What are the Significance and Rituals of Durga Puja and Navratri festivals? Know Significance, Rituals, Facts, Celebrations and Much More...!!

 Abstract: Goddess Durga Maa and Navratri

Goddess Durga - an embodiment of power and strength is worshipped by devotees with immense faith. She is believed to be a divine mother who protects her children from evil spirits of jealousy, selfishness, ego, anger, and hatred. Called by myriad names, she is a multi-dimensional Goddess who destroyed Mahishasura as Shakti or Mahishasurdamini. As Goddess Parvati, she looks serene and calm. As Kali, she is furry Goddess who turns black as night. As sati, she is worshipped as the dearest daughter of King Daksha and Queen Meneka. She is the mother of the entire universe who cares and nurtures mankind. Goddess Durga, through all her divine forms manifest sacrifice, salvation, knowledge, beauty, and wealth. Durga is a symbol of life and strength.

Origin of Goddess Durga Maa

As per mythology, through a long year meditation, Mahishasura, the king of demons was granted a boon by Lord Shiva that neither a man nor a deva would be able to kill him; only a woman would have the power to kill the demon. As he earned the invincible strength, he began to terrorize the whole universe. The demon fought with Lord Indra and defeated him in the battle. The devas, finding no place to live, took refuge of Lord Brahma. Brahma took them to Lord Shiva and Vishnu in order to come up with a solution to kill the demon. Later, it was decided to create a powerful woman with all the powers to defeat Mahishasura. An intense light emerged from all gods and thus evolved Goddess Durga. She appeared as a divine form and slayed the demon Mahishasura.

The Ten Arms of Goddess Durga:

The ten arms of Devi represent ten directions or eight quadrants as per Hinduism. This means that she protects humanity from all ten directions.

Lion - Her Vehicle:

The vehicle of Goddess Durga represents will, strength, and determination. Devi, riding a lion showcases her victory over each quality.

The Three Eyes of Maa Durga:

She is also named as ‘Triyambake’ like Shiva. The right eye signifies action (sun), left eye means desire (moon), and the central eye represents knowledge he bow and arrows in the hands of Devi represent energy.

The left eye represents desire (chandra – the moon), the right eye represents action (surya – the sun), and the central eye knowledge (agni – fire).

Conch Shell:

It represents ‘Pranava’ or the word ‘Om’, which signifies that she holds the Lord in form of sound.

Lotus:

It signifies certainty of success but not finalized. In Sanskrit, lotus means Pankaj that means the birth of mud.

Now let's know the Nine Days Navratri and different forms of Maa Durga

Keywords:

Navratri, Durga Maa, Festival, Rituals, Significance, Good, Culture

Learning Outcomes 

After undergoing this article you will be able to understand the following

1. What's Durga Puja? 

2. What's Navratri?

3. What's the significance of Navratri?

4. What are the day 1 to Day 9 forms of worship?

5. Puja Calendar 

6. Conclusions

0. Introduction 

Navaratri is a vibrant festival of nine nights celebrated in the most flamboyant manner all around India. The nine nights of traditional dancing complemented with glamorous ethnic wear makes Navaratri the most awaited celebration of the year. But amidst celebrating the festival, did it ever occur to you - why we wear certain colours on a specific day? What does it signify? Why is Navratri festival celebrated for nine days?

1. What's Durga Puja?

As per Hindu scriptures, the festival marks the victory of goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shifting asura, Mahishasura. Thus, the festival epitomizes the victory of good over evil, though it is also in part a harvest festival celebrating the goddess as the motherly power behind all of life and creation.

Goddess Durga is associated with protection, strength, motherhood, destruction, and wars. Durga's legend centres around combating evils and demonic forces that threaten peace, prosperity, and dharma, representing the power of good over evil.

2. What's Navratri?

Navratri, also known as Shardiya Navratri, is a nine-day festival dedicated to honouring Goddess Durga in her nine divine forms. This vibrant celebration holds deep historical and spiritual significance for millions of devotees.

3. What's the significance of Navratri?

To understand the significance you have to understand the facts associated with Navratri.

Let's explore each one of them

Facts about Navratri Festival

# Devotees worship nine forms of goddess Shakti to get the divine blessings of Maa Durga. 

# During nine days and nine nights, goddess fought with demon Mahishasur and killed him on the tenth day. These nine sacred days represent the nine days of Navratri. 

# During these nine sacred days, people perform worship, do fasting, kanyak puja and participate in jagrans.

4. What are the day 1 to Day 9 forms of worship?

As there are nine auspicious days, nine sacred nights and nine divine goddess, we are enlightening information on nine interesting facts about Navratri. Below mentioned, amazing nine Navratri facts can familiarise you well with all the aspects of Navratri festival.

1 - Navratri festival is celebrated “Four Times” in a year, i.e. Sharad Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Ashada Navratri and Magh Navratri.

2 - Navratri Dates have been set according to Hindu Lunar Calendar.

3 - The most popular Navratri is Sharad Navratri which is celebrated in the month of Ashwin (September or October). Sharad Navratri is also known as Maha Navratri.

4 - Nine incarnations of goddess Shakti are worshipped during Navratri. Nine goddess names are, Durga, Bhadrakali, Jagadamba, Annapurna, Sarvamangala, Bhairavi, Chandika, Lalita, Bhavani, and Mookambika.

Let's explore day wise significance and rituals of Navratri

Day 1: 

First Day of Navratri - Maa Shailputri

The first day of Navratri is the day to worship goddess “Shailputri” one of the nine forms of goddess. The first day of navratri starts with Ghatasthapna, which means that the followers are required sow the seeds of grains in a clay pot that signifies the presence of Goddess Durga in home. The person, who had taken initiative to sow the seed, is required to take care of it twice daily by sprinkling water for growth purpose.

On the 1st day of navratri, lots of rituals have been performed which starts with Ghat Sthapana Puja, Akhand Jyot Sthapana, offering flowers and other sringar items, offering coconut & invoking goddess, offering bhog and water etc. Then get carried away by singing aarti and bhajan, chanting mantras, praying goddess Shailputri and donating (daan) items.

About Goddess Shailputri:

The meaning of "Shailputri" is, Shail means the Mountain and the Putri means the Daughter of Mountain. Well, Goddess Shailputri was the daughter of Himavan (a Mountain Range). She was the younger sister of Goddess Ganga, who has been brought to Earth by King Bhagirath. Talking about her lifestyle, she was fascinated with the idol of Lord Shiva and worshipped it devotedly to win the love of the Lord. On this auspicious day, the devotees tend to wear yellow color as a symbol of ultimate devotion to the Goddess.

The worshipped deity, Goddess Shailputri, is said to wear grey colored saree and holds a Lotus flower in one hand; while, waving other hand for giving blessings. Seated on a bull named Nandi, she happens to preach peace by warning off the evils from the world. A deity so pious and so beautiful, Shailputri always made sure that justice was served. By awakening spiritualism in a person, the Goddess enlightens the soul of her devotees.

Day 2

Second Day of Navratri - Maa Brahmacharini

On the second day of Navratri festival, the devotees worship goddess Brahmacharni, who is one of the nine forms of goddess Durga. This day is meant to signify the pinnacle of piousness. The goddess Brahmacharni wears white saree with light orange shaded border, holding Kamandal or water pot in one hand and Rosary in the other. The persons who worship Maa Brahmacharni with full devotion, do fast and chant mantras during second day, blessed with success, wisdom and knowledge.

Second Day of Navratri Rituals:

On the second day of Navratri, the devotees are said to wear white color for displaying their affection to the Goddess. It is believed that the Goddess Brahmacharni happens to enlighten the decent forms of tremendous power, divine nature and spiritualism. The excellent aspect of this day is that Goddess Brahmacharni invokes the feeling of undergoing hardship to achieve goodness in life. In fact, the lesson is that the path of truth is attained on following the act of penance. Certainly, it is an important day of Navratri festival, which should be started with Puja and reading second chapter of Durga Shaptashathi.

On the second day, devotees should give bath to goddess with milk, curd and after that offer flowers, rice and Kumkum to her. After bathing goddess, devotees put lotus garland and rose flowers over the photo or idol of the goddess and perform the aarti with Diya filled with ghee and chanting mantras. Then the persons offered Prasada like Elaichi or Mishri or Nuts. This is considered to be the main prasada on Dwitiya day of Navratri and is further distributed to the people in family. Well, it is also essential for the devotees to keep fast on these 9 days to get the blessing of Goddess.

Day 3

Third Day of Navratri - Maa Chandraghanta

The third day of Navratri is dedicated to goddess Chandraghanta Maa, one of the nine incarnations of goddess Durga. She has “Half Moon” on her forehead, as the shape of bell (Ghanta) that is why she is called by the name Chandraghanta Devi. Third day of navratri’s goddess, Chandraghanta’s form is very beautiful, mesmerizing, blissful and peaceful. Chandraghanta Maa wears the white attire and the tiger or lion is her vehicle. Maa Chandraghanta has three eyes and ten hands. She holds the Lotus flower, Arrow, Bow and Jaap Mala in her right hand and the fifth hand is in the “Abhaya Mudra” pose. She holds the Trishul, Gada, Sword and Kamandal in her left hand and the fifth hand is in the pose of “Varada Mudra”.

Third Day of Navratri Rituals:

On the third day of navratri, devotees need to follow many rituals and worships, which include worship of all the Gods & Goddess including sacred Kalash of navratri, which has been put on the first day of navratri puja by the devotees. After this, a special worship Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya and Goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi, jaya and Vijaya, which are the family members of goddess Durga. After marrying Lord Shiva, Mahagauri started ornamenting half Chandra on her forehead. Due to this reason, Goddess Parvati is known as Chandraghanta. Chandraghanta Maa represents the peace, strength and bravery.

Day 4

Fourth Day of Navratri - Maa Kushmanda

On the fourth day of Navratri puja, the devotees worship Goddess Kushmanda who is the one form of the nine incarnations of goddess Durga. The other famous names of Kushmanda Maa are “Adishakti”, “Adiswarup” and “Ashtabhuja Devi or Ashtabhujadhari Devi” goddess around the world. According to Hindu mythology, it is said, that when lord Vishnu was starting to create the universe goddess Kushmanda smiled and move forward thus the whole universe come into existence. There was perpetual darkness all around and no existence of anything then she created the whole universe with her divine smile. Fourth day of navratri puja is performed like another days, where Kalash and lord ganesha is worshipped after that Kushmanda devi is worshipped by the devotees. After worshipping Kushmanda, devotees should worship lord Shiva and Brahma on the fourth day.

About Kushmanda Maa:

She has the radiant and bright face while body has golden complexion. She rides the lion. She has eight hands, in which, she holds the weapons and blessed the devotees. In the right four hands, she holds Kamandalu, Dhanush (Bow), Arrow and Lotus while in left four hands, she holds a jar of nectar (Amrit), Rosary (Japmala), Gada and Chakra. Through holding the rosary in her hand, she blesses the devotees with Ashtasiddhis (Wisdom) and Navniddhis (Wealth). She controls the Surya Loka so it is believed that she provides the energy to Sun.

Goddess Kushmanda listens to everyone’s wishes and full-fill all the wishes of the devotees. The devotees who worship Maa Kushmanda with huge devotion and follow all the rituals, she blesses them with health, wealth and deep peace. She removes all the troubles and sorrow from the devotee life. There is one advice to all the devotees that they should perform Gooddes Kushmanda puja with calmness, purity and full dedication. Worshipping with contaminated heart or mind can make the goddess angry.

Day 5

Fifth Day of Navratri - Goddess Skandmata

On the fifth day of the Navratri festival, Goddess Skandmata is worshipped who is the fifth incarnations of goddess Durga. She is the mother of Skanda Kumar (lord Kartikeya) who is the brother of lord Ganesha. Lord Kartikeya was the commander in chief against the war of demons. Skandmata is the daughter of Himalaya and wife of the lord Shiva. The navratri fifth day puja’s rituals are the same as it is on other days.

The other names of Skandmata are Mata Gauri, Uma, Parvati, Padamasana Devi and Maheswari. Here are the reasons why she is called by these names. She is the mother of Skanda Kumar so she is known as Skandmata. She has the Gaur Varana so the name Mata Gauri comes. She is the daughter of king of mountains so she is known as Parvati. Being seated on the lotus in state of meditation, she is called by the name Padamasana devi. She married to lord Mahadev hence called with the name Maheswari.

About Skanda Mata:

Skand Mata has bright complexion, have four hands and three eyes and rides the roaring lion. In her upper two hands, she carries lotus flower while in below right hand, she holds Skanda Kumar (six faced) in his infant form or baby Murgan in her lap. Lord Kartikeya is also known as lord Murgan or Skanda Kumar. The fourth hand, below left hand is in Abhaya Mudra for blessing the devotees. She is often depicted seated on a lotus flower in the idol that is why she is also called Devi Padmasana. The fifth day of navratri or Devi Skandmata is a symbol of mother-son relationship. On Navrtri fifth day, the Devotees who worship Lord Skanda Mata with huge devotion and pure mind/soul blessed with love and affection.

Day 6

Sixth Day of Navratri - Goddess Katyayani

On the sixth day of navratri, Goddess Katyayani is worshipped all over the world. Devi Katyayani is the sixth manifestation among Navdurga. According to Hindu mythology, there was a sage named Katyayana who had a wish that Goddess Durga take the birth as his daughter at his home so he performed the hard penance to please the God. After years of hard penance, God accepted his wish and Goddess Durga was born to sage Katyayana’s Home on Dakshin Krishna Chaturdashi that is why she is known by the name of Katyayani in all over the world. To protect the Devas, Devi Katyayani leads the war from the side of the Gods. When demon Mahishasur crossed all the limits then she killed the demon Mahishasur and freed all the Gods from the torment of Asuras. Goddess Katyayani is one of the violent Devi in the nine goddess of navrati. At the same time, she shows mercy upon devotees and blessed the devotees with affection and full-fill all their true wishes.

About Maa Katyayani:

Navratri sixth day’s goddess, Maa Katyayani is dressed in pink attire and wearing white rosary in her neck. She has four arms and three eyes and lion is her procession. In her upper left hand, she holds the weapon Sword while Lotus Flower in the lower left hand. The right upper hand is in Abhaymudra pose while lower right hand is in Varmudra.

The girls, who worshipped Maa Katyani on the sixth day of Navratri puja are blessed with desired husband as they wish and all other wishes also has been full filled. If a lady’s marriage is getting late or there is any other trouble then she should worship and do fast to confiscate all the hurdles and problems from her life. The devotees, who worship goddess with huge devotion, faith and with pure mind lead to accomplishment of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.

Day 7

Seventh Day of Navratri - Kalaratri Maa

As the navratri festivities reach to seventh day of navratri puja, devotees soak into religious activities and in goddess’s Bhakti. Goddess Kalaratri is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri pooja who is the seventh incarnation of Goddess Durga among Navdurga. It is believed that she is the most violent goddess among nine goddess of navratri. She kills the Asuras and demons before the blink of eye. Devotees should not scare with her appearance as she blesses devotees with power and renowned status and protect them with all bad evils. She is known with the other names “Shubhankari” and “Kali Maa”.

About Goddess Kalratri:

Goddess Kalratri has dark (black) complexion as dark night, tangled hair and her appearance is very fearsome. Her open hair always waves in the air, huge red eyes and open red tongue make a ferocious posture. When she breathes, dreadful flames originated from her nostrils. She is seated on a Gadarbh (Donkey). She has four hands and three eyes, which shine as red & bright with intense. In her upper left hand, she holds a cleaver (thorn of iron) while in below left hand there is a dragger (torch) in her hand. Upper right hand is in Var Mudra (blessing) while lower one is in Abhay Mudra (Protecting).

Seventh night of navratri has special significance because seventh day of navratri puja is made to awake the powers and attain siddhis. Rest of the Pooja rituals are same as devotees perform on all other days by worshipping Kalash and planets then all the family member of God and Goddess then Goddess Kalratri (Kali Maa).

Day 8

Eight Day of Navratri - Maa Mahagauri

Eighth day of navratri puja is also known as Maha Pooja during Navratri. The eight day of Navratri or Ashtami is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri, who is the eighth Avatar of nine goddess. She is the wife of lord Shiva. Her name denotes, why she is called by the name Mahagauri, “Maha” means extreme or great and “Gauri” means white complexion. She has the extreme white complexion like moon or snow. Goddess Mahagauri has other names also which are Shwetambardhara, Vrisharudha, Chaturbhuji and Shambhavi. The reasons behind these names are, she dressed white cloths so called as “Shwetambardhara”, rides the bull so known as “Vrisharudha” and have four hands so knows as “Chaturbhuji”.

About Godess Maha Gauri:

She is extremely beautiful and have fair (White as snow) complexion. Devi Mahagauri’s procession (Sawari) is white bull (vrishabha), dressed white cloths or green cloths and adorned white ornaments. She is portrayed with three eyes and four hands. In her lower right hand, she holds a trident (Trishul) while upper right hand is in the form of allaying fear. Her left upper hand holds a Damaru while lower left hand is in the pose of blessing to devotees. She is the symbol of purity, calmness and tranquillity and represents the wisdom. She has the power to turn impossible things into possible.

Day 9

Ninth Day of Navratri - Goddess Siddhidatri

Ninth day of Navratri is the last day of navratri Puja. This day is dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri who is the ninth incarnations of goddess Durga. She offers all type of Siddhis (Perfection) to the devotees so she is known as Siddhidatri Maa. Other name of Maa Siddhidatri is Goddess Lakshmi who represents the wealth, happiness and success. 9th avatar of Goddess Durga, Maa Siddhidatri is worshipped by Siddha, Gandharva, Asura, Deva and Yaksha. According to Markandeya Purana, there are eight types of Siddhis, which are Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Ishitwa and Vashitva. By worshipping with full devotion and pure heart, devotees can achieve all these Siddhis as the blessings of Maa Siddhidatri.

About Goddess Siddhidatri:

Siddhidatri Maa sits on a lotus flower while her procession is lion. She dresses the red cloths and has four hands. In her lower left hand, she holds a lotus flower while a Shankha is in the upper left hand. She has the Chakra in the upper right hand while a bludgeon (Gada) is in the lower right hand.

According to Hindu mythology, legend says that lord Shiva worshipped Goddess Maha Shakti to get all the Siddhis as blessings. With the gratitude of Goddess Siddhidatri, Lord Shiva attains the half body of Goddess Shakti that is why lord Shiva is also known as “Ardhanarishvara”.

5. Puja Calendar of Navratri

The word 'Navratri' literally means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, and it is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga and her nine avatars - Durga, Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Maha Gauri, and Siddhidatri being worshipped. During Navratri, different types of religious programs are organised across the country.

According to Drik Panchang, Sharadiya Navratri will begin on October 15 and end on October 24 with Durga Visarjan and Vijaydashami, also known as Dussehra. This is why Shardiya Navratri starts on October 15 on Uday Tithi.

Shardiya Navratri 2023 Calender:

October 15 - Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja

October 16 - Brahmacharini Puja

October 17 - Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja

October 18 - Kushmanda Puja,Vinayak Chaturthi

October 19 - Skandamata Puja

October 20 - Katyayani Puja

October 21 - Saraswati Puja, Kalratri Puja (Saptami)

October 22 - Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja

October 23 - Maha Navami

October 24 - Navratri Parana (fast breaking), Durga Visarjan and Vijayadashami

6. Conclusions:

Navratri is celebrated in all the parts of the India, it is either North India or South India or East India. In other states of India, it is known by some other name. This is so huge festival that it is celebrated in other countries also, like in Singapore, Malaysia, US, Canada, Australia and UK etc. Every state of India shows some different cultures, activities and facts on Navratri.

Below mentioned, amazing nine Navratri facts can familiarise you well with all the aspects of Navratri festival.

1. Navaratri is a sanskrit word meaning nine nights. NAVA means Nine and Ratri means Night.

2. Did you know Navaratri is celebrated five times a year, and it is always celebrated nine days at a time. The months of celebration include March/April, June/July, September/October, December/January and January/February. The Navratri currently being celebrated is known as Sharad Navratri also Known as MAHA NAVRATRI (The Great Navratri). Each Navratri celebrates the Hindu Goddesses.

3. Navratri also celebrates the welcoming of Spring and Autumn.

4. Shakti or Feminine power is celebrated or Worshipped During the Sacred time of Navratri. This includes, but is not limited to major Hindu Goddesses, such as DURGA or KALI.

5. The end of the SHARAD NAVRATRI or the Tenth day, marks Dussehra, Dussehra is Celebrated as the day Lord RAMA defeated the demon king RAVANA in lanka, which is described in detail in the Hindu Epic Ramayana. Dussehra is celebrated across the globe by setting up Extremely Large figurines of ravanas and his brother Kubhakarna and Indrajeet on Fire. This is to depict the win of good over evil.

6. Diwali is celebrated twenty days after marking the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya.

7. The Forms of Shakti worshipped During Navratri are : Durga, Bhadrakali, Amba, Annapoorna, Sarvamangala, Bhairavi, Chandika, Lalita, Bhavani, and Mookanbika.

8. In Gujrat and MUMBAI extravagant garba and Dandiya celebrations mark the nine days of Navratri.

9. In Eastern India, Navratri is marked with the celebration of Durga Puja. This is celebrated to denote the slaying of the Demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga. It too signifies the win of Good over Evil.

Shubho Bijoya !!!