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Navratri is a significant Hindu festival which is observed for 9 nights and 10 days. During Navratri, nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped.
As per Mahakala Samhita, there are four Navratri in Hindu calendar.
As per the religious text, the significance of each Navratri varies from Yuga to Yuga. In Satya Yuga Vasant Navratri during Chaitra lunar month becomes the most significant among all four Navratri. Similarly, in Treta Yuga Gupta Navratri during Ashadha lunar month, in Dvapara Yuga Gupta Navratri during Magha lunar month and in Kali Yuga Sharad Navratri during Ashwin lunar month becomes the most significant among all four Navratri.
During Sharadiya Navratri, Goddess Durga killed mighty demon Mahishasura. Different religious texts mention separate form of Goddess Durga who killed Mahishasura. As per Rambha Kalpa, Goddess Durga in the form of 18 handed Ugrachandi killed Mahishasura. However, as per Neelalohita Kalpa, 16 handed Bhadrakali killed Mahishasura and as per Shwetavaraha Kalpa 10 handed Katyayani killed Mahishasura.
However, most religious texts agree that it was demon Mahishasura who was killed by one of the ferocious forms of Goddess Durga. Hence, the victory of Goddess Durga over evil is celebrated during Navratri.
It is also believed that Lord Rama also worshipped Goddess Durga during Sharad Navratri. On the advice of Lord Brahma, Lord Rama invoked Goddess Durga and sought her blessings before waging war against demon Ravana. As Lord Rama invoked Goddess Durga during her sleeping period, since then the untimely invocation of the Goddess Durga during Sharad Navratri is also known as Akal Bodhan of Goddess Durga.
The main Goddess of Navratri is Goddess Durga who is also known as Goddess Bhavani and Goddess Amba. All these forms of Durga are attributed to Goddess Parvati.
Apart from Goddess Durga, nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped during Navratri. Depending on the region and Sampradaya, the list of nine Goddesses which are worshipped during Navratri might differ.
As per Shaiva Sampradaya and the list of Navratri Goddesses which is mostly followed in North India, presiding deity of each Tithi from Pratipada to Navami during Navratri are as following -
In South India, following nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped -
Similarly, Vaishnava Sampradaya and Madhva Sampradaya follow their own list of nine deities which are worshipped during Navratri.
Navratri begins on the first day of Ashwin lunar month with Ghatasthapana. Kalash, which is installed during Ghatasthapana, is immersed in water body on the tenth day.
Navratri begins - Pratipada (1st day) of Ashwin (seventh lunar month) Shukla Paksha
Navratri ends - Navami (9th day) of Ashwin Shukla Paksha
Numerous rituals are followed during Navratri. These rituals vary from state to state and within a state region to region. However, we are listing the most common rituals which are observed and traditions which are followed during Navratri.
Navratri is observed as Durga Puja in West Bengal and Assam. Although the concept of Durga Puja and Navratri is same and timing of both festivals overlaps, the rituals and observances are significantly differ for both festivals.
The main difference between Navratri and Durga Puja is due to the several Durga sects which are in existence for Durga worship. Katyayani Kalpa and Bhadrakali Kalpa are two significant sects for Durga worship which are mentioned in religious books.
Durga Puja is performed in various ways every year during the fifteen-day Devi Paksha, which is also popular as Navratri, Durgotsava, and Shardotsava. Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya are also worshiped in Durga Puja.
The worship of the Goddess in Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana. For which choosing an auspicious Muhurat is most important. On this page, you can get information about the most auspicious time for Ghatasthapana according to your city.
The complete schedule of Durga Puja has been published here. Durga Puja is an important Hindu festival, which is also popular by the names of Durgotsava and Shardotsava. On the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, special Navadurga forms of Goddess Maa Durga is worshipped.
Due to being related to Sharada Ritu, Ashwin Navratri is also called Sharadiya Navratri. Worshippers of Goddess Durga from all over the world wait for this festival, due to which this Navratri is very popular, hence it is also called 'Maha Navratri'. On this page, you will find the days of Sharadiya Navratri festival and other important information.
Sandhi Puja Muhurta is listed on this page. Sandhi Puja is performed during Navratri festival. Sandhi Puja is performed at a special time at the end of Ashtami Tithi and beginning of Navami Tithi. At this special moment Goddess Chamunda was appeared to kill the demons named Chand-Munda.
On the day of Vijayadashami, Lord Shri Rama killed Demon Ravana and Goddess Durga killed the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Therefore, this day is celebrated as the victory of Dharma over Adharma. On the occasion of Vijayadashami, rituals like Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja, Simollanghana etc. are performed.
Since ancient times, Ayudha Puja is performed on the occasion of Mahanavami of Maha Navratri. According to religious beliefs, on this day Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura after a fierce nine-day war. In South India, this festival is also celebrated as Saraswati Puja.
This page provides details of nine types of leaves used during Durga Puja, which are called Navapatrika. The worship of Goddess Durga by nine leaves is known as Navapatrika Puja. Bengal This festival is popular by the name of Kalabau Puja.
What Prasad should be offered to Maa Durga and which day of Navratri? Desi Ghee, sugar, Kheer, Malpua, Bananas, Honey, jaggery, coconut and sesame are some of Prasad offerings to please Mata Rani.
Ambe Tu Hai Jagadambe Kali is the most prevalent and popular aarti dedicated to Goddess Durga. This aarti is also sung in daily worship including on various occasions related to Mother Goddess. This aarti is very sweet and melodious and its singing pleases the Mother Goddess.
Shri Durga Chalisa is a prayer consisting of 40 verses dedicated to Goddess Durga, reciting it with devotion pleases the Mother Goddess and bestows her blessings. Goddess Durga is one of the supreme goddesses of Hindu religion. By the grace of Goddess Durga, devotees gain strength, courage and bravery.
Here is the list of 108 names of Goddess Durga, these 108 names are also known as Ashtottara Shatnamavali. These 108 names of Mother Goddess provide peace and joy. Reciting these 108 names daily increases enthusiasm and joy along with the blessings of the Goddess Durga.
Here is the list Durga Saptashati all chapters. Shri Durga Saptashati is a famous scripture dedicated to Goddess Durga divided into 700 verses and 13 chapters, which originates from the Markandeya Purana written by sage Markandeya. By reciting Durga Saptashati, the seeker attains various Siddhis and finally attains salvation.
Goddess Parvati is worshiped in nine different forms like Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda etc. These nine forms of Mata Parvati are famous all over the world as Navadurga. During the Navratri festival, elaborate worship of the divine Navadurga forms of Mother Goddess is done.
The 10 main forms of Goddess Shakti are worshipped as Dasha Mahavidya. The Dasha Mahavidyas are the presiding powers of different directions. Through the worship and Sadhana of Dasha Mahavidya, spiritual seekers attain various types of Siddhis.
Here are attractive greetings and e-cards for Durga Puja to send to your friends and family on this auspicious occasion. These greetings and e-cards have been published in both Hindi and English languages with beautiful pictures of Goddess Durga.
Here, greetings and e-cards for Navratri festival dedicated to Goddess Durga have been given, through which you can send the best wishes of this holy festival of Navratri to your friends and loved ones. These greetings are available with beautiful pictures of the Goddess.
Here the method of making beautiful Alpana designs of Bengal has been presented step by step through pictures. Under the ancient cultural tradition, rangolis made with different colors are known as Alpana. Alpana is made on important auspicious occasions.
The complete Ghatasthapana Vidhi is provided here in detail. Ghatasthapana is a major and essential part of Navratri festival. On the first day of Navratri, Mother Goddess is invoked in the Kalash through Ghatasthapana. Only after this Navratri worship and fasting begins.
Here a pictorial description of 7 types of grains used during Navratri is given, which are collectively known as Saptadhyaya. Under Saptadhyanya, grains like barley, sesame, paddy, Moong and Kangni etc. have been included, which are very dear to Mother Goddess.
Here is a detailed method of offering Pushpanjali with the mantra at the time of Durga Puja has been provided. The act of joining the palms of both the hands and offering flowers in them is called Pushpanjali. In many major temples of Goddess Durga, flowers are regularly offered on every Saptami, Ashtami and Navami Tithi.
Dhunuchi dance is a very popular dance performed during Durga Puja. Under the Dhunuchi dance, one dances in front of Goddess Durga carrying burning incense in an earthen Dhunachi in both hands. A traditional musical instrument called Dhak is also used for dance.
Here the detailed Shodashopachara Durga Puja Vidhi for doing Durga Puja during Navratri is described. Goddess Durga is worshipped through sixteen stepsc during Shodashopachara puja. One attains happiness, peace and prosperity by worshiping Goddess Durga.
Goddess Parvati
