Navratri is a prominent religious festival in India, celebrated over nine days with devotion and dedication, fasting, and multiple rituals. Navratri 2024 promises to be a colourful occasion with numerous traditions and profound spiritual meanings. This year’s celebration begins on the 3rd of October and ends on the 12th of October, enabling devotees to participate in nine days of prayer, fasting, and vivid ceremonies dedicated to Maa Durga. You can also Book online Navratri Puja services with us to perform the rituals and celebrations of Navratri. Book Now!!
This blog at OnlineTemple aims to be a complete resource for devotees, covering various elements of Navratri, including the offerings, rituals, mantras for each day, and fasting guidelines.
The Detailed Significance of Navratri Days
During Navratri, devotees honor a different incarnation of Maa Durga each day and offer her their complete devotion.
Day 1 (October 3) – Worship Goddess Shailputri
Himavat, the Mountain King, considers Devi Shailaputri (शैलपुत्री) his daughter, and she represents the pure form of Goddess Parvati. She incarnates as Maa Parvati, the Hindu mother goddess, and devotees worship her as the first of the Navadurga on the first day of Navratri. Shailaputri is also popular as a reincarnation of Mata Sati.
Her adoration emphasises her traits of purity, power, and dedication, making her a revered figure during Navratri. Devotees frequently seek her blessings for perseverance and knowledge.
Mantra for Shailputri
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः
Offerings
Ghee and Hibiscus Flowers
Day 2 (October 4) – Honour Goddess Brahmacharini
Mata Brahmacharini is the second avatar of Mahadevi and is honoured on the 2nd day of Navaratri. Devi Brahmacharini typically appears in white clothing. She usually wears white and is regarded for her intense meditation and dedication to Lord Shiva to earn his acceptance. Maa Brahmacharini represents pureness, persistent dedication, and continuous pursuit of learning.
Mantra for Brahmacharini
Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah
Offerings
Sugar and Jasmine Flowers
Day 3 (October 5) – Celebrate Devi Chandraghanta
Devi Chandraghanta, a fatal avatar of Mahadevi, is revered on the 3rd day of Navratri. Her name is derived from the half moon on the top of her head. She represents beauty, pleasure, and calm as she prepares for combat on a tigress.
Devi Chandraghanta has ten arms, each holding a different symbol: her left hands hold a Trishul, gada, sword, and kamandal, while the fifth is in Varada Mudra, representing the bestowing of boons. Her right hands carry a lotus, an arrow, a bow, and a Japa Mala, while the fifth is in Abhaya Mudra for protection. Devotees believe that the sound of the moon bell wards off evil spirits, ensuring their protection.
Mantra for Devi Chandraghanta
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah
Offerings
Kheer and Lotus Flowers
Day 4 (October 6) – Reverence for Devi Kushmanda
People Devi Kushmanda on the 4th day of Navratri. She is also known as Adishakti, Adiswarup, and Ashtabhuja Devi, and is said to have created the universe with her bright smile. Lord Ganesha and the Kalash are honoured first in worship, and then Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are honoured in separate rituals. She represents life, vitality, and energy as the creator of the universe. During this sacred holiday, devotees pray for her blessings of strength and positivity.
Mantra for Mata Kushmanda
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah
Offerings
Malpua, Halwa and Red Flowers
Day 5 (October 7) – Worship Goddess Skandamata
On the 5th day, devotees offer devotion to Devi Skandmata, who is the beloved mother of Kartikeya, the commander of the cosmic force. She is popular as Mata Gauri, Uma, Parvati, Padmasana Devi, and Maheswari. The name Skandmata emphasises her relationship with Skanda as a mother.
Her lovely skin earns her the title Mata Gauri, and her representation sitting on a lotus wins her the moniker Padamasana Devi. As Lord Shiva’s consort, she is also known as Maheswari. During this special time, devotees seek her blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and peace of mind.
Mantra for Goddess Skandamata
Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah
Offerings
Banana and Rose/Lotus Flowers
Day 6 (October 8) – Honour Devi Katyayani
On the 6th day of Navratri, devotees honor Mata Katyayani, a fierce and powerful form of Maa Durga. Rishi Katyayana intensely meditated to have her as his daughter, and his wish was fulfilled on Dakshin Krishna Chaturdashi.
Mata Katyayani defeated the demon Mahishasura and freed the gods from his tyranny. She embodies both strength and maternal love, fiercely protecting her devotees. Worshipping her helps fulfill their deepest wishes and aspirations, making her a beloved figure during Navratri. Her blessings bring courage and guidance to those who seek her help.
Mantra for Goddess Katyayani
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah
Offerings
Honey and Rose Flowers
Day 7 (October 9) – Worship Goddess Kalratri
Devotees Book online puja for Kali to offer prayers to Goddess Kalratri, who is thought to be the most fatal manifestation of Durga, on the 7th day of Navratri. She is as popular as Shubankari because she calms her followers’ anxieties and protects them from malicious powers. Her dark complexion and commanding presence symbolise the abolition of ignorance and darkness. Goddess Kalratri bestows bravery onto her believers and protects them from harm, safeguarding their well-being during this sacred period.
Mantra for Mata Kalaratri
Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah
Offerings
Jaggery and Jasmine Flowers
Day 8 (October 10) – Worship Devi Mahagauri
Devi Mahagauri is the 8th incarnation of Goddess Durga, known for her purity, knowledge, and kindness. People worship her on the 8th day of Navratri. She has a fair complexion and rides a white bull, symbolizing bravery and virtue. On the eighth day of Navratri, devotees pray to her for harmony, prosperity, and higher consciousness. Mahagauri signifies the triumph of good over evil and is the epitome of divine grace.
Mantra for Devi Mahagauri
Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah
Offerings
Coconut and Lotus Flowers
Day 9 (October 11) – Honour Goddess Siddhidatri
On the ninth and final day of Navratri, devotees revere the Goddess Siddhidatri, who signifies spiritual force. She is famous for bestowing the eight Siddhis, which are exceptional talents that enable her believers to achieve their objectives. People revere Maa Siddhidatri for her knowledge, fulfillment, and wealth. Both gods and humans pray to her for blessings. She represents the end of the Navratri celebration and reminds us that genuine strength stems from within.
Mantra for Mata Siddhidatri
Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah
Offerings
Sesame Seeds and Champa Flowers
Fasting Rules for Navratri
- Avoid eating onions, garlic, and ordinary salt.
- If you have the energy, only eat once or twice a day.
- Concentrate on light, sattvic meals.
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