There is a belief about Navratra that even the Gods worship Mata Bhagwati. In Navaratra, the nine different forms of Mata is worshipped. Mata Bhagwati is called Shakti. In Navratra, Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Ma Gauri and Siddhidatri is worshipped respectively.

Starting of Puja in Pratipada Date

During Navratra, Jau is kept in any big utensil full of sand to grow in-front of the idol or image of Goodess to worship. On one side, a Kalash full of water is established and a raw coconut is kept on it. After establishing the Kalash, the Akhand Jyoti(lamp) of Mata Bhagwati is burnt. This Jyoti should burn for whole nine days and night.

Lord Ganesh is worshipped first and after that Varun Dev, Lord Vishnu, Shiv, Sun Moon and the other nine planets are also worshipped.

Chanting Paath Daily

After worshiping the Gods, Mata Bhagwati is worshipped. Fast is observed daily during Navratra and Paath of Durga Saptasati and Devi is chanted. Mata Durga is known by different names like: Gyana, Kriya, Nitya, Balparda, Shubh, Nishubh harani, Mahishashur Mardani, Chand-Mund Vinashini, Parmeshwari and the one to bless Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. In addition, the following Mantra can be recited.

Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Bhuddhi Rupen Sansthita Namastubhyam Namastubhyam Namastubhyam Namo Namah.

Planet Pacification Method During Navratra

Planet pacification works are done during the nine days of Navaratra. On Pratipada, worship is done to pacify Mars, on Dwitiya for Rahu, on Tritiya for Jupiter, Chaturthi for Saturn Panchami for Mercury, Shashthi for Ketu, Saptami for Venus, on Ashtami for Sun and Navami for Moon.

Before starting the pacification work, Kalash is established and Mother is worshipped. After worshiping an instrument consisting nine blocks is made on a red cloth. In the first three blocks: Mercury, Venus and Moon; in the middle block: Jupiter, Sun and Mars; and in the lower block: Ketu, Saturn and Rahu is given the place.

After this Navgrah Beej Mantra is worshipped, then Navgrah Shanti(Peace) resolutionis taken and then Mantra of planet is chanted according to the day.

The Planet Mantras are as follows:-

• Sun Beej Mantra - Om Hram Hrim Hroum Sah Suryay Namah
• SMoon Beej Mantra - Om Shram Shrim Shroum Sah Chandramase Namah
• Mars Beej Mantra - Om Kram Krim Kraum Sah Bhaumay Namah
• Mercury Beej Mantra - Om Bram Brim Braum Sah Budhay Namah
• Jupiter Beej Mantra - Om Gram Grim Graum Sah Guruvey Namah
• Venus Beej Mantra - Om Dram Drim Draum Sah Shukray Namah
• Saturn Beej Mantra - Om Pram Prim Praum Sah Shanaishcharay Namah
• Rahu Beej Mantra - Om Bhram Bhrim Bhraum Sah Rahuvey Namah
• Ketu Beej Mantra - Om Stram Strim Stroum Sah Ketvey Namah

Durgasaptashati consists of seven hundred Mahamantras, due to which, it is also known as Saptashati. Worshiping Saptashati cures many incurable diseases and fulfills all the wishes of the devotees.

Things to be Kept in Mind During Navratri

During Navratri the three powers should not be worshipped in the same hose. The Goddess likes Kaner and fragrant flowers so only these flowers should be used for worshiping. Kalash should be established in the day and Idol of the Mother should be decorated with red clothes. The worshiper should sit on a red cloth or warm Aasan and worship.

Things to Avoided by the Worshiper

The person doing Navratra should eat righteous food and that too only once in the day. Alcohols and non-vegetarian foods should be avoided. In addition, hair and nail cutting should also be avoided. Celibacy should be maintained. On the Ashtami and Navami of Navratra, 9 small girls and a boy of age less then ten years are fed and Dakshina should be given.

Boys are considered the guise of a Bhairav. Performing Havan on a previous night of the day of feeding the girls and a boy(Kanjak) is considered auspicious. After feeding them the germinated Barley and the sands are immersed in the water. Some Barley are pulled out from the root and should be kept in the almirah or at a place where money is kept. This is brings prosperity in the house. The Kalash water should be sprayed in the whole house. This removes all the negative energies of the house. The coconut is eaten as a sacrament of Mata Durga.