Worshipping Goddess Shakti in Navratri

There is a belief about Navratri that even the Gods worship goddess Durga, also known as Maa Shakti. In Navratri, the nine different forms of goddess Durga are worshipped.  Goddess Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Ma Gauri and Siddhidatri are  worshipped respectively during the nine days of Navratri. Worshipping the goddess Shakti gives relief from all kinds of sufferings and obstacles of life.

During Navratra, Jau is kept in any big utensil full of sand to grow in-front of the idol or image of Goddess 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) 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.

After worshiping the Gods, goddess Shakti  is worshipped. Fast is observed daily during Navratri and Path of Durga Saptasati and Devi is chanted. Mata Durga is known by different names like: Gyana, Kriya, Nitya, Balparda, Shubh, Nishubh harani, Mahishasura Mardini, Chand-Mund Vinashini, Parmeshwari and the one to bless Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. In addition, devi  Mantra can also be recited.

Navgrah Yantra Puja In Navratri

Planet pacification works are done during the nine days of Navaratri. On Pratipada, worship is done to pacify the effects of planet Mars. On Dwitiya tithi the pacification puja is done  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) resolution is taken and then Mantra of planet is chanted according to the day. Since Durga Saptashati consists of 700 Maha Mantra it is known as Saptashati. It is believed that following these rituals help devotees to get all his desires fulfilled.

Navratri Fast Rituals

During Navratri the three powers should not be worshipped in the same house. 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 platform and worship.

The person observing Navratri fast 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 Navratri, 9 small girls and a boy of age less than 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 to conclude the fast.