The 8th incarnation of Goddess Durga is called Maha Gauri. On Ashtami, Maha Gauri is worshipped. She does the welfare of all her devotees. All their issues are solved. Maa is said to give effectual results. All of us perform Durga Puja, but, we have curiosity to know the right method of worshipping Goddess.

Many a times when we perform Puja, because of lack of proper knowledge, some unknowing mistakes are made. Come let us understand the proper procedure of worshipping.

Description of Goddess Durga

It is said about Goddess Durga that she rides lion. She crowned with moon on her head. She is Kantiwali and has four arms. She has shell, Chakra, bow and arrow in her four arms. She has three eyes. She wears an armlet, necklace, bangle, anklet etc, and she has earrings with gemstones. Goddess Durga is the destroyer of the evil.

Beginning of Puja

While beginning the Puja, if, idol of Goddess Durga is established then flowers are offered to her. In case the idol is not established the Goddess is invited.

Durga Puja Method

For calling Goddess Durga, flowers are taken in both the hands and offered to the idol. And, coconut is offered with its face downwards. After calling her, Goddess is offered a seat. Flowers are placed on the decorated seat and Goddess is prayed to be seated. Water is offered to the feet of idol.

Then, the Ardhya is given. For Ardhya, red sandalwood is mixed in water together with flower and rice. And, this is applied on the hands of Goddess. This act is called as Ardhya.

After Ardhya, Achman is made. For Achman, cold water mixed with camphor in a new pitcher. Goddess is worshipped and and the Achman is offered. Then, Ganga jal or any other holy water is used for making the idol or the coconut bath. After bathing of Goddess, again Achman (pure water and camphor) is offered.

After bathing Goddess with water, milk is used in the process. Then Goddess is mad to have bath with curd. After this, she is made to have bath with ghee of cow and then honey. Finally, she is made to have bath with sugar.

Goddess is made to have bath with products having odour. In this bath, white sandalwood is mixed with water. She is again made to ave bath with pure water and then offered Achman. Panchamrit is prepared after making the Goddess have bath. For preparing Panchamrit, milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar are mixed together. All these items are mixed in a utensil of silver. Now, Mata is made to wear new clothes. She wears a red sari and a scarf is worn separately. A red colored Moli is tied on her hands. After making her wear clothes, again Achman is offered.

After wearing clothes, Goddess is made to wear Magal Sutra made of yellow or red colored pearl or even gold pearl. Then, a Tilak is applied on the forehead of Goddess. Tilak is made by mixing red sandalwood in water. And, the same sandalwood is applied on her ears, arms and palms.

After the Tilak, Goddess is applied the paste of turmeric. For this process, turmeric paste is prepared before hand and left to get dried then this powder is used carefully in the Puja process and applied on all body parts. Turmeric of market is never used in this process.

Grass brought from nearby river or clean place is offered to Goddess. It can be 108 or a minimum of 18 grass, offered daily. Shakti is the incarnation of Shiva. A soft green branch of Bel leaves having 3 leaves is the symbol of 3 eyes of Goddess. Not more then 9 branches of Bel leaves should be offered to her. First of all, it is put on her eyes followed by ears, nose, mouth, hands, naval, waist, cavity and feet.

Now, Goddess is made to wear jewellery. Before Durga Puja, Mata is made to wear jewellery of gold or silver. This includes necklace, armlet, earrings, anklet etc. While the immersion of the idol, these jewellery are given to any small girl.

A garland of red flowers is made using the red colored thread, with hands. Flowers should not be more or less then 100. Then, powder of turmeric, Sindoor, green color bangle and other items of make up are gifted to Goddess. Incense sticks are used for her Puja.

Now, lamp is lighted for Goddess. Navedy offered to Goddess is made with sugar, curd and ghee mixed with Kheer. After Navedy, Mata is given Achman of pure water and camphor. Seasonal fruits are given to Goddess. She is gifted cardamon, cloves, betel nut and betel leaves. Coins are used while offering donation, and if coins are not available then Akshat is being used.

Perform Aarti of Goddess with a lighted lamp for 7 times. Now the Aarti is performed with water in a utensil of copper. And, chant the Durga Satshati mantra for 108 times.