Navratri 2024: How to Perform Navratri Puja at Home

Navratri 2024: How to Perform Navratri Puja at Home

Navdurga Puja Vidhi

To honor Goddess Durga during Navratri, it’s essential to follow the precise Durga Puja Vidhi. Here’s a detailed guide to help you perform the puja correctly and with devotion.

1. Dhyana and Avahana

The Puja should commence with meditation and the invitation of Goddess Durga. One should chant the following mantra while presenting the Avahan Mudra (a gesture made by joining both palms together with the thumbs folded inward) in front of the Devi Durga murti.

Sarvamangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike।

Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namoastu Te॥

Brahmarupe Sadanande Paramananda Svarupini।

Druta Siddhiprade Devi Narayani Namoastu Te॥

Sharanagatadinartaparitranaparayane।

Sarvasyarttihare Devi Narayani Namoastu Te॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Avahanam Samarpayami॥

2. Asana

Once Goddess Durga has been invited, take five flowers in hands (by joining both palms together) and place them in front of the murti to offer a seat to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Aneka Ratnasamyuktam Nanamanigananvitam।

Kartasvaramayam Divyamasanam Pratigrihyatam॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Asanam Samarpayami॥

3. Padya Prakshalana

After offering a seat (Asana) to Goddess Durga, present Her with water to wash Her feet while chanting the following mantra.

Gangadi Sarvatirthebhyo Maya Prarthanayahritam।

Toyametatsukhasparsha Padyartham Pratigrihyatam॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Padyam Samarpayami॥

4. Arghya Samarpan

After the Padya offering, present scented water to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Gandhapushpakshatairyuktamarghyam Sampaditam Maya।

Grihana Tvam Mahadevi Prasanna Bhava Sarvada॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Arghyam Samarpayami॥

5. Achamana Samarpan

After the Arghya offering, provide water to Goddess Durga for Achamana while chanting the following mantra.

Achamyatam Tvaya Devi Bhakti Me Hyachalam Kuru।

Ipsitam Me Varam Dehi Paratra Cha Param Gatim॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Achamaniyam Jalam Samarpayami॥

6. Snana

After the Achamana, offer water to Goddess Durga for Her bath while chanting the following mantra.

Payodadhi Ghritam Kshiram Sitaya Cha Samanvitam।

Panchamritamanenadya Kuru Snanam Dayanidhe॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Snaniyam Jalam Samarpayami॥

7. Vastra

After the bath (Snanam), present Moli (Fabric/ flowers) as new clothes to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Vastram Cha Soma Daivatyam Lajjayastu Nivaranam।

Maya Niveditam Bhaktya Grihana Parameshwari॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Vastram Samarpayami॥

8. Abhushana Samarpan

After offering the clothing (Vastra), present jewelry to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Hara Kankana Keyura Mekhala Kundaladibhih।

Ratnadhyam Kundalopetam Bhushanam Pratigrihyatam॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Abhushanam Samarpayami॥

9. Chandan Samarpan

After offering the jewelry (Abhushana), apply Chandan to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Paramananda Saubhagyam Paripurnam Digantare।

Grihana Paramam Gandham Kripaya Parameshwari॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Chandanam Samarpayami॥

10. Roli Samarpan

Now, present Roli (Kumkuma) as a symbol of Akhand Saubhagya to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Kumkumam Kantidam Divyam Kamini Kama Sambhavam।

Kumkumenarchite Devi Prasida Parameshwari॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Kumkumam Samarpayami॥

11. Kajjalarpan

After offering Kumkuma, present Kajal to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Kajjalam Kajjalam Ramyam Subhage Shantikarike।

Karpura Jyotirutpannam Grihana Parameshwari॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Kajjalam Samarpayami॥

12. Mangal Dravyarpana

• Saubhagya Sutra

After offering Kajal, present the Saubhagya Sutra to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Saubhagyasutram Varade Suvarna Mani Samyute।

Kanthe Badhnami Deveshi Saubhagyam Dehi Me Sada॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Saubhagyasutram Samarpayami॥

• Sugandhita Dravya

Now, offer scent to Goddess Durga Mata while chanting the following mantra.

Chandanagaru Karpuraih Samyutam Kunkumam Tatha।

Kasturyadi Sugandhashcha Sarvangeshu Vilepanam॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Sugandhitadravyam Samarpayami॥

• Haridra Samarpan

Now, offer turmeric (Haldi) to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Haridraranjite Devi Sukha Saubhagyadayini।

Tasmattvam Pujayamyatra Sukhashantim Prayaccha Me॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Haridrachurnam Samarpayami॥

• Akshata Samarpan

After offering Haridra, present Akshata (unbroken rice) to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Ranjitah Kankumaudyena Na Akshatashchatishobhanah।

Mamaisha Devi Danena Prasanna Bhava Shobhane॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Akshatan Samarpayami॥

13. Pushpanjali

Now, offer Pushpanjali/ flowers to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Mandara Parijatadi Patali Ketakani Cha।

Jati Champaka Pushpani Grihanemani Shobhane॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Pushpanjalim Samarpayami॥

14. Bilvapatra

Now, offer Bilvapatra/ flowers/ leaves to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Amritodbhava Shrivriksho Mahadevi! Priyah Sada।

Bilvapatram Prayacchami Pavitram Te Sureshwari॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Bilvapatrani Samarpayami॥

15. Dhoop Samarpan

Now, offer Dhoop to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Dashanga Guggula Dhupam Chandanagaru Samyutam।

Samarpitam Maya Bhaktya Mahadevi! Pratigrihyatam॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Dhupamaghrapayami॥

16. Deep Samarpan

Now, offer a Deep (lamp) to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Ghritavarttisamayuktam Mahatejo Mahojjvalam।

Dipam Dasyami Deveshi! Suprita Bhava Sarvada॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Deepam Darshayami॥

17. Naivedya

Now, offer Naivedya to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Annam Chaturvidham Svadu Rasaih Shadbhih Samanvitam।

Naivedya Grihyatam Devi! Bhakti Me Hyachala Kuru॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Naivedyam Nivedayami॥

18. Rituphala

Now, offer Rituphala (seasonal fruits) to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Drakshakharjura Kadaliphala Samrakapitthakam।

Narikelekshujambadi Phalani Pratigrihyatam॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Rituphalani Samarpayami॥

19. Achamana

Now, offer water to Goddess Durga for Achamana while reciting the following mantra.

Kamarivallabhe Devi Karvachamanamambike।

Nirantaramaham Vande Charanau Tava Chandike॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Achamaniyam Jalam Samarpayami॥

20. Narikela Samarpan

Now, offer a Narikela (coconut) to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Narikelam Cha Narangim Kalingamanjiram Tva।

Urvaruka Cha Deveshi Phalanyetani Gahyatam॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Narikelam Samarpayami॥

21. Tambula

Now, offer Tambula (betel leaves with betel nuts) to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Elalavangam Kasturi Karpuraih Pushpavasitam।

Vitikam Mukhavasartha Samarpayami Sureshwari॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Tambulam Samarpayami॥

22. Dakshina

Now, offer Dakshina (a gift) to Goddess Durga while chanting the following mantra.

Puja Phala Samriddhayartha Tavagre Svarnamishwari।

Sthapitam Tena Me Prita Purnan Kuru Manoratham॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Dakshinam Samarpayami॥

23. Pustak Puja and Kanya Pujan

• Pustak Puja

After offering Dakshina, proceed to worship the books used during Durga Puja while chanting the following mantra.

Namo Devyai Mahadevyai Shivayai Satatam Namah।

Namah Prakrityai Bhadrayai Niyatah Pranatah Smatam॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Pustaka Pujayami॥

• Deep Puja

After worshipping the books, perform the lighting and worship of the Deep Deva during Durga Puja while chanting the following mantra.

Shubham Bhavatu Kalyanamarogyam Pushtivardhanam।

Atmatattva Prabodhaya Dipajyotirnamoastu Te॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Deepam Pujayami॥

• Kanya Pujan

Kanya Puja is an important part of Durga Puja. Therefore, after the main Puja, girls are invited to enjoy a sumptuous meal and receive Dakshina (gifts). While offering Dakshina to the girls, the following mantra should be chanted.

Sarvasvarupe! Sarveshe Sarvashakti Svarupini।

Pujam Grihana Kaumari! Jaganmatarnamoastu Te॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Kanya Pujayami॥

24. Nirajan

Now, perform the Aarti for Goddess Durga after chanting the following mantra.

Nirajanam Sumangalyam Karpurena Samanvitam।

Chandrarkavahni Sadrisham Mahadevi! Namoastu Te॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Karpura Nirajanam Samarpayami॥

25. Pradakshina

Now, perform a symbolic Pradakshina (circumambulation from left to right around Goddess Durga) with flowers while chanting the following mantra.

Pradakshinam Trayam Devi Prayatnena Prakalpitam।

Pashyadya Pavane Devi Ambikayai Namoastu Te॥

Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Durgadevyai Namah

Pradakshinam Samarpayami॥

26. Kshamapan

Now, seek forgiveness from Goddess Durga for any known or unknown mistakes made during the Puja while chanting the following mantra.

Aparadha Shatam Devi Matkritam Cha Dine Dine।

Kshamyatam Pavane Devi-Devesha Namoastu Te॥


With this procedure, one has completed the Puja of Goddess Durga Mata. One should take blessings from the elders at home, consume the Prasadam, and do annadhanam (offering rice) to the poor and needy according to one's ability.

ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय। तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय। मृत्योर्माऽमृतं गमय। ॐ शान्ति: शान्ति: शान्ति: ॥


Additional Tips:

Cleanliness and Devotion: Ensure the puja space is clean and you are in a state of devotion throughout the ritual.

Personal Touch: You may add personal prayers and offerings that hold significance for you and your family.

Community Participation: If possible, invite family members to join in the puja to strengthen the spiritual atmosphere.

May Goddess Durga bless you with strength, wisdom, and prosperity during this auspicious festival.


Celebrate with Traditional Attire

Embrace the Festive Spirit with Sarees

Traditional Elegance: Navratri is not just about rituals but also about celebrating with style and grace. Traditional sarees play a significant role in enhancing the festive spirit. At Singhania’s, we offer a variety of sarees that reflect the festival's vibrancy and tradition.


Types of Sarees for Navratri

Kanjivaram Sarees: Known for their rich silk fabric and elaborate gold zari work, Kanjivaram sarees are perfect for the grandeur of Navratri. Their luxurious texture and intricate designs make them a stunning choice for any puja or festive occasion.

Bandhani Sarees: These sarees, with their tie-dye patterns, are vibrant and full of color. Bandhani sarees are perfect for creating a lively and festive look, embodying the joy and energy of Navratri.

Chanderi Sarees: Light and airy, Chanderi sarees are known for their subtle sheen and elegance. They are ideal for a more understated yet classy look during the festival.

Georgette Sarees: With their flowy and comfortable fabric, Georgette sarees are a popular choice for both day and evening events during Navratri. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose one that suits the festive theme.

Sarees with Traditional Embellishments: Opt for sarees with traditional embroidery or mirror work. These embellishments not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also align with the festive and cultural significance of Navratri.

Accessorize to Complete Your Look

Jewelry and Accessories: Compliment your saree with traditional jewelry such as bangles, earrings, and necklaces. Adding a matching dupatta or shawl can also enhance the overall look.

Footwear: Choose traditional footwear like juttis or sandals to complete your festive attire.


Conclusion

Performing Navratri Puja at home is a beautiful way to connect with the divine and celebrate the festival's spirit. By following these steps and embracing traditional attire, you can make your celebration both meaningful and stylish. As you dress in your finest sarees and participate in the rituals, remember that the essence of Navratri lies in devotion and joy. From all of us at Singhania’s, we wish you a blessed and joyous Navratri!

FAQ

Questions and Answers

  • Look for sarees with detailed embroidery work on the upper body and pallu, with simpler designs below. Georgette and silk fabrics work particularly well.