The Sharad Navaratri Puja, or Devi puuja in Navaratri falls in the month of Ashwiyuja

(generally Oct. ) over a 10 day period. The 10th day is called Vijayadashami, which is
auspicious for starting any new venture, initiating the alphabets for children, learning new
languages, music or for developing new (improved) relationship with ones spouse or
children or office colleagues.

According to legend, Goddess Durga sat on the tip of a needle for nine days, doing a severe
penance to destroy the evil Asura Mahisha. On the first three days, she meditated as Herself,
the next three days as Mahalakshmi and the last three days as Sarasvati. This signifies
progression from Tamasik, to Rajasik to Satvik and eventually obtaining liberation. The tenth
day is called Vijayadasami to signify the victory on the day of Dasami.
In India, Navaratri is celebrated four times a year. They are Ashada Navaratri, the Sharad
Navaratri, the Maha Navaratri and the Vasantha Navaratri. Of these, the Sharad Navaratri of
the month of Ashwiyuja / Puratashi and the Vasantha Navaratri of the Vasantha kala are very
important. The Agni purana states that Ashwiyuja and Chaitra (Puratashi and Panguni (in
Tamil months)) are like the two jaws of Lord Yama. If one wants to escape the mouth of
Yama, then one should celebrate Navaratri on these two occasions.

A similar analogy is presented in the Devi Bhagavatam. Devi Bhagavatam also sets forth in
detail about how one should observe fasts, and how one should meditate/work on these days.
It is a long held tradition to read the Devi-Bhagavatam or the Devi Mahatmyam (Durga
Saptasati, 700 verses on Durga) during this period. Devi Bhagavatam notes that Rama
meditated and fasted for nine days after Sita was kidnapped by Ravana. There are numerous
such incidents on how peoples wishes were fulfilled. A lot more details are available in Devi
Bhagavatam.

Shardiya Navratri is the most popular and significant Navratri of all Navratris. Thats why Shardiya
Navratri is also known as Maha Navratri.

It falls in lunar month Ashwin during Sharad Ritu. The name Shardiya Navratri has been taken from
Sharad Ritu. All nine days during Navratri are dedicated to nine forms of Goddess Shakti. Shardiya
Navratri falls in the month of September or October. The nine days festivity culminates on tenth day
with Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami.

Women, especially in Maharashtra and Gujarat, adorn themselves with 9 different colors which are
allocated to each day of Navratri. The color of the day is decided on the weekday. Each weekday is
ruled by one the planets or Navgrahas and accordingly colors are assigned to each day.

Day 1 Pratipada Goddess Shailputri

Origin - After the self-immolation as Goddess Sati, Goddess Parvati took birth as the
daughter of Lord Himalaya. In Sanskrit Shail means the mountain and due to which Goddess
was known as Shailputri, the daughter of the mountain.

Navratri Worship - Goddess Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Navratri.

Governing Planet - It is believed that the Moon, the provider of all fortunes, is governed by
Goddess Shailputri and any bad effect of the Moon can be overcome by worshipping this
form of Adi Shakti.

Iconography - The mount of Goddess Shailputri is bull and because of that she is also known
as Vrisharudha (). Goddess Shailputri is depicted with two hands. She
carries Trishul in the right hand and the lotus flower in the left hand.

Details - She is also known as Hemavati and Parvati. Due to her importance among all nine
forms Goddess Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. Similar to her previous
birth as Goddess Sati, Goddess Shailputri got married to Lord Shiva.

Devanagari Name -
Favourite Flower - Jasmine ()

Mantra -

Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah
Prarthana -


Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam
Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim
Stuti -


Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
Dhyana -

Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam
Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim
Punendu Nibham Gauri Muladhara Sthitam Prathama Durga Trinetram
Patambara Paridhanam Ratnakirita Namalankara Bhushita
Praphulla Vandana Pallavadharam Kanta Kapolam Tugam Kucham
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Snemukhi Kshinamadhyam Nitambanim
Stotra -






Prathama Durga Tvamhi Bhavasagarah Taranim
Dhana Aishwarya Dayini Shailaputri Pranamamyaham
Trilojanani Tvamhi Paramananda Pradiyaman
Saubhagyarogya Dayini Shailaputri Pranamamyaham
Charachareshwari Tvamhi Mahamoha Vinashinim
Mukti Bhukti Dayinim Shailaputri Pranamamyaham
Kavacha -





Omkarah Mein Shirah Patu Muladhara Nivasini
Himkarah Patu Lalate Bijarupa Maheshwari
Shrimkara Patu Vadane Lavanya Maheshwari
Humkara Patu Hridayam Tarini Shakti Swaghrita
Phatkara Patu Sarvange Sarva Siddhi Phalaprada

Day 2 Dwitiya Goddess Brahmacharini

Origin - After Kushmanda form, Goddess Parvati took birth at the home of Daksha
Prajapati. In this form the Goddess Parvati was a great Sati and her unmarried form is
worshipped as Goddess Brahmacharini.

Navratri Worship - Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri.

Governing Planet - It is believed that Lord Mangal, the provider of all fortunes, is governed
by Goddess Brahmacharini.

Iconography - Goddess Brahmacharini is depicted as walking on the bare feet. She has two
hands and She carries Jap Mala in the right hand and Kamandal in the left hand.

Details - Goddess Brahmacharini did severe penance to get Lord Shiva as her husband. She
performed hard austerity and due to which She was called Brahmacharini.

It is stated that during her penance to get Lord Shiva as her husband She spent 1000 years on
the diet of flowers and fruits and another 100 years on the diet on leafy vegetables while
sleeping on the floor.

Further She followed strict fasting regimen while staying at open place in scorching
summers, harsh winters and stormy rains. According to Hindu mythologies She was on diet
of Bilva leaves for 3000 years while She prayed to Lord Shankar. Later She even stopped
eating Bilva leaves and continued her penance without any food and water. She was known
as Aparna when She left eating Bilva leaves.

As legends go Goddess Brahmacharini immolated herself by wishing to get a father in her

next birth who can respect her husband Lord Shiva.

Devanagari Name -

Favourite Flower - Jasmine ()

Mantra -

Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah
Prarthana -


Dadhana Kara Padmabhyamakshamala Kamandalu
Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama
Stuti -


Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Brahmacharini Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
Dhyana -

Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam

Japamala Kamandalu Dhara Brahmacharini Shubham
Gauravarna Swadhishthanasthita Dwitiya Durga Trinetram
Dhawala Paridhana Brahmarupa Pushpalankara Bhushitam
Parama Vandana Pallavaradharam Kanta Kapola Pina
Payodharam Kamaniya Lavanayam Smeramukhi Nimnanabhi Nitambanim
Stotra -


-

Tapashcharini Tvamhi Tapatraya Nivaranim
Brahmarupadhara Brahmacharini Pranamamyaham
Shankarapriya Tvamhi Bhukti-Mukti Dayini
Shantida Jnanada Brahmacharini Pranamamyaham
Kavacha -

,



Tripura Mein Hridayam Patu Lalate Patu Shankarabhamini
Arpana Sadapatu Netro, Ardhari Cha Kapolo
Panchadashi Kanthe Patu Madhyadeshe Patu Maheshwari
Shodashi Sadapatu Nabho Griho Cha Padayo
Anga Pratyanga Satata Patu Brahmacharini
Day 3 Tritiya Goddess Chandraghanta

Origin - Goddess Chandraghanta is the married form the Goddess Parvati. After getting
married to Lord Shiva Goddess Mahagauri started adorning her forehead with half Chandra
and due to which Goddess Parvati was known as Goddess Chandraghanta.

Navratri Worship - Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Navratri.

Governing Planet - It is believed that the planet Shukra is governed by Goddess

Chandraghanta.
Iconography - Goddess Chandraghanta mounts on the tigress. She wears the semi-circular
moon (Chandra) on her forehead. The half-moon on her forehead looks like the bell (Ghanta)
and because of that she is known as Chandra-Ghanta. She is depicted with ten hands.
Goddess Chandraghanta carries Trishul, Gada, Sword and Kamandal in her four left hands
and keeps the fifth left hand in Varada Mudra. She carries lotus flower, Arrow, Dhanush and
Japa Mala in her four right hands and keeps the fifth right hand in Abhaya Mudra.

Details - This form of Goddess Parvati is peaceful and for welfare of her devotees. In this
form Goddess Chandraghanta is ready for the war with all her weapons. It is believed that the
sound of the moon-bell on her forehead expel all type of spirits away from her devotees.

Devanagari Name -

Favourite Flower - Jasmine ()

Mantra -

Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah
Prarthana -


Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta
Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta
Stuti -


Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
Dhyana -



, , , ,

, , , ,


Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam
Simharudha Chandraghanta Yashasvinim
Manipura Sthitam Tritiya Durga Trinetram
Khanga, Gada, Trishula, Chapashara, Padma Kamandalu Mala Varabhitakaram
Patambara Paridhanam Mriduhasya Nanalankara Bhushitam
Manjira, Hara, Keyura, Kinkini, Ratnakundala Manditam
Praphulla Vandana Bibadhara Kanta Kapolam Tugam Kucham
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Kshinakati Nitambanim
Stotra -



,


Apaduddharini Tvamhi Adya Shaktih Shubhparam
Animadi Siddhidatri Chandraghante Pranamamyaham
Chandramukhi Ishta Datri Ishtam Mantra Swarupinim
Dhanadatri, Anandadatri Chandraghante Pranamamyaham
Nanarupadharini Ichchhamayi Aishwaryadayinim
Saubhagyarogyadayini Chandraghante Pranamamyaham
Kavacha -






Rahasyam Shrinu Vakshyami Shaiveshi Kamalanane
Shri Chandraghantasya Kavacham Sarvasiddhidayakam
Bina Nyasam Bina Viniyogam Bina Shapoddha Bina Homam
Snanam Shauchadi Nasti Shraddhamatrena Siddhidam
Kushishyam Kutilaya Vanchakaya Nindakaya Cha
Na Datavyam Na Datavyam Na Datavyam Kadachitam

Day 4 Chaturthi Goddess Kushmanda

Origin - After taking form of Siddhidatri, Goddess Parvati started living inside the center of
the Sun so that He can liberate energy to the universe. Since then Goddess is known as
Kushmanda. Kushmanda is the Goddess who has the power and capability to live inside the
Sun. The glow and radiance of her body is as luminous as that of the Sun.

Navratri Worship - Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri.

Governing Planet - It is believed that Goddess Kushmanda provides direction and energy to
the Sun. Hence God Sun is governed by Goddess Kushmanda.

Iconography - Goddess Siddhidatri rides on the lioness. She is depicted with eight hands.
She has Kamandal, Dhanush, Bada and Kamal in the right hands and Amrit Kalash, Jap
Mala, Gada and Chakra in the left hands in that order.

Details - Goddess Kushmanda has eight hands and because of that She is also known as
Ashtabhuja Devi. It is believed that all the power to bestow Siddhis and Niddhis are located
in her Jap Mala.

It is stated that She created the whole universe, which is called Brahmanda
() in Sanskrit, by just flashing little bit of her smile. She also likes Bali of
white pumpkin known as Kushmanda (). Due to her association with
Brahmanda and Kushmanda She is popularly known as Goddess Kushmanda.
Devanagari Name -

Favourite Flower - Red color flowers

Mantra -

Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah
Prarthana -


Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha
Dadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastu Me
Stuti -


Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kushmanda Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
Dhyana -

, , , , , , ,

, , , , ,

Vande Vanchhita Kamarthe Chandrardhakritashekharam
Simharudha Ashtabhuja Kushmanda Yashasvinim
Bhaswara Bhanu Nibham Anahata Sthitam Chaturtha Durga Trinetram
Kamandalu, Chapa, Bana, Padma, Sudhakalasha, Chakra, Gada, Japawatidharam
Patambara Paridhanam Kamaniyam Mriduhasya Nanalankara Bhushitam
Manjira, Hara, Keyura, Kinkini, Ratnakundala, Manditam
Praphulla Vadanamcharu Chibukam Kanta Kapolam Tugam Kucham
Komalangi Smeramukhi Shrikanti Nimnabhi Nitambanim
Stotra -





,
Durgatinashini Tvamhi Daridradi Vinashanim
Jayamda Dhanada Kushmande Pranamamyaham
Jagatamata Jagatakatri Jagadadhara Rupanim
Charachareshwari Kushmande Pranamamyaham
Trailokyasundari Tvamhi Duhkha Shoka Nivarinim
Paramanandamayi, Kushmande Pranamamyaham
Kavacha -

,
, ,


Hamsarai Mein Shira Patu Kushmande Bhavanashinim
Hasalakarim Netrecha, Hasaraushcha Lalatakam
Kaumari Patu Sarvagatre, Varahi Uttare Tatha,
Purve Patu Vaishnavi Indrani Dakshine Mama
Digvidikshu Sarvatreva Kum Bijam Sarvadavatu

Day 5 Panchami Goddess Skandamata

Origin - When Goddess Parvati became the mother of Lord Skanda (also known as Lord
Kartikeya), Mata Parvati was known as Goddess Skandamata.

Navratri Worship - Goddess Skandamata is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri.

Governing Planet - It is believed that the planet Budha is governed by Goddess Skandamata.

Iconography - Goddess Skandamata mounts on the ferocious lion. She carries baby Murugan
in her lap. Lord Murugan is also known as Kartikeya and brother of Lord Ganesha. Goddess
Skandamata is depicted with four hands. She carries lotus flowers in her upper two hands.
She holds baby Murugan in one of her right hand and keeps the other right hand in Abhaya
Mudra. She sits on lotus flower and because of that Skandamata is also known as Goddess
Padmasana.

Details - The complexion of Goddess Skandamata is Shubhra () which describes

her white complexion. Devotees who worship this form of Goddess Parvati get the benefit of
worshipping Lord Kartikeya. This quality is possessed only by Skandamata form of Goddess
Parvati.

Devanagari Name -

Favourite Flower - Red color flowers

Mantra -

Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah
Prarthana -


Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya
Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini
Stuti -


Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
Dhyana -

, , , ,

Vande Vanchhita Kamarthe Chandrardhakritashekharam
Simharudha Chaturbhuja Skandamata Yashasvinim
Dhawalavarna Vishuddha Chakrasthitom Panchama Durga Trinetram
Abhaya Padma Yugma Karam Dakshina Uru Putradharam Bhajem
Patambara Paridhanam Mriduhasya Nanalankara Bhushitam
Manjira, Hara, Keyura, Kinkini, Ratnakundala Dharinim
Praphulla Vandana Pallavadharam Kanta Kapolam Pina Payodharam
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Charu Triwali Nitambanim
Stotra -




















Namami Skandamata Skandadharinim
Samagratatvasagaram Paraparagaharam
Shivaprabha Samujvalam Sphuchchhashagashekharam
Lalataratnabhaskaram Jagatpradipti Bhaskaram
Mahendrakashyaparchita Sanantakumara Samstutam
Surasurendravandita Yatharthanirmaladbhutam
Atarkyarochiruvijam Vikara Doshavarjitam
Mumukshubhirvichintitam Visheshatatvamuchitam
Nanalankara Bhushitam Mrigendravahanagrajam
Sushuddhatatvatoshanam Trivedamara Bhushanam
Sudharmikaupakarini Surendra Vairighatinim
Shubham Pushpamalinim Suvarnakalpashakhinim
Tamoandhakarayamini Shivasvabhavakaminim
Sahasrasuryarajikam Dhanajjayogakarikam
Sushuddha Kala Kandala Subhridavrindamajjulam
Prajayini Prajawati Namami Mataram Satim
Swakarmakarane Gatim Hariprayacha Parvatim
Anantashakti Kantidam Yashoarthabhuktimuktidam
Punah Punarjagadditam Namamyaham Surarchitam
Jayeshwari Trilochane Prasida Devi Pahimam
Kavacha -








Aim Bijalinka Devi Padayugmadharapara
Hridayam Patu Sa Devi Kartikeyayuta
Shri Hrim Hum Aim Devi Parvasya Patu Sarvada
Sarvanga Mein Sada Patu Skandamata Putraprada
Vanavanamritem Hum Phat Bija Samanvita
Uttarasya Tathagne Cha Varune Nairiteavatu
Indrani Bhairavi Chaivasitangi Cha Samharini
Sarvada Patu Mam Devi Chanyanyasu Hi Dikshu Vai

Day 6 shasthi

Goddess Katyayani

Origin - To destroy demon Mahishasura, Goddess Parvati took the form of Goddess
Katyayani. It was the most violent form of Goddess Parvati. In this form Goddess Parvati is
also known as Warrior Goddess.

Navratri Worship - Goddess Katyayani is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri.

Governing Planet - It is believed that the planet Brihaspati is governed by Goddess

Katyayani.

Iconography - Goddess Katyayani rides on the magnificent lion and depicted with four
hands. Goddess Katyayani carries lotus flower and sword in her left hands and keeps her right
hands in Abhaya and Varada Mudras.
Details - According to religious texts Goddess Parvati was born at the home of sage Katya
and due to which this form of Goddess Parvati is known as Katyayani.

Devanagari Name -

Favourite Flower - Red color flowers specially rose

Mantra -

Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah
Prarthana -


Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana
Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini
Stuti -


Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Katyayani Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
Dhyana -

, , , ,


Vande Vanchhita Manorathartha Chandrardhakritashekharam
Simharudha Chaturbhuja Katyayani Yashasvinim
Swarnavarna Ajnachakra Sthitam Shashthama Durga Trinetram
Varabhita Karam Shagapadadharam Katyayanasutam Bhajami
Patambara Paridhanam Smeramukhi Nanalankara Bhushitam
Manjira, Hara, Keyura, Kinkini, Ratnakundala Manditam
Prasannavadana Pallavadharam Kanta Kapolam Tugam Kucham
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Trivalivibhushita Nimna Nabhim
Stotra -





, ,
, , ,
,
,




: : :
Kanchanabha Varabhayam Padmadhara Mukatojjavalam
Smeramukhi Shivapatni Katyayanesute Namoastute
Patambara Paridhanam Nanalankara Bhushitam
Simhasthitam, Padmahastam Katyayanasute Namoastute
Paramanandamayi Devi Parabrahma Paramatma
Paramashakti, Paramabhakti, Katyayanasute Namoastute
Vishwakarti, Vishwabharti, Vishwaharti, Vishwaprita
Vishwachinta, Vishwatita Katyayanasute Namoastute
Kam Bija, Kam Japanandakam Bija Japa Toshite
Kam Kam Bijam Japadasaktakam Kam Santuta
Kamkaraharshinikam Dhanadadhanamasana
Kam Bija Japakarinikam Bija Tapa Manasa
Kam Karini Kam Mantrapujitakam Bija Dharini
Kam Kim Kumkai Kah Thah Chah Swaharupini
Kavacha -



Katyayanaumukha Patu Kam Swahaswarupini
Lalate Vijaya Patu Malini Nitya Sundari
Kalyani Hridayam Patu Jaya Bhagamalini

Day 7 Saptami

Goddess Kalaratri

Origin - When the Goddess Parvati removed outer golden skin to kill demons named
Shumbha and Nishumbha, She was known as Goddess Kalaratri. Kalaratri is the fiercest and
the most ferocious form of Goddess Parvati.

Navratri Worship - Goddess Kalaratri is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri.

Governing Planet - It is believed that the planet Shani is governed by Goddess Kalaratri.

Iconography - Goddess Kalaratri complexion is dark black and She rides on a donkey. She is
depicted with four hands. Her right hands are in Abhaya and Varada Mudra and She carries
sword and the deadly iron hook in her left hands.

Details - Although the Goddess Kalaratri is the most ferocious form of Goddess Parvati, She
blesses her devotees with Abhaya and Varada Mudras. Because of her Shubh or auspicious
power within her ferocious form Goddess Kalaratri is also known as Goddess Shubhankari
().

The name of Goddess Kalaratri is also spelled as Goddess Kalratri and Goddess Kaalratri.
Devanagari Name -

Favourite Flower - Night blooming jasmine ( )

Mantra -

Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah
Prarthana -




Ekaveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharasthita
Lamboshthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Sharirini
Vamapadollasalloha Latakantakabhushana
Vardhana Murdhadhwaja Krishna Kalaratrirbhayankari
Stuti -


Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Kalaratri Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
Dhyana -

Karalavandana Ghoram Muktakeshi Chaturbhujam
Kalaratrim Karalimka Divyam Vidyutamala Vibhushitam
Divyam Lauhavajra Khadga Vamoghordhva Karambujam
Abhayam Varadam Chaiva Dakshinodhvaghah Parnikam Mam
Mahamegha Prabham Shyamam Taksha Chaiva Gardabharudha
Ghoradamsha Karalasyam Pinonnata Payodharam
Sukha Prasanna Vadana Smeranna Saroruham
Evam Sachiyantayet Kalaratrim Sarvakam Samriddhidam
Stotra -






Him Kalaratri Shrim Karali Cha Klim Kalyani Kalawati
Kalamata Kalidarpadhni Kamadisha Kupanvita
Kamabijajapanda Kamabijaswarupini
Kumatighni Kulinartinashini Kula Kamini
Klim Hrim Shrim Mantrvarnena Kalakantakaghatini
Kripamayi Kripadhara Kripapara Kripagama
Kavacha -


,
,


Om Klim Me Hridayam Patu Padau Shrikalaratri
Lalate Satatam Patu Tushtagraha Nivarini
Rasanam Patu Kaumari, Bhairavi Chakshushorbhama
Katau Prishthe Maheshani, Karnoshankarabhamini
Varjitani Tu Sthanabhi Yani Cha Kavachena Hi
Tani Sarvani Me Devisatatampatu Stambhini

Day 8 Ashtami

Goddess Mahagauri

Origin - According to Hindu mythologies, the Goddess Shailputri at the age of sixteen was
extremely beautiful and was blessed with fair complexion. Due to her extreme fair
complexion she was known as Goddess Mahagauri.

Navratri Worship - Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri.

Governing Planet - It is believed that the planet Rahu is governed by Goddess Mahagauri.

Iconography - The mount of Goddess Mahagauri as well as Goddess Shailputri is bull and
because of that she is also known as Vrisharudha (). Goddess Mahagauri is
depicted with four hands. She carries Trishul in one right hand and keeps the second right
hand in Abhaya Mudra. She adorns Damaru in the one left hand and keeps the second left
hand in Varada Mudra.

Details - As name suggests, Goddess Mahagauri is extremely fair. Due to her fair complexion
Goddess Mahagauri is compared with the conch, the moon and the white flower of Kunda
(). She adorns white clothes only and due to that She is also known as
Shwetambardhara ().

Devanagari Name -

Favourite Flower - Night blooming jasmine ( )

Mantra -

Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah
Prarthana -


Shwete Vrishesamarudha Shwetambaradhara Shuchih
Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadeva Pramodada
Stuti -


Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Mahagauri Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
Dhyana -






, , , ,

Vande Vanchhita Kamarthe Chandrardhakritashekharam
Simharudha Chaturbhuja Mahagauri Yashasvinim
Purnandu Nibham Gauri Somachakrasthitam Ashtamam Mahagauri Trinetram
Varabhitikaram Trishula Damarudharam Mahagauri Bhajem
Patambara Paridhanam Mriduhasya Nanalankara Bhushitam
Manjira, Hara, Keyura, Kinkini, Ratnakundala Manditam
Praphulla Vandana Pallavadharam Kanta Kapolam Trailokya Mohanam
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Mrinalam Chandana Gandhaliptam
Stotra -






Sarvasankata Hantri Tvamhi Dhana Aishwarya Pradayanim
Jnanada Chaturvedamayi Mahagauri Pranamamyaham
Sukha Shantidatri Dhana Dhanya Pradayanim
Damaruvadya Priya Adya Mahagauri Pranamamyaham
Trailokyamangala Tvamhi Tapatraya Harinim
Vadadam Chaitanyamayi Mahagauri Pranamamyaham
Kavacha -
, ,

Omkarah Patu Shirsho Maa, Him Bijam Maa, Hridayo
Klim Bijam Sadapatu Nabho Griho Cha Padayo
Lalatam Karno Hum Bijam Patu Mahagauri Maa Netram Ghrano
Kapota Chibuko Phat Patu Swaha Maa Sarvavadano

Day 9 Navami

Ayudha Puja falls during Maha Navratri and it is popular only in South India mainly in Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Ayudha Puja is done on Navami Tithi during Navratri. Most
of the time, it falls on Maha Navami during Navratri. Ayudha Puja is also known as Shastra Puja and
Astra Puja.

Historically Ayudha Puja was meant to worship weapons but in its present form all sort of
instruments are worshipped on the very same day. In South India it is a day when craftsmen worship
their tools and instruments similar to Vishwakarma Puja in other parts of India.

In its modern form Ayudha Puja has become Vahana Puja when people worship their vehicles
including cars, scooters, and motor bikes. During Vahana Puja all sort of vehicles, which are in use,
are decorated with vermilion, garlands, mango leaves and banana sapling and worshipped. Most
significantly during Vahana Puja a white pumpkin is decorated with vermilion and turmeric and
smashed in front of the vehicle as a custom to get rid of all sorts of evils.

In South India most calendars mark Saraswati Puja along with Ayudha Puja. However according to
most Dharma Shastras Saraswati Puja during Navratri is suggested during Purva Ashadha
Nakshatra.

Navami Homa, Navami Hawan

Navami Homa is very significant ritual during Navratri and Durga Puja. Navami Homa is
also known as Chandi Homa and Chandi Homam. People perform Navami Homa to please
Goddess Durga and seek Her blessing for the good health and the victory over all sort of
obstacles in life.

Navami Homa during Navratri and Durga Puja is done during day time as it is believed that
Homa done during night is not fruitful. Hence Navami Homa is done during day time while
Navami Tithi is prevailing. Homa during Durga Puja is suggested after Navami Puja.

Most people perform Navami Homa while chanting 700 verses from Durga Saptashati and
Aahuti () is done on each of the verse. Hence one needs at least 2 to 3 hours to
perform ritualistically minimum Homam during Navami. In some years Navami Tithi gets
over pretty soon after sunrise and one doesnt get enough time to perform Navami Puja and
Homa.

If Navami Tithi gets over pretty soon after sunrise then it starts before Sayanakal on previous
day and a good portion of Navami Tithi prevails on Ashtami Tithi. If it happens then Navami
Homa can be done on the previous day and it is suggested in religious texts. The Homa on
Ashtami Tithi could be started any time while Ashtami Tithi is prevailing and should be
finished when Navami Tithi starts prevailing but before sunset. In other words Homa should
be continued while Tithi crosses over Ashtami to Navami.
Drik Panchang lists the appropriate timings to perform Navami Homa during Durga Puja. If
Navami prevails for more than 3 Muhurat on previous day before sunset then we list Homa
timings on Ashtami Tithi as well as on Navami Tithi.

Day 10 Dasami

2017 Navratri Parana

Our religious books have split opinion on the timing of Navratri Parana. In religious texts two
different opinions exist on the timings of breaking Navratri fast. The first opinion advises to
do Navratri Parana within Navami Tithi and the second opinion advises to do Navratri Parana
on Dashami Tithi only after Navami Tithi is over.

Most of the devotees in North India, especially female devotees with family, either break
Navratri fast on Ashtami or Navami after doing Kanya Puja. Depending on family traditions
followed since generations, Kanya Puja which is also known as Kumari Puja is done either on
Maha Ashtami or Maha Navami Puja day during Navratri. In many years Maha Ashtami and
Maha Navami Puja falls on the same day and fast is broken on Ashtami Tithi only after
Kanya Puja. For those who follow this tradition, there is no need to look for Navratri Parana
Muhurat as those devotees would break the fast before noon after finishing Kanya Puja either
on Maha Ashtami or Maha Navami Puja day.

It should be noted that this tradition doesn't follow the principle of nine-nights fasting during
Navratri. Because, in those families who worship Ashtami Tithi, the fasting would be
observed only for seven nights and for those families who worship Navami Tithi, the fasting
would be observed only for eight nights. This tradition rather makes sure that Navratri fasting
is broken within Navami Tithi and avoids Navratri Parana on Dashami Tithi or on the day
when Navami Tithi is conjoined with Dashami Tithi.

In many families, rather observing Navratri fasting for nine days, it is observed for two days.
The first fasting is observed on the first day of Navratri and the second fasting is observed
either on Saptami or Ashtami depending on the tradition of culminating Navratri worship on
Maha Ashtami or Maha Navami day. In other words, the second fasting is done one day
before of last worshipping day. For those who follow this tradition, there is no need to look
for Navratri Parana Muhurat.

In many families, Navami Homa is done during Navratri. Navratri Homa or Navratri Havan
is considered more significant when Navami Tithi is prevailing and it is performed during
day time only. It takes about four hours to perform a minimum ritualistic Chandi Havan.
Keeping all these constraints for doing a Homa, Navratri fasting is broken when Homa as
well as Navami Tithi is over. If Navami Tithi is getting over before sunset then fast is broken
on the same day when Navami Tithi is over and Dashami Tithi is prevailing. If Navami Tithi
is getting over after sunset then Navratri Parana is postponed for the next day and Navratri
fast is broken after sunrise on the next day. This tradition makes sure that Navratri fasting is
observed for nine-nights unless Navami Tithi is getting over before sunset. If Navami Tithi is
getting over before sunset then fasting would end on the same day and fasting would be
observed for eight nights only. But this tradition follows the rule mentioned is prestigious
Nirnaya-Sindhu that Navratri Parana should be done on Dashami Tithi after Navami Tithi is
over.
As per Nirnaya-Sindhu,

the Navratri Parana is done when Navami Tithi is over and Dashami Tithi prevails. As the
book mentions, Navratri fasting has been suggested from Pratipada to Navami and to follow
this guideline Navratri fasting should be observed throughout Navami Tithi.

Durga Visarjan is done at an appropriate time either during Aparahna () time or

Pratahkala (:) while Dashami Tithi is prevailing. In most of the years Visarjan Muhurat
falls during morning time but if both Shravana Nakshatra and Dashami Tithi prevail during Aparahna
together then Aparahna Muhurat is given preference over morning Muhurat.

Many people break nine days Navratri fasting after Durga Visarjan. Hence Durga Visarjan timing can
also be used for Navratri Parana.

Vijayadashami is celebrated as victory of Lord Rama over Demon Ravana and also triumph
of Goddess Durga over the buffalo Demon Mahishasura. Vijayadashami is also known as
Dussehra or Dasara. In Nepal Dasara is celebrated as Dashain.

Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja ( ) and Seema Avalanghan (

or ) are some of the rituals which are followed on the day of
Vijayadashami. According to Hindu division of the day, these rituals should be done during
Aparahna time.