Hindi Bhajan

Navratri, one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India, is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine different forms. Furthermore, celebrated over nine nights, this festival signifies the victory of good over evil, and it is a time for devotees to seek blessings, health, prosperity, and happiness. So, Navratri 2024 will begin on October 3 and conclude on October 12, culminating in Dussehra or Vijayadashami.

This guide provides detailed instructions for conducting the Navratri Puja with devotion and precision, ensuring one understands the significance of each day’s rituals.

The Significance of Navratri:

Navratri (meaning ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit) is celebrated twice a year — once in the spring (Chaitra Navratri) and once in the autumn (Sharad Navratri). Moreover, the autumn celebration, which is the more popular one, is associated with the battle of Goddess Durga against the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. Therefore, each of the nine days is dedicated to one of the nine avatars of the goddess, known as Navadurga.

These nine forms are:

  • Shailputri 
  • Brahmacharini 
  • Chandraghanta 
  • Kushmanda 
  • Skandamata 
  • Katyayani 
  • Kaalratri 
  • Mahagauri 
  • Siddhidatri 

The festival involves fasting, worship, and reverence for the feminine divine energy (Shakti) that resides in every being.

Preparation for Navratri 2024 Puja:

1. Cleanse the Home-

Before the start of Navratri, it is important to thoroughly clean your home, particularly the area where you will set up the temple or altar. Therefore, cleanliness invites positive energy and ensures that Goddess Durga feels welcomed.

2. Set Up the Altar-

  • Place an idol or picture of Goddess Durga on a clean and decorated platform.
  • Decorate the altar with fresh flowers, a garland, incense sticks, and diyas (lamps).

3. Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana)-

Kalash Sthapana marks the beginning of Navratri and should be performed on the first day, during a specific muhurat (auspicious time). Also, the kalash is considered a symbol of Goddess Durga’s presence, and invoking the deity into the kalash is the first step of the ritual.

Items Needed for Ghatasthapana:

Gather the following items for performing Ghatasthapana:

  • A wide clay pot for sowing Sapta Dhanya (seven different grains)
  • Clean soil for sowing
  • The seeds of seven distinct grains, or Sapta Dhanya
  • A small clay or brass pitcher
  • Ganga Jal to fill the Kalash
  • A sacred thread (Moli/Kalaya)
  • Scent (perfume)
  • Supari (betel nuts)
  • Coins to place in the Kalash
  • Five leaves of Ashoka or Mango tree
  • A lid to cover the Kalash
  • Unbroken rice (Akshat) to place on the lid
  • Unpeeled coconut wrapped in red cloth
  • Flowers and garlands (preferably marigolds)
  • Durva (grass)

Preparation for Ghatasthapana:

The preparation of the Kalash is a significant step before invoking the Goddess. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Preparing the Soil and Grains-

  • Take a wide clay pot for the Kalash. Layer clean soil at the bottom then spread Sapta Dhanya evenly. Also, add layers of soil and grains, placing grains at the edges. Repeat for three layers, finishing with soil. Add water if needed.

Step 2: Preparing the Kalash-

  • Secure the holy thread around the Kalash’s neck. Fill the kalash with holy water, ensuring it is filled to the neck. Further, add the Supari, scent, Durva grass, Akshat, and coins into the water. Before covering the kalash, place the five leaves of the Ashoka tree at the edge.

Step 3: Wrapping the Coconut-

  • Take the unpeeled coconut and wrap it in the red cloth, fastening it with the sacred thread.

Step 4: Assembling the Kalash-

  • Place the wrapped coconut on top of the Kalash prepared in the previous steps.

Step 5: Final Setup-

  • Position the Kalash in the center of the pot filled with grains. This is when the Kalash is prepared to call forth Goddess Durga.

Invocation of Goddess Durga:

After preparing the Kalash, you can now invoke Goddess Durga. So, this step involves requesting her to accept your prayers and bless you by residing in the Kalash for the next nine days.

To perform this invocation:

  • Sit in front of the Kalash and focus your mind on the goddess.
  • Pray for her and recite mantras in her honor.
  • Request her blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual growth.

Daily Rituals and Puja Vidhi:

  • Day 1 – Pratipada (Goddess Shailputri)-

The first day of Navratri 2024 marks the worship of Goddess Shailputri, symbolizing the start of spiritual awakening. Lalso, devotees light the Akhand Jyoti (eternal flame) that burns throughout the nine days.

Puja Steps: Chant Durga Mantras invoke her presence, offer flowers and sweets, and conclude with a bhog of cow ghee for good health.

  • Day 2 – Dwitiya (Goddess Brahmacharini)-

Worshipping Brahmacharini emphasizes penance and spiritual wisdom. Therefore, this day encourages fasting and simplicity.

Puja Steps: Offer white flowers, chant her mantras, and present a bhog of sugar or jaggery to seek her blessings for strength.

  • Day 3 – Tritiya (Goddess Chandraghanta)-

Goddess Chandraghanta represents bravery and battles against evil.

Puja Steps: Offer red flowers and fruits, chant her mantras, and serve kheer (rice pudding) as bhog for harmony.

  • Day 4 – Chaturthi (Goddess Kushmanda)-

Kushmanda is believed to be the creator of the universe, her smile illuminating the world.

Puja Steps: Offer fresh flowers, chant her mantras, and provide Malpua as bhog for prosperity.

  • Day 5 – Panchami (Goddess Skandamata)-

Skandamata represents motherly love and nourishment.
Puja Steps: Light diyas, offer yellow flowers, and serve bananas as bhog for family harmony.

  • Day 6 – Shashti (Goddess Katyayani)-

Katyayani embodies valor and protection.

Puja Steps: Offer red flowers and sesame seeds, chant her mantras, and present honey as bhog for love.

  • Day 7 – Saptami (Goddess Kaalratri)-

Kaalratri removes ignorance and negativity.

Puja Steps: Offer blue or white flowers, light a mustard oil diya, and serve jaggery or sesame sweets as bhog.

  • Day 8 – Ashtami (Goddess Mahagauri)-

Mahagauri symbolizes purity and peace, with Kanya Pujan being significant.

Puja Steps: Offer jasmine flowers, perform Kanya Pujan, and provide coconut as bhog.

  • Day 9 – Navami (Goddess Siddhidatri)-

The final day is dedicated to Siddhidatri, who grants wisdom.

Puja Steps: Offer red flowers, perform a grand puja, and conclude with food donations as charity.

To Sum Up:

Navratri is a time for devotion, spiritual growth, and community celebration. By following the Navratri 2024 Puja Vidhi and performing the Ghatasthapana ritual with sincerity, you can create a sacred environment conducive to connecting with the divine. Further, as you celebrate this vibrant festival, may the blessings of Goddess Durga fill your life with joy, strength, and prosperity.

Embrace the spirit of Navratri (Durga Puja 2024) by immersing yourself in the rituals and traditions, and may this festive season bring you closer to the divine and enrich your life with positivity and peace.