The vibrant festival of Navratri holds a special place in Hindu tradition, honouring the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Durga. As devotees prepare to welcome the auspicious nine nights of worship, it's crucial to have the right puja samagri (worship materials) on hand. Here are the 13 must-have items for your Navratri festivities, with insights from renowned astrologer Pandit Arvind Tripathi.
Navratri, occurring twice a year, celebrates the triumph of good over evil. The autumn festival, known as Shardiya Navratri, begins on the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashwin. For nine days, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga, seeking her blessings for strength, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
The kalash, a symbol of abundance and life, is central to Navratri rituals. Fill it with water, Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges), coins, and mango leaves.
A picture or statue of Goddess Durga, particularly in her Shailputri form for the first day, serves as the focal point of worship.
Fragrant dhoop (incense) and deep (oil lamps) create a sacred atmosphere and symbolise the illumination of knowledge.
Prepare special dishes as offerings to the Goddess. These may include sweets, fruits, or kheer (rice pudding).
Uncooked rice grains, known as akshat, are used in various rituals and for creating intricate designs.
These auspicious substances are used for applying tilak (sacred mark) on the deity and devotees.
This vibrant powder is essential for various ritual markings and symbolises the creative power of the Goddess.
Often used interchangeably with kumkum, sindoor holds special significance in Durga worship.
Fresh flowers, particularly red ones, are offered to the Goddess as a symbol of devotion and purity.
A variety of fresh fruits are presented as offerings, symbolizing nature's bounty.
Homemade or store-bought sweets are an integral part of the prasad (blessed food) offered to the deity.
This sacred grass is used in rituals and is believed to be especially dear to Goddess Durga.
The coconut, representing the divine consciousness, is an important offering in Hindu rituals.
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Chanting mantras with focused concentration is an essential part of the puja. Here are some powerful mantras for invoking Goddess Shailputri:
"Om Aim Hrim Klim Chamundayai Vichche Om Shailaputri Devyai Namah"
"Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam; Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim"
"Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita; Namastasyai, Namastasyai, Namastasyai Namo Namah"
As you gather these 13 essential items and prepare for the Navratri celebrations, remember that the true essence of the festival lies in devotion and spiritual awakening. May your worship be filled with divine blessings and inner transformation.
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