Celebrate Navratri with Meaningful Kanya Puja

॥ ॐ देवी सर्वभूतेषु माता रूपेण संस्थिता॥

॥ ॐ नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Oh Goddess, you reside in all beings as their mother. 

I bow to you, I bow to you, I bow to you.

Navratri, the nine nights dedicated to the Divine Feminine, is a significant festival in Hinduism. One of the most important rituals performed during Navratri is Kanya Puja, also known as Kanjak Puja. This ritual involves worshiping young girls as manifestations of the Goddess Durga.

Also read: Navratri 2024: Best Fasting Practices – What we can eat and When to Break the Navratri Fast

The Importance of Kanya Puja in Navratri

Kanya Puja holds immense spiritual significance in Navratri. Legend has it that on the ninth day of Navratri, Shakti, the Divine Feminine, took the form of Goddess Durga to vanquish the demon Mahisasura. To ensure her victory, she sought the help of the devas (gods). The devas, recognizing the power of the Divine Feminine, offered their weapons and blessings to Durga. Armed with their support, Durga engaged in a fierce battle with Mahisasura, ultimately defeating him and restoring peace to the universe.

As a tribute to this divine victory, Kanya Puja is performed to honor the nine forms of Goddess Durga, represented by nine young girls. It is believed that by worshiping these girls, one is invoking the blessings of the Divine Feminine and seeking her protection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Kanya Puja

1. Preparation: Cleanse your home and create a sacred space for the puja. Decorate the space with flowers, rangoli, and auspicious symbols.
2. Inviting the Girls: Invite nine young girls (preferably unmarried) to your home. They are considered manifestations of the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
3. Foot Washing: Wash the feet of the girls with water and offer them flowers.
4. Offering Gifts: Present the girls with gifts such as clothes, toys, sweets, and fruits.
5. Applying Tilak: Apply tilak (a red mark) on the foreheads of the girls.
6. Feeding the Girls: Serve the girls a delicious meal, preferably vegetarian.
7. Seeking Blessings: Seek blessings from the girls and express gratitude for their presence.

Also read : Navratri Puja Vidhi, Mantra, Samagri, and Muhurat 2024

Essential Items for Kanya Puja

• Flowers: Offer fresh flowers, such as roses, lilies, or marigolds. Click here to shop
• Gifts: Prepare gifts for the girls, such as clothes, toys, or stationery.
• Sweets: Serve traditional Indian sweets like ladoo, barfi, or jalebi.
• Fruits: Offer seasonal fruits like apples, bananas, or grapes.
• Decorations: Use rangoli, diyas, and other decorations to create a festive atmosphere.
• Puja Thali: A plate or tray for offering the puja items.

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Best Time to Conduct Kanya Puja

According to the 2024 Drik Panchang, Kanya Puja will be performed on Friday, October 11, 2024.

Also read: 9 Navratri Home Decor Ideas for 2024: Celebrate in Style

Durgashtami Timings in India (12-hour format):

Ashtami Tithi Begins	12:31 PM on October 10, 2024
Ashtami Tithi Ends	12:06 PM on October 11, 2024

Note: While the Drik Panchang suggests Ashtami Tithi for Kumari Puja, the specific day may vary based on family traditions and regional customs.

Kanya Puja for Different Age Groups

The rituals for Kanya Puja may vary slightly depending on the age of the girls. As per religious texts, girls between 2 to 10 years old are suitable for Kanya Puja. The girls from two to ten years represent various forms of Durga and are named as:

• Kumarika: Girl older than 1 year and up to 2 years old
• Trimurti: Girl between 2 to 3 years and 3 years old
• Kalyani: Girl between 3 to 4 years and 4 years old
• Rohini: Girl between 4 to 5 years and 5 years old
• Kali: Girl between 5 to 6 years and 6 years old
• Chandika: Girl between 6 to 7 years and 7 years old
• Shambhavi: Girl between 7 to 8 years and 8 years old
• Durga: Girl between 8 to 9 years and 9 years old
• Bhadra or Subhadra: Girl between 9 to 10 years and less than 10

By performing Kanya Puja with devotion and sincerity, you can invoke the blessings of the Divine Feminine and create a positive atmosphere in your home.

॥ ॐ सर्वमंगल मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके ॥

॥ शरण्ये त्रयम्बके गौरी नारायणी नमोस्तुते ॥

Oh Gauri, the auspiciousness of all that is auspicious, 

the consort of Lord Shiva, who grants every desire. 

Oh three-eyed one, Oh Gauri, the embodiment of Narayani, I bow to you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kanya Puja

1. How do you perform Kanya Puja?

Ans: Kanya Puja involves inviting nine young girls to your home, washing their feet, offering them gifts, applying tilak, and feeding them a meal. Seek blessings from the girls and express gratitude for their presence.

2. How many girls are needed for a Kanya Puja?

Ans: Traditionally, nine girls are invited for Kanya Puja, representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga. However, you can also invite a smaller number of girls.

3. What is the best time to perform Kanya Puja?

Ans: The most auspicious time to perform Kanya Puja is on the eighth day of Navratri, known as Aashtami. However, it can also be performed on other days of the festival.

4. Why is Kanya Puja done during Navratri?

Ans: Kanya Puja is performed during Navratri to honor the Divine Feminine and seek blessings from the Goddess. It is believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and fulfillment.

5. What is the significance of Kanya Puja in Navratri?

Ans: Kanya Puja is considered a highly auspicious ritual during Navratri. It is believed that by honoring young girls, one is paying homage to the Divine Feminine i.e. the nine forms of Goddess Durga and seeking her blessings.

6. How many girls are required for Kanya Puja?

Ans: Traditionally, nine girls are invited for Kanya Puja, representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga. However, you can also invite a smaller number of girls.

7. What are the essential items needed for Kanya Puja?

Ans: Essential items for Kanya Puja include flowers, gifts, sweets, fruits, decorations, and a puja thali.

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