Navratri is a time when devotion, culture, and celebration come together in a grand display of faith across India. Spanning nine nights and ten days (Vijaya Dashami, known as Dussehra), the festival honors Goddess Durga in her various divine forms, each day dedicated to a different aspect of her power and grace. The word itself, derived from Sanskrit – nava meaning “nine” and ratri meaning “nights”, signifies a sacred period for spiritual reflection, fasting, prayer, and community gatherings.
In 2025, Sharada Navratri will be observed from September 22 to October 02, marking the arrival of autumn and bringing with it vibrant rituals, colorful traditions, and a deep sense of unity among devotees. Though its central theme is the triumph of good over evil, Navratri is celebrated very beautifully across regions, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage.
The Mythology Behind Navratri
Sharada Navratri, the most celebrated among the various Navratri observances mentioned in Hindu scriptures like the Vaishnava Puranas and Shakta texts, honors Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon king Mahishasura. Blessed with immense power by Lord Shiva, Mahishasura became a tyrant, threatening cosmic balance. The divine trinity — Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, united their energies to manifest Durga, the supreme warrior. For nine nights, she fought relentlessly, and on the tenth day, Vijaya Dashami, she beheaded Mahishasura, symbolizing the eternal triumph of light over darkness.
This divine story comes alive in unique ways across India, in Gujarat, Garba and Dandiya Raas fill the nights with vibrant rhythm and devotion; in West Bengal, grand Durga Puja pandals and artistic processions captivate millions; in Mysore, Karnataka, the majestic Mysore Dasara parade features Goddess Chamundeshwari atop a golden howdah; while Maharashtra, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh add their traditions of music, fasting, and community rituals. Together, these celebrations weave a rich cultural tapestry, united in devotion to the goddess.
From Shailputri to Siddhidatri – The Complete Navratri Puja Guide
Day 1 – Shailaputri (Daughter of the Mountains)
Shailaputri, the daughter of the Himalayas (Shaila – mountain, Putri – daughter), is the first form of Goddess Durga. Riding a bull with a trident and a lotus. Shailaputri symbolizes strength, stability, and purity, blessing her devotees with courage and prosperity. Also known as Parvati or Hemavati, she blesses devotees with courage, determination, and the foundation for spiritual awakening.
- Offerings: Pure ghee, white flowers, kalash sthapana; Sandalwood Dhoop
- Symbolism: Sandalwood’s earthy, calming aroma aligns with her grounded and pure nature.
- Mantra: ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः (Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah)
1- ऊँ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः ॥
2- वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्। वृषारुढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम् ॥
3- या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥
Day 2 – Brahmacharini (The Devoted Seeker)
Brahmacharini, combining Brahma (penance) and Charini (one who practices), embodies devotion and spiritual discipline. Depicted with a rosary and a kamandal, adorned in Rudraksha beads, she represents wisdom, virtue, and endurance. Her blessings grant knowledge and perseverance. Her story reflects Goddess Parvati’s intense penance to win Lord Shiva as her consort, symbolizing unwavering faith and determination.
- Offerings: Sugar, jasmine flowers, kamandal water; Jasmine Dhoop
- Symbolism: Jasmine’s gentle fragrance promotes peace, meditation, and spiritual focus.
- Mantra: ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः (Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah)
दधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमालाकमण्डलु | देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा ||
ध्यान मंत्र
वन्दे वांछित लाभायचन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
जपमालाकमण्डलु धराब्रह्मचारिणी शुभाम् ॥
गौरवर्णा स्वाधिष्ठानस्थिता द्वितीय दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम ।
धवल परिधाना ब्रह्मरूपा पुष्पालंकार भूषिताम् ॥
परम वंदना पल्लवराधरां कांत कपोला पीन।
पयोधराम् कमनीया लावणयं स्मेरमुखी निम्ननाभि नितम्बनीम् ॥
Day 3 – Chandraghanta (The Courageous Protector)
Chandraghanta, from Chandra meaning moon and Ghanta meaning bell, bears a crescent moon on her forehead, symbolizing serenity and alertness. She is depicted riding a tiger with ten hands, eight holding weapons and two in blessing and protection mudras. This form embodies courage, justice, and fearlessness, driving away negativity and evil spirits. Her story celebrates her fierce yet compassionate nature, ensuring protection for her devotees while maintaining peace.
- Offerings: Milk, red flowers, sweets; Rose Dhoop
- Symbolism: Rose’s sweet, uplifting aroma encourages courage while nurturing compassion.
- Mantra: ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः (Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah)
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः ॥
पिण्डज प्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता ।
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यम् चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता ॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां चन्द्रघण्टा रूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥
Day 4 – Kushmanda (The Cosmic Creator)
The name Kushmanda comes from Ku (small), Ushma (warmth/energy), and Anda (cosmic egg), signifying her role as the creator of the universe. Depicted with eight arms holding weapons, a rosary, and a pot of nectar, she rides a tiger and radiates a sun-like aura. She represents energy, vitality, and abundance, believed to have formed the universe with her divine smile. Her story emphasizes her role in infusing life into creation and spreading joy.
- Offerings: Pumpkin, marigold flowers; Mogra Dhoop
- Symbolism: Mogra’s fresh floral scent enhances vitality and positivity.
- Mantra: ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः (Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah)
बीज मंत्रः कुष्मांडाः ऐं ह्री देव्यै नमः
पूजा मंत्रः ॐ कूष्माण्डायै नमः
ध्यान मंत्रः वन्दे वांछित कामर्थे चन्द्रार्धकृत शेखराम्।
सिंहरूढ़ा अष्टभुजा कूष्माण्डा यशस्वनीम्॥
स्तुति मंत्रः सुरासम्पूर्ण कलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे ॥
Day 5 – Skandamata (Mother of Skanda)
Skandamata’s name means “Mother of Skanda” (Lord Kartikeya). She is depicted riding a lion, holding her son Skanda in her lap, with four arms — two holding lotuses and two in blessing and protection gestures. She embodies motherly love, protection, and wisdom, nurturing her devotees with compassion. Her story reflects the divine maternal bond, showing her as both a warrior and a gentle protector. Worshipping her strengthens family bonds and devotion.
- Offerings: Banana, yellow flowers, chana dal; Champa Dhoop
- Symbolism: Champa’s warm, nurturing fragrance symbolizes love and care.
- Mantra: ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः (Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah)
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माञ्चित करद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी ॥
Day 6 – Katyayani (The Warrior Goddess)
Named after Sage Katyayan, in whose ashram she was born, Katyayani is depicted riding a lion with four arms, holding a sword and a lotus, and displaying blessing gestures. She represents fierce courage, victory, and the power to overcome obstacles. Known as the warrior form of Durga, she is especially worshipped by those seeking marital harmony. Her story recounts her battles against powerful demons, embodying divine strength.
- Offerings: Honey, red flowers, kumkum; Guggul Dhoop
- Symbolism: Guggul’s purifying resin smoke removes negativity and empowers determination.
- Mantra: ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः (Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah)
कात्यायनि महामाये महायोगिन्यधीश्वरि
नन्द गोपसुतं देविपतिं मे कुरु ते नमः
ॐ ह्रीं कात्यायन्यै स्वाहा, ह्रीं श्रीं कात्यायन्यै स्वाहा
हे गौरि शंकरार्धांगि यथा त्वं शंकरप्रिया
तथा मां कुरु कल्याणि कान्तकातां सुदुर्लभाम
ॐ देवेन्द्राणि नमस्तुभ्यं देवेन्द्रप्रिय भामिनि
Day 7 – Kalaratri (The Dark Night)
Kalaratri’s name comes from Kala (time) and Ratri (night), representing the destroyer of darkness and ignorance. She is depicted with a dark complexion, unbound hair, riding a donkey, holding a cleaver and a torch, and offering blessings and protection. Fierce yet benevolent, she grants fearlessness and removes negative energies. Her story recalls her slaying of the demon Raktabija, drinking his blood to prevent him from regenerating.
- Offerings: Jaggery, sesame seeds, mustard oil lamp; Loban Dhoop
- Symbolism: Loban is traditionally used to cleanse spaces and ward off evil energies.
- Mantra: ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः (Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah)
(1) ‘ॐ कालरात्र्यै नमः।’
(2) ‘ॐ फट् शत्रून साघय घातय ॐ।’
Day 8 – Mahagauri (The Radiant Goddess)
Mahagauri, from Maha (great) and Gauri (fair), symbolizes purity and serenity. She is depicted wearing white attire, riding a bull, and holding a trident and a drum. Gentle and compassionate, she blesses her devotees with peace, forgiveness, and spiritual upliftment. Her story tells of her transformation from a dark form to a radiant goddess after penance, symbolizing purification and grace.
- Offerings: Coconut, kheer, white flowers; Chandan dhoop & Rose Dhoop
- Symbolism: The blend of sandalwood and rose embodies serenity and devotion.
- Mantra: ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः (Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah)
ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः
श्वेते वृषे समरूढा श्वेताम्बराधरा शुचिः
महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेवप्रमोददा
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ गौरी रूपेण संस्थिता
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः
Day 9 – Siddhidatri (Giver of Spiritual Powers)
Siddhidatri, the ninth form, is the bestower of siddhis (supernatural powers). She is depicted seated on a lotus, with four arms holding a lotus, mace, discus, and conch. She represents ultimate fulfillment, wisdom, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Her story marks the completion of the spiritual journey, where the devotee attains divine knowledge and unity with the goddess.
- Offerings: Lotus flowers, til (sesame), fruits; Lotus Dhoop
- Symbolism: Lotus fragrance is linked with spiritual awakening and divine blessings.
- Mantra: ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः (Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah)
ह्रीं क्लीं ऐं सिद्धये नमः
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ सिद्धिदात्री रूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः
वन्दे वांछित मनोरथार्थ चन्द्रार्धकृत शेखराम्।
कमलस्थितां चतुर्भुजा सिद्धीदात्री यशस्वनीम्
ॐ सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः
Puja Essentials for Navratri
Navratri puja is a sacred process that requires specific items, each carrying deep symbolic meaning. These essentials are prepared before the festival begins to ensure smooth and complete rituals.
Navratri Puja is a deeply symbolic ritual, where every item holds spiritual significance. Preparing these essentials before the festival ensures that each offering is complete, pure, and aligned with the goddess’s blessings.
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Idol or picture of Goddess Durga: This is the focal point of the puja.
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Chunri (Sacred Cloth) – Draped over the goddess’s idol as a mark of respect.
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Kalash (Sacred Pot) – Represents creation and abundance, filled with water, adorned with mango leaves, and crowned with a coconut during Ghatasthapana.
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Coconut – A symbol of purity and prosperity, offered to the goddess for blessings.
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Kumkum Tika (Vermilion) – Sign of Shakti and marital bliss, applied to the idol and devotees.
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Haldi & Chandan – Turmeric for auspiciousness, sandalwood paste for cooling and peace.
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Sindoor – Offered to the goddess, representing feminine power and protection.
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Fresh Flowers & Garlands – Marigold, rose, lotus, and jasmine to honor each day’s goddess.
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Dhoop & Agarbatti – Fragrant incense, especially DevDarshan Dhoop, to purify and elevate the atmosphere.
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Camphor – Kapur Burned during aarti to remove negativity.
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Holy Water – Gangajal is used for sanctifying the puja space and offerings.
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Barley Seeds (Jau) – Sown on day one to symbolize growth and blessings.
- Fruits & Prasad – Coconut, bananas, ladoos, or kheer, offered daily.
Celebrate Durga Puja This Year With Devdarshan Dhoop
In Navratri, every ritual carries a deeper meaning, and the fragrance of dhoop is no exception. It is said to cleanse the aura, remove negative energies, and open a sacred channel between the devotee and the goddess. Lighting DevDarshan Dhoop transforms your puja space into a serene sanctuary where devotion flows effortlessly.
With fragrances like the grounding calm of Sandalwood, the uplifting joy of Rose, the divine purity of Mogra, the nurturing warmth of Champa, the purifying strength of Guggul, and the protective shield of Loban, each stick resonates with the day’s goddess and her blessings.
When chosen mindfully for each form of Durga, DevDarshan Dhoop not only enhances the sanctity of the puja but also deepens your spiritual connection, filling your home with the vibrations of health, harmony, and divine grace.
Final Words
As the nine sacred nights of Navratri unfold, every prayer becomes a step closer to the divine. Let the soft glow of diyas, the fragrance of DevDarshan Dhoop, and the chants of devotion fill your home with peace, purity, and blessings. This Navratri, may Goddess Durga guide your path, remove every obstacle, and shower your life with strength, wisdom, and prosperity. Celebrate with a heart full of faith and a home filled with the fragrance of devotion.
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