Navaratri festival 2025 Special : Durga Mata Puja and Related Matters

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Durga Mata is a goddess worshipped as the embodiment of Shakti in Hindu tradition. She is a symbol of courage, strength, and protection. Durga Puja, especially during Navratri, is an occasion when devotees worship her with devotion. In this article, let us learn in detail about the Durga Mata Puja method, its importance, and related matters.

Importance of Durga Mata
Durga Mata is considered the goddess of power. She is known as the goddess who defeated evil forces and established Dharma. According to mythology, she saved the world by killing the demon Mahishasura. Her nine forms (Navadurgas) are worshipped during Navratri.

These nine forms are:
1. Shailaputri (first day)
2. Brahmacharini (second day)
3. Chandraghanta (third day)
4. Kushmanda (fourth day)
5. Skandamata (fifth day)
6. Katyayani (sixth day)
7. Kaalatri (seventh day)
8. Mahagauri (eighth day)
9. Siddhidatri (ninth day)

Each form represents a specific power and quality. Through Durga Puja, devotees gain spiritual strength, courage, and peace.

Durga Puja Method
Durga Puja is usually performed at home or in a temple. This puja is performed for nine days during Navratri, although one day of puja can also be performed.  The following procedure is related to a typical Durga Puja:

1. Pooja Materials
The materials required for the puja should be prepared in advance:
– Durga Mata idol or picture
– Turmeric, saffron, sandalwood, akshats
– Flowers (especially red flowers)
– Lamp, frankincense, camphor
– Naivedyam (prasadam – halwa, sugar pongali, or other sweet items)
– Panchamrut (milk, curd, honey, jaggery, ghee)
– Leaves (mango, banana leaves)
– Jaggery, fruits, coconut
– Durga Stotram or Durga Saptasati book

2. Arrangement of the place of worship
– Arrange a small pedestal or platform in a clean place.
– Spread a red or yellow cloth on it.
– Place the Durga Mata idol or picture.
– Light incense or a lamp.

3. Sankalpa
– Before starting the puja, take a bath and wear clean clothes.
– Say the Sankalpa: “Mama Ishthardha Siddhyartham Shri Durga Devi Poojaam Karishye” (I am worshipping Shri Durga Mata for the fulfillment of my desires).
– Start with Ganapati Puja, then proceed to Durga Mata Puja.

4. Puja Method
– Invocation: Invoke Durga Mata, invoking her in an idol or picture.
– Ashtottar Shatanamavali: Recite the 108 names of Durga Mata, and offer flowers or Akshatas.
– Abhishekam: Abhishekam with Panchamrut or holy water.
– Decoration: Decorate the Goddess with turmeric, saffron, sandalwood, and garlands.
– Naivedyam: Offer fruits, coconut, and sweets as offerings.
– Aarti: Perform aarti with camphor or a lamp and recite mantras or Durga stotras. (Ex: Shri Durga Saptashati, Devi Mahatmyam)
– Pradakshina and Namaskar: Perform a pradakshina around the place of worship and offer prostrations to the Goddess.

5. Mantras
Some important Durga mantras are:
– Om dum Durgaai Namah (root mantra)
– Om aim hrim klim chamundai vichche
– Sarvamangala mangalaye shive sarvartha sadhike, sharanye tryambake gauri narayani namostute

6. End of Puja
– After completing the puja, distribute the prasad to the devotees.
– Pray for forgiveness to the Goddess: “Aparadha Sahasrani Kriyanthe Aharnisham Maya, Dasoyam Ithi Maam Matva Kshamasva Parameshwari.”

Durga Puja during Navratri
A specific form is worshipped every day during Navratri. During these nine days, activities like fasting, Devi Bhagavatam, Durga Saptasati Pathanamthitta, and Homam are performed. Ayudha Puja and Shami Puja are also performed on the day of Vijayadashami on the day of Dussehra.

Benefits of Durga Puja
– Spiritual power and peace of mind are gained.
– Protection from evil forces.
– Fulfillment of desires and freedom from problems.

Precautions to be taken during Puja… Important notes
– Cleanliness and devotion are very important during Puja.
– It is advisable to eat vegetarian food.
– As much as possible, chant the Stotras or Mantras with correct pronunciation.

End of the puja…
Durga Mata Puja provides strength, courage, and peace to the devotees. By performing this puja during Navratri or on normal days, one can get the blessings of the Goddess. This puja, performed with devotion, devotion, and devotion, brings all the blessings in life.

Jai Mata Di!