Durga Ashtami & Navami Kanya Puja Rituals

Durga Ashtami & Navami Kanya Puja Rituals

Durga Ashtami (also called Mahashtami) and Navami are among the most sacred days during the nine-day Navratri festival. These days are dedicated to worshipping the divine feminine energy in her most powerful form—Goddess Durga. A key ritual performed on these days is the Kanya Puja, also known as Kumari Puja, which honors young girls as embodiments of the Goddess.

What is Kanya Puja?

Kanya Puja is a significant ritual that involves worshipping nine young girls, typically between the ages of 2 to 10. These girls represent the nine forms of Goddess Durga—called Navadurga. Sometimes, a young boy, called Batuk, is also included to represent Lord Bhairav, the protector of the Goddess.

Rituals of Kanya Puja (Performed on Ashtami or Navami)

1. Inviting the Kanyas
   The first step is to invite nine young girls from the neighborhood, relatives, or community. They should be treated with utmost respect and regarded as manifestations of the Goddess herself.
2. Washing Feet
   As a gesture of humility and reverence, the host washes the feet of each girl before they are seated for the puja.
3. Applying Tilak and Offering Flowers
   A red tilak is applied on their foreheads, and flower petals are offered at their feet. They are also given gifts like bangles, ribbons, or small toys.
4. Offering Bhog (Sacred Food)
   A traditional meal is served, usually consisting of poori, chana (black chickpeas), and halwa. This is considered the Goddess’s favorite food.
5. Giving Dakshina and Gifts
   After the meal, the girls are offered dakshina (money), clothes, or small presents as a token of gratitude and blessings.
6. Aarti and Blessings
   The ritual concludes with performing aarti for the girls and seeking their blessings, believing them to be forms of Devi Durga.

When is Kanya Puja Done?

• Ashtami (8th Day): Considered the most auspicious for Kanya Puja. Many devotees perform it on this day.
• Navami (9th Day): Some families choose this day, or perform it on both Ashtami and Navami for maximum spiritual benefit.

Significance of Kanya Puja

Kanya Puja emphasizes the divine power present in feminine energy, even in its youngest form. It is a reminder to respect, honor, and uplift women and girls in society. The ritual also symbolizes purity, innocence, and the unmanifested potential of Shakti (cosmic feminine force).

Final Thought

By performing Kanya Puja on Ashtami or Navami, devotees not only complete their Navratri sadhana but also invite immense spiritual blessings into their homes. It is a beautiful celebration of innocence, devotion, and the strength of the divine feminine.