barley in a clay pot.
  2. Light a ghee lamp before Maa; in many homes an akhand jyot burns for all nine days.
  3. Each day, worship that day's form: offer flowers, roli, rice, incense, a lamp and bhog.
  4. Read the Durga Saptashati, the Durga Chalisa or a Devi mantra, and do the aarti morning and evening.
  5. Fast as your health and faith allow: all nine days, or the first and last day.
  6. On Ashtami or Navami, do kanya pujan: wash the feet of little girls, put a tilak, feed them and give them gifts.
  7. On Navami, do the Ram Navami puja, complete the vrat with a havan, and immerse the sprouted barley (jaware).

Food

Kuttu, singhara, sabudana and samak rice during the fast; halwa, puri and black chana for kanya pujan.

Wishes to send

  • Warm wishes on Chaitra Navratri! May the nine forms of Maa Durga fill your life with strength, peace and joy.

  • Jai Mata Di! The new year and Navratri have come together; may your home be filled with new hope and new light.

  • The kalash is set, the barley sprouts, the lamp is lit: may Maa Ambe come to your home. Happy Navratri!

  • Nine days, nine forms, one Mother. Countless pranams to Maa Bhagwati this Chaitra Navratri.

  • From Maa Shailputri to Maa Siddhidatri, may Maa's blessings be with you every single day.

  • Navratri begins with Maa and ends with the birth of Ram ji. Best wishes to you and your family.

For your status

  • Jai Mata Di.

  • Nine days, nine forms, one Mother.

  • The kalash is set, the lamp is lit, Navratri is here.

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