Navaratri is one of the most significant festivals in Hindu culture, celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India and beyond. This nine-night festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Every day of Navaratri is marked by rituals, prayers, and celebrations that honor different aspects of the divine feminine power. One of the most cherished traditions during this festival is the Kanya Pujan, a ritual that is performed on the eighth or ninth day of Navaratri, usually called Ashtami or Navami.
What is Kanya Pujan?
Kanya Pujan, or the Worship of Girls, is a ritual where young girls are revered and worshiped as manifestations of Goddess Durga. The belief behind this custom is that Goddess Durga herself resides in these innocent young girls, and by honoring them, devotees are not only paying tribute to the divine but are also ensuring the blessings of the goddess for a prosperous and happy life.
The practice involves inviting young girls, often between the ages of 2 and 10, into homes or temples, where they are treated as goddesses themselves. The ritual has immense spiritual significance and is one of the highlights of the Navaratri celebrations.
The Significance of Kanya Pujan
In Hinduism, worshipping young girls during Navratri symbolizes the reverence of innocence, purity, and feminine energy. This ritual is a tribute to the power of women and marks a moment of respect and gratitude towards them. Goddess Durga, a powerful embodiment of female energy, is said to have appeared on earth in the form of a young girl, and thus, worshipping girls as goddesses during Navratri strengthens the bond between the divine feminine and earthly feminine power.
Additionally, the act of Kanya Pujan signifies the importance of women in every aspect of life, including creation, sustenance, and destruction. By performing this puja, devotees not only seek the blessings of the goddess but also express reverence for the female spirit in all its forms.
Navratri Kanya Pujan Vidhi (Rituals of Worship)
The Kanya Pujan Vidhi is a beautifully detailed ritual. It is an opportunity for devotees to show their respect and love for young girls and ask for blessings. Here is a step-by-step guide to performing Kanya Pujan during Navaratri:
- Preparation for the Ritual
Before the ritual begins, ensure that the area where the puja will take place is clean and well-decorated. People often place a Kalash (sacred pot) filled with water, covered with mango leaves, and topped with a coconut as a symbol of Goddess Durga. You can also decorate the space with flowers, rangoli, and diyas (oil lamps) to create a divine atmosphere.
- Invite Young Girls
The next step is to invite young girls, ideally between the ages of 2 and 10, to your home. They are considered embodiments of Goddess Durga during this ritual. These girls are often referred to as "Kanyas."
- Offer a Ritual Bath
Before starting the puja, the girls are given a gentle ceremonial bath or at least their feet are washed by the devotees. This signifies purification and sanctification.
- Puja Ritual
Place a small seat (asana) for each girl and make them sit comfortably. The puja typically includes the following offerings:
Offerings of flower petals to the girls.
Chandan (sandalwood paste) is applied to their foreheads as a mark of respect and auspiciousness.
Aarti is performed to the girls, with a small bell and a diya (lamp) in hand.
Prayers and mantras are recited, invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga.
Offer food such as halwa (sweet dish), puri (fried bread), and chana (gram), as an offering to the girls.
- Offering Gifts and Blessings
Once the rituals are complete, the girls are showered with gifts such as clothes, jewelry, and money. These gifts are offered to them as a token of respect and reverence. The most important part of the Kanya Pujan is to receive blessings from the girls, as they are believed to be the living embodiment of the Goddess.
- Feeding the Girls
After the rituals, it is customary to feed the girls with simple and delicious offerings, which often include puris, halwa, chana, and other treats. This is done to honor them as Goddess Durga incarnate.
- Final Aarti
The final step is to perform an Aarti, thanking the Goddess for her blessings. The ritual concludes with the distribution of prasad (sacred food offerings) to the devotees.
Significance of the Ritual in Modern Times
In today's world, Kanya Pujan transcends mere religious observance; it also serves as a reminder of the importance of female empowerment, respect, and the need to protect and cherish young girls in society. In many parts of India, this ritual serves as a powerful expression of social values—honoring girls who represent purity, strength, and resilience.
Moreover, Kanya Pujan symbolizes an expression of gratitude towards the goddess and seeks to bring prosperity, health, and harmony into the lives of those who perform the ritual.
Watch Now: Sri Suktam With Lyrics - Lakshmi Mantra For Wealth
Conclusion
The Navratri Kanya Pujan Vidhi is a beautiful expression of devotion and respect towards young girls, as they are seen as manifestations of the divine feminine power. In the chaos of modern life, performing such rituals provides an opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation and reinforces the values of respect, purity, and love for all beings, especially women and children. Whether in a temple or at home, the ritual not only fosters religious devotion but also builds strong social and moral values. Celebrating Navaratri in such a sacred manner continues to bind people together with the eternal presence of Goddess Durga's power in every heart and home.
Source: https://sites.google.com/view/vedaangam/blogs/navaratri-durga-puja-kanya-pujan-vidhi
