1st night devoted to the puja of Ma Shailputri. Shail means mountains; Parvati, the daughter of king of Mountains Himavan, is known as “Shailputri”. Her 2 hands, display a trident and a lotus. She is mounted upon a bull.

In Ashwin month (Ashwayuja masam), from Shukla Paksha Pratipada (Padyami) to Navami thithi, Navaratri Pooja is performed.Kalash Sthapana or Ghat Sthapana is the First Step of Durga Pooja during Durga Navratri.

Kalash sthapana is performed on the next day to Mahalaya Amavasya or on First day (Padyami / Prathami Ashwayuja masam) during Durga puja.

In some places, First three days of Navratri puja rituals are dedicated to Goddess Durga. And the next three days to Goddess Lakshmi and the final three days are to Goddess Saraswati.

In south India, Saraswati Puja is observed on the seventh day of Navaratri which is also observed as Durga Saptami or Maha Saptami. In Bengal and other East Indian states, Durgashtami (the eighth day of Navratri) is the biggest event among Navratri festivals.

Kalash Stahapana:

According to your family’s custom, if you are doing Kalash Sthapana on the first day of the Navratri, then it would be done in the ABHIJINH MUHURAT. For different places Abhijinh Muhurat’s time would be different, so you should do your Kalash Sthapana according to your nearest place’s Abhijinh Muhurat.

- At the time of Kalash Sthapan you should reap the barley as per your family custom.Worshiping Maa Durga

- Maa Durga should be worshiped with PANCHOPCHAR (Fragrances, Flowers, Inceses, Diayas and Rice) or Shodoshopchar.

Kalash Sthapan Puja steps

Take a fresh silver or bronze or copper or earthen pot and fill it (upto its neck) with holy water place Pancha pallavas (five types of sacred leaves) or mango leaves. Kalash is decorated with haldi (turmeric powder), chandan (sandalwood powder) and kumkum (vermillion powder).Keep a coconut on the Kalash and cover it with a blouse piece. The coconut is also decorated with chandan paste.

While chanting the Durga Pooja Kalasha Sankalpa mantra, recite the sloka given below:

Karishyami vratham matarnavaratra manuththamamSahayyam kuru mei devi ! Jagadamba ! mamahkhilam

Mother Goddess! I am observing the fruitful Navratra vrata. Jagadamba! Please give me courage, patience and devotion and help me in every aspect during Durga pooja.

Worshiping Maa Durga’s incarnation as Shailputri

On the first day of Navratri Maa Durga’s form of Shilputri is being worshiped. Maa Shilputri’smeditation and Mantra’s incantation is as follows:

Vande Vanchitlabhaya Chndrardhkritshekhram.Vrisharoodhaam Shooldharaam Shailputreem Yashasvineem..

Mantra: Om Shailputraye Namah

Kumari Pooja: Kumari Pooja should be done on daily basis as per system. However, in this matter Family’s custom is more important. The days are fixed for Kumari Poojan and it depends upon the custom of family or clan, it can be done from sixth day till ninth day of Navratri.

Saptshati Recitation:In Maa Durga’s worshiping recitation of Durga Shaptshati is very popular, it is done in Navratri.It is having 13 chapters. By reciting the Durga Saptashati, deep wishes can be fulfilled. Here’s how you can do it:

1. All three Charitras should recite of Durga Shaptshati.2. In a condition of inability, read first till middle Charitra.3. In case of inability, you can only recite the following Mantra:

Namo Devyay Mahadevyay Shivaya Santatam Namah.Namah Prkratyay Bhadraye Niyatayah Pranatah Smataam..

4. Read the Mantras by keeping the Shaptashati on a wooden stool, after putting the new cloth on it.5. Reading should not be done silently and in hurry.6. Read its third, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh and twelfth chapters in sequence for peace, sickness of family member, nasty violence or epidemic and for the devastation of the enemy.7. Read it for 100 times in case of distress, physical problem, ineffectiveness of medicine, distraction of age and clan, enhancement of illness, loss of property and to expand empire.8. Those who reads Shaptshati on Sunday, get nine times benefit, on Monday get Thousand times benefit, on Tuesday get hundred times benefit, on Wednesday get one Lakh times benefit, on Thursday and Friday get two Lacs times benefit and on Saturday get one Cr times benefit by its reading.9. The devotee who starts reading from sixth day till fourteenth day of Shukl Paksha, they get benefit in all areas of life.10. By disciplined recitation of Durga Shaptshati, all wishes can be fulfilled.

Following are some important Mantras from Durga Shaptashati:

1. For relief from grief and poverty

Durge Smrata Harsi BhitimsheshjantohSwasthayeha Smrata Matimteev Shubhaam Dadasi.Daaridraya-Dukh-bhayaharini ka tvadanya,sarvopkar-karnaay sadadrachitta..

2. For peace from various violences

Rakshansi yattrogravishashach naga, yatrarayo dastu balani yatraDavanalo yatra tathabdhimadhye, tatra sthita tvam paripasi vishvam..

3. For happiness and destruction of adversity

Karotu sanh shubhetureeshvari, shubhani bhadranyabhihantu chaapadah..

4. For destroying worldwide disasters.

Devi: prapanartihare praseed,praseed matrjagtokhilasya.Praseed visheshvari pahi vishvam,tvameeshvaree..

Devi:chrachrasya.

5. For objection savior

Sharnagat-deenarth-paritraan-parayne,Sarvasyartihare devi, narayani,namostute

If Possible Chant Durga Saptashati or Devi Kavach Daily in Navratri.

Reciete Lalitha Sahasranamam (1000 Names of Devi) Daily in 9 days of Navratri.

Recitation of Shri Ramcharitmanas

Devotees of lord Ram are reciting Ramayana in Navaratri. For this Tulsidas, Valmiki, lord Shiva andHanuman should be worshiped on the first day. Thereafter, Shri Ram-Seeta and their brothers (Bharat, Laxman and Shatrughna) should also be worshiped. Afterwards, NAVANHPARAYANA should be recited, which is in Balkand as follows:

Hiyam Harshe Kaamari Tab Sakar Sahaj Sujaan.Bahu Bidhi Umahi Prsansi Puni Bole Kripanidhan..

During Navratri Pooja Try to

Avoid eating non-vegetarian food during Navratri vrat.

Avoid Maithuna (Sexual activities) during Navratri.

Do charity and donation as much as you can.

Food charity is the main thing of this puja. Kumari Puja, Suhasini Pooja and Brahmin santarpana has to be performed during Vrata. Atleast a single Kanya or suhasini should be fed.

Spend as much as time in Devi prarthana (in chanting devi stotra).

Those who are not able to observe fasting can also take meal one time a day.

Ghatasthapana / Kalasha Sthapana is performed on Pratipada tithi. Grow seeds of grains in a clay pot or bowl. Install Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Maha Saraswati and worship the Goddesses.

Offer Arghyam with flowers, fruits, and other puja material. Perform Aarti.

On the day of culmination of Navratri vrat, offer ‘dakshina’ to the Brahmin.

Navarathri – Day 2

 

Devi Brahmacharini

One hand holds a “Kumbha” or water port and the other rosary. She personifies love and loyalty. Bhramcharni is store-house of knowledge and wisdom. Rudraksha is HER most adorned ornament.

Maa Durga should be worshiped with PANCHOPCHAR (Fragrances, Flowers, Inceses, Diayas and Rice) or Shodshopchar.

Worshipping Maa Durga’s incarnation as BrahmachariniMaa Durga’s incarnation as Brahmcharini is worshiped on second day of Navratri. Its meditation and Mantras are as follows:

Dadhana karpadmabhyaamakshmaala kamandaloo.Devi praseedatu mayi brahmacharinyanuttama..

Mantra: Om Brahmacharinyay Namah

Durga Shaptashati Recitation:

Same way as the first day’s resolution Durga Shaptashati’s recitation should be done; process is same as explained earlier.

If you are reciting according to the Charitras, then you should recite First and Uttar Charitra.

Recitation of Shri Ramcharitmanas

Worship as same as the first day; thereafter, start couplet recitation of Baalkand from Ramcharitmaanas, “Jo sumirat siddhi hoi gan nayak, kari bar badan…..” And after first rest start recitation from Baalkand’s 120th couplet till 239th couplet.

At the end, do the Aarti of Shri Ram and Hanuman.

 Navarathri – Day 3

Worshipped on the 3rd night this Ma Durga Shakti is astride a tiger, displays a golden hue to her skin, possesses ten hands and 3 eyes. Eight of her hands display weapons while the remaining two are respectively in the mudras of gestures of boon giving and stopping harm. Chandra + Ghanta, meaningsupreme bliss and knowledge, showering peace and serenity, like cool breeze in a moonlit night. Ma is worshipped in this form in Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) India.

Daily ScheduleMaa Durga should be worshiped with PANCHOPCHAR (Fragrances, Flowers, Inceses, Diayas and Rice) or Shodshopchar. 

Worshipping Maa Durga’s incarnation as Chandraghanta

Maa Durga’s incarnation as Chandraghanta is worshiped on Third day of Navratri. Its meditation andMantras are as follows:

Pinjapravararudha chandkopastrakairutaPrasadam tanute maham chndraghanteti vishrushruta

Mantra: Om Chandraghantaye Namah

Durga Shaptashati Recitation:

Same way as the first day’s resolution Durga Shaptashati’s recitation should be done; process is same as explained earlier.

If you are reciting according to the Charitras, then you should recite Madhyam Charitra. If you want to complete the recitation of Shaptashati in 7 or 8 days, then you should recite fourth chapter on third day.

Recitation of Shri Ramcahritmanas

Worship in a same way as the second day thereafter and recite the couplet, “Jo sumirat siddhi hoi gan nayak, kari bar badan…..” And after the second rest, recite till 358th couplet from Baalkand.

 

 

 Navarathri – Day 4

Devi Kushmanda

The 4th night begins the worship of Kushmanda, possessed of eight arms, holding weapons and a mala or rosary. Her mount is a tiger and she emanates a solar like aura. “Kumbh Bhand” means to see cosmic vivacity in Pindi shape or knowledge of cosmic intri cacies in human race.

Daily ScheduleMaa Durga should be worshiped with PANCHOPCHAR (Fragrances, Flowers, Inceses, Diayas and Rice) or Shodshopchar.

 

Worshipping Maa Durga’s incarnation as Kushmanda

Maa Durga’s incarnation as Kushmanda is worshiped on Fourth day of Navratri. Its Meditation and Mantras are as follows:

Surasampoornakalasham rudhiraplutmev chaDadhana hastpadhyabhyam Kushmandashubhdastu me

Mantra: Om Kushmandyaye Namah

Durga Shaptashati Recitation:

Same way as the first day’s resolution Durga Shaptashati’s recitation should be done; process is same as explained earlier.

If you are reciting according to the Charitras, then you should recite Uttar Charitra. If you want to complete the recitation of Shaptashati in 7 days, then you should recite 5th 6th 7th and 8th Charitra on fourth day.

You are completing in eight days then you must recite 5th 6th and 7th Charitras on fourth dayRecitation of Shri Ramcharitmanas

Worship in a same way as the Third day thereafter recites the couplet, “Jo sumirat siddhi hoi gan nayak, kari bar badan…..” And after third rest recite till 116th couplet from Ayodhyakand.

At the end do the Aarti of Shri Ram and Hanuman.

 Navarathri – Day 5

Devi Skandmata

Using a lion as a vehicle she holds her son, SKAND in her lap while displaying 3 eyes and 4 hands; two hands hold lotuses while the other 2 hands respectively display defending and granting gestures. Its said, by the mercy of Skandmata, even the idiot becomes an ocean of knowledge.

Daily Schedule

Maa Durga should be worshiped with PANCHOPCHAR (Fragrances, Flowers, Inceses, Diayas and Rice) or Shodshopchar.

Worshipping Maa Durga’s incarnation as Skandmata

Maa Durga’s incarnation as Skandmata is worshiped on Fifth day of Navratri. Its Meditation and

Mantras are as follows:

Singhasangata nityam padmashrit kardhyaShubhdastu sada devi skandmata yashasvini

Mantra: Om Skandmatraye Namah

Durga Shaptashati Recitation:

Same way as the first day’s resolution Durga Shaptashati’s recitation should be done; process is same as explained earlier.

If you are reciting according to the Charitras, then you should recite Madhyam Charitra. If you want to complete the recitation of Shaptashati in 7 days, then you should recite 9th and 10th Charitra on fifth day.

If you are completing in eight days then you must recite 8th and 9th Charitras on fifth day

Recitation of Shri Ramcharitmanas

Worship in a same way as the fourth day thereafter recites the couplet, “Jo sumirat siddhi hoi gan nayak, kari bar badan…..” And after fourth rest recite till 236th couplet from Ayodhyakand.

At the end do the Aarti of Shri Ram and Hanuman.

 Navarathri – Day 6

Devi Kaatyayani

As mother, Kaatyayani stayed in the Ashram of sage Katyayan for penance, hence she named as Kaatyayani. This 6th Shakti is also astride a lion with 3 eyes and 4 arms. One left hand holds a weapon and the other a lotus. The other 2 hands respectively display defending and granting gestures. Her complexion is golden coloured.

Daily Schedule

Maa Durga should be worshiped with PANCHOPCHAR (Fragrances, Flowers, Inceses, Diayas and Rice) or Shodshopchar.

Worshipping Maa Durga’s incarnation as Katyayini Devi

Maa Durga’s incarnation as Katyayini Devi is worshiped on Sixth day of Navratri. Its Meditation and

Mantras are as follows:Chandrahasojalkara shardulvarvahnaKatyayinishubham dadha devi daanvaghatini

Mantra: Om Katyayanai Namah

Durga Shaptashati Recitation:

Same way as the first day’s resolution Durga Shaptashati’s recitation should be done; process is same as explained earlier.

If you are reciting according to the Charitras, then you should recite First and Uttar Charitra. If you want to complete the recitation of Shaptashati in 7 days, then you should recite 11th Charitra on sixth day.

If you are completing in eight days then you must recite 10th Charitras on sixth day

Recitation of Shri Ramcharitmanas

Worship in a same way as the fifth day thereafter recites the couplet, “Jo sumirat siddhi hoi gan nayak, kari bar badan…..” And after fifth rest recite till 29th couplet from Aranyakand.

 Navarathri – Day 7

 

Devi Kaalratri

Black skin with bountiful hair and 4 hands, 2 clutching a cleaver and a torch, while the remaining 2 are in the mudras of “giving” and “protecting”. Her vahana is a faithful donkey. The destroyer of darkness and ignorance, Kaalratri is the seventh form of Nav-Durga meaning scourer of darkness; enemy of darkness. Kaalratri’s famous shrine is in Calcutta, India.

Daily Schedule

Maa Durga should be worshiped with PANCHOPCHAR (Fragrances, Flowers, Inceses, Diayas and Rice) or Shodshopchar.

Worshiping Maa Durga’s incarnation as Kalratri

Maa Durga’s incarnation as Kalratri is worshiped on Seventh day of Navratri. Its Meditation and

Mantras are as follows:Ekvedi japakarnapura nagna kharsthitaLamboshthi karnikakarni tailabhyakt shareeriniVaampaadillsallohalta kashtakbhushna vardhanmoordhdhvajaKrishna kaalraatrirabhayankari

Mantra: Om Kalratrayai Namah

Durga Shaptashati Recitation:

Same way as the first day’s resolution Durga Shaptashati’s recitation should be done; process is same as explained earlier.

If you are reciting according to the Charitras, then you should recite Madhyam Charitra. If you want to complete the recitation of Shaptashati in 7 days, then you should recite 12th 13th Charitra and Moorti-rahasya etc. on Seventh day.

If you are completing in eight days then you must recite 11th and 12th Charitras on seventh day

Recitation of Shri Ramcharit manas

Worship in a same way as the sixth day thereafter recites the couplet, “Jo sumirat siddhi hoi gan nayak, kari bar badan…..” And after sixth rest recite till 12th couplet from Lanka Kand.

At the end, do the Aarti of Shri Ram and Hanuman.