Mahanavami (ninth day of Navratri) holds immense significance in Hinduism and is celebrated as the last day of Durga Puja. This day symbolizes the worship, power, and victory of Goddess Durga. On Mahanavami, the Siddhidatri form of Goddess Durga is worshiped, who bestows siddhi and wisdom. This day is significant as it concludes Navratri and celebrates the victory of good over evil.
Religious and Spiritual Significance of Mahanavami
Puja of Siddhidatri Devi
On Mahanavami, the ninth and final form of Goddess Durga Siddhidatri is worshiped. This goddess is considered to be the goddess of all siddhis and blessings. By worshiping her, devotees get all kinds of siddhis and become successful in life.
Completion of Mahishasura Vadh
The day of Mahanavami is considered to be the last day of the killing of Mahishasura by Goddess Durga. This day symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and for this reason it is considered extremely sacred and important. After Mahanavami comes the festival of Vijayadashami, in which Ravana Dahan or Durga Visarjan takes place.
Kanya Pujan
As the last day of Navratri, Kanya Pujan is performed on the day of Mahanavami at many places. In this, nine girls and a boy are worshiped as a symbol of nine forms of the goddess. They are fed and given gifts. This worship symbolizes respect for female power and innocence.
Mahanavami rituals and Puja Vidhi
Siddhidatri Puja
On this day, devotees offer special prayers to Goddess Siddhidatri and pray to her for knowledge, peace, and siddhi.
Lamps are lit in front of her and flowers, incense, sweets, and fruits are offered to her.
Havan
On Mahanavami, Havan is organized at many places. In the havan, materials dedicated to the goddess are offered into the fire. This ritual purifies the house and the environment and provides positive energy.
Kanya Pujan
Nine girls are worshipped, who symbolize the nine forms of Goddess Durga. A boy (which symbolizes Hanuman ji) is also invited along with them.
The girls are worshipped by washing their feet, garlanding them with flowers, and feeding them special food. At the end of this ritual, gifts and donations are given to her.
End of the fast
Many devotees end their Navratri fast on Mahanavami. The fast is broken after special pujas and rituals and devotees consume prasad.
Cultural and social significance of Mahanavami
End of Durga Puja
Mahannavami is celebrated as the last day of Durga Puja in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Northeast India. The day marks the end of grand pujas, cultural events, and festivities.
On this day, Goddess Durga is bid farewell after special pujas, which culminate in immersion on the next day, Vijayadashami.
Special offerings and food
Special bhog is offered to the Goddess on Mahanavami, which includes halwa, puri, chana, and other delicacies.
After the puja, this prasad is distributed among the devotees.
Preparation for Durga Visarjan
After Mahanavami, preparations are made for the immersion of the idols of Goddess Durga. Devotees bid farewell to the Goddess with full devotion and enthusiasm and pray her to come again next year.
Mahanavami Puja Vidhi
1. Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes.
2. Light a lamp in front of the idol or picture of Goddess Durga in the worship place or temple of the house.
3. Offer fresh flowers, incense, akshat, and vermilion to the Goddess.
4. Praise Siddhidatri Devi and recite Durga Saptashati.
5. Perform Kanya Pujan and offer them food and gifts.
6. Perform havan and offer materials dedicated to the Goddess in it.
The day of Mahanavami is not only important from the religious and spiritual point of view, but it also symbolizes the attainment of power, knowledge, and siddhi. The puja and rituals of this day are helpful in bringing happiness, prosperity, and peace in life.
