Navaraatri Vrat Katha Chapter- Four

Upon Sumati's request, Goddess Bhagwati said, "O Sumati! I will explain the procedure of Navratri fasting, a sacred ritual that destroys all sins committed by man and leads to salvation. Fast for nine consecutive days starting from the Pratipada of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashwin, as per my method. If you cannot fast for the whole day, then eat one meal a day. Take guidance from learned Brahmins and build a sacred pot and set up a garden, which should be watered with devotion every day." Having said this, Lord Brahma said, "O Brihaspati Dev! Having thus explained the method and fruits of this fast to Sumati, Goddess Bhagwati disappeared from there. Whoever observes this fast, be it a man or a woman, with unwavering devotion, not only attains happiness but also attains the rarest form of salvation in this world. O Brihaspati Dev, this is the extraordinary glory of Navratri fast that I have presented to you. Hearing this, Brihaspati Dev was extremely pleased and he addressed Brahma Dev and said, “O Brahma Dev! You have done a great favour to me by telling me the importance of this Navratri fast.” On this, Brahma Dev proceeded further and said, “O Brihaspati Dev! Goddess Bhagwati is the nurturer of the entire universe. She punishes the wicked and grants the desired fruits to the devotees. And who can really understand this Mahadevi? Let us pay our respects to Goddess Bhagwati with devotion.”