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Jai Mata Di

Navaratri at Home

श्री नवरात्रि पूजा विधि

Nine nights, nine forms of Maa Durga. Pick the day below. Everything for that day's puja follows: the Devi, her mantra, the steps, the aarti and the songs.

Sharad Navaratri 2026 · Sun 11 – Mon 19 October · Dussehra Tue 20

Opens on today's day automatically · each day has its own link to share

Day 1 · Pratipada · Sun 11 Oct

Maa Shailaputri माँ शैलपुत्री

The daughter of the mountain king Himavan, Parvati reborn after Sati. She rides the bull Nandi and holds a trident and a lotus. As the first form, she stands for a steady foundation, the ground the rest of Navaratri is built on.

Colour
Orange
Bhog
Ghee
Rides
Bull (Nandi)
Dhyana mantra
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम् । वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम् ॥
Vande Vanchhita Labhaya Chandrardha Krita Shekharam, Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim.
For the fulfilment of my wishes, I bow to glorious Shailaputri, who wears the crescent moon on her head, rides a bull and holds a trident.
Simple mantra (chant 11 or 108 times)
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः ॥
Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah.
Salutations to Devi Shailaputri.

Today is Ghatasthapana. Install the kalash and sow the jowar before the daily puja. The steps are just below ↓. Check a panchang for your city's Ghatasthapana muhurat; it falls on the morning of Day 1.

Day 2 · Mon 12 Oct

Maa Brahmacharini माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी

Parvati as the young ascetic who did years of penance to win Shiva. She walks barefoot, holding a rosary and a water pot (kamandalu). She stands for devotion, discipline and patience, and for keeping going when something takes time.

Colour
White
Bhog
Sugar / mishri
Holds
Rosary & kamandalu
Dhyana mantra
दधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमालाकमण्डलू । देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा ॥
Dadhana Kara Padmabhyam Akshamala Kamandalu, Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama.
May the supreme Devi Brahmacharini, who holds a rosary and a water pot in her lotus hands, be gracious to me.
Simple mantra (chant 11 or 108 times)
ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः ॥
Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah.
Salutations to Devi Brahmacharini.
Day 3 · Tue 13 Oct

Maa Chandraghanta माँ चन्द्रघण्टा

The form Parvati took for her wedding to Shiva, with a half-moon shaped like a bell (ghanta) on her forehead. She rides a lion and carries weapons in ten hands, yet her expression is calm. She is prayed to for courage and freedom from fear.

Colour
Red
Bhog
Milk / kheer
Rides
Lion
Dhyana mantra
पिण्डजप्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता । प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता ॥
Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta, Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta.
Riding the finest of lions and bearing fierce weapons, may she who is renowned as Chandraghanta shower her grace on me.
Simple mantra (chant 11 or 108 times)
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः ॥
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah.
Salutations to Devi Chandraghanta.
Day 4 · Wed 14 Oct

Maa Kushmanda माँ कूष्माण्डा

The Devi who created the universe with her smile, when there was only darkness. Her name comes from ku (a little), ushma (warmth) and anda (the cosmic egg). She lives at the core of the sun and has eight arms. She is prayed to for health and energy.

Colour
Royal blue
Bhog
Malpua
Rides
Lion
Dhyana mantra
सुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च । दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे ॥
Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha, Dadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastu Me.
Holding in her lotus hands one pot brimming with nectar and another with blood, may Kushmanda bring me good fortune.
Simple mantra (chant 11 or 108 times)
ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः ॥
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah.
Salutations to Devi Kushmanda.
Day 5 · Thu 15 Oct

Maa Skandamata माँ स्कन्दमाता

The mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), shown with baby Skanda on her lap, seated on a lotus or riding a lion. She is the Devi as a loving mother, and worshipping her is said to bless you with the child's grace as well.

Colour
Yellow
Bhog
Bananas
Rides
Lion
Dhyana mantra
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया । शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी ॥
Simhasanagata Nityam Padmashrita Karadvaya, Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini.
Ever seated on a lion throne, holding lotuses in both hands, may glorious Skandamata always bless me.
Simple mantra (chant 11 or 108 times)
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः ॥
Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah.
Salutations to Devi Skandamata.
Day 6 · Fri 16 Oct

Maa Katyayani माँ कात्यायनी

Born in the ashram of the sage Katyayan, she is the warrior form who slew the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The gopis of Vrindavan prayed to her for Krishna as their husband, so she is especially prayed to for a good marriage.

Colour
Green
Bhog
Honey
Rides
Lion
Dhyana mantra
चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना । कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद्देवी दानवघातिनी ॥
Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana, Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini.
Her hand bright with the gleaming Chandrahasa sword, riding a noble tiger, may Devi Katyayani, slayer of demons, grant us good fortune.
Simple mantra (chant 11 or 108 times)
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः ॥
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah.
Salutations to Devi Katyayani.
Day 7 · Sat 17 Oct

Maa Kalaratri माँ कालरात्रि

The fiercest form: dark-skinned and wild-haired, riding a donkey. She destroyed the demon Raktabija and drives away darkness and fear. Fierce as she looks, she is also called Shubhankari, "the one who does good", because her fierceness protects her devotees.

Colour
Grey
Bhog
Jaggery (gur)
Rides
Donkey
Stuti
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कालरात्रि रूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kalaratri Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
To the Devi who dwells in all beings in the form of Maa Kalaratri, salutations to her, again and again.
Simple mantra (chant 11 or 108 times)
ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः ॥
Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah.
Salutations to Devi Kalaratri.
Day 8 · Durga Ashtami · Sun 18 Oct

Maa Mahagauri माँ महागौरी

Radiant and fair, dressed in white and riding a white bull. After her long penance, Shiva bathed Parvati in the Ganga and her dark skin shone white. She stands for purity, calm and forgiveness. Many families do Kanya Puja today.

Colour
Purple
Bhog
Coconut
Rides
White bull
Dhyana mantra
श्वेते वृषे समारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः । महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेवप्रमोददा ॥
Shvete Vrishe Samarudha Shvetambaradhara Shuchih, Mahagauri Shubham Dadyan Mahadeva Pramodada.
Seated on a white bull, dressed in white and pure, may Mahagauri, who brings joy to Mahadev, grant us good fortune.
Simple mantra (chant 11 or 108 times)
ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः ॥
Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah.
Salutations to Devi Mahagauri.

Ashtami: if your family does Kanya Puja today, the steps are below ↓. Many families also offer the Devi solah shringar (bangles, bindi, sindoor, mehendi, a red chunari) on Ashtami.

Day 9 · Maha Navami · Mon 19 Oct

Maa Siddhidatri माँ सिद्धिदात्री

The giver of all siddhis (accomplishments), seated on a lotus. Shiva is said to have received his powers through her, becoming Ardhanarishvara, half Devi. As the last form, she stands for completion: whatever began on Day 1 is fulfilled today.

Colour
Peacock green
Bhog
Halwa-puri-chana
Seated on
Lotus
Dhyana mantra
सिद्धगन्धर्वयक्षाद्यैरसुरैरमरैरपि । सेव्यमाना सदा भूयात् सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी ॥
Siddha Gandharva Yakshadyair Asurair Amarairapi, Sevyamana Sada Bhuyat Siddhida Siddhidayini.
Worshipped always by siddhas, gandharvas, yakshas, asuras and gods alike, may Siddhidatri, giver of all accomplishment, grant us success.
Simple mantra (chant 11 or 108 times)
ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः ॥
Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah.
Salutations to Devi Siddhidatri.

Navami: if you didn't do Kanya Puja on Ashtami, today is the day. The steps are below ↓. Some families also do a small havan today.

Samagri: what to keep ready

Most of this is needed on Day 1 for Ghatasthapana. After that, you need fresh flowers, ghee and the day's bhog. A few items missing is fine; devotion matters more than completeness.

  • Durga idol or picture
  • Wooden chowki and a red cloth
  • Kalash (copper, brass or clay)
  • Ganga jal and clean water
  • Coconut with its tuft (jata)
  • Red chunari
  • Mauli / kalava (red-yellow thread)
  • 5 mango or ashoka leaves
  • A coin, supari, haldi and durva for the kalash
  • Wide clay pot, clean soil, barley (jau) seeds
  • Roli / kumkum and akshata (unbroken rice)
  • Red flowers (hibiscus) and a garland
  • Diya, ghee, cotton wicks (a large diya for akhand jyoti)
  • Incense (agarbatti / dhoop)
  • Camphor (kapoor) for aarti
  • Paan leaves and supari
  • Fruits, and each day's bhog
  • Solah shringar items (optional)
  • Thali, small bell, lota of water
  • Matchbox
Day 1 Only · Before the Daily Puja

Ghatasthapana — Installing the Kalash

The kalash is set up once, on the first morning, and stays on the altar for all nine days as the seat of the Devi. Sit facing east or north.

1

Prepare the Altar वेदी

Clean the space. Place the chowki, cover it with the red cloth, and set Maa Durga's idol or picture on it.

2

Sow the Jowar जौ बोना

Spread clean soil in the wide clay pot, scatter the barley seeds (soaked overnight if you can), cover them lightly with more soil, and sprinkle water. Water it a little each day. The green shoots that grow over nine days are a sign of the Devi's blessing.

3

Kalash Sthapana कलश स्थापना

Draw a swastik on the kalash with roli and tie mauli around its neck. Fill it with water and a little Ganga jal, then drop in the coin, supari, haldi, akshata and durva. Arrange the five leaves around the mouth. Wrap the coconut in the red chunari, tie it with mauli, and set it on top, tuft upward. Place the kalash on or beside the jowar pot.

कलशस्य मुखे विष्णुः कण्ठे रुद्रः समाश्रितः । मूले तत्र स्थितो ब्रह्मा मध्ये मातृगणाः स्मृताः ॥
Kalashasya Mukhe Vishnuh Kanthe Rudrah Samashritah, Mule Tatra Sthito Brahma Madhye Matriganah Smritah.
Vishnu dwells at the mouth of the kalash, Rudra at its neck, Brahma at its base, and the divine Mothers in its middle.
4

Akhand Jyoti (optional) अखंड ज्योति

Light a large ghee lamp that is kept burning for all nine days. Only do this if someone at home can tend it morning and night. Lighting a fresh diya at each puja is completely fine.

Every Day · Maa Shailaputri

The Daily Puja

The same sequence every day, morning or evening. Only the Devi and her bhog change, and they're filled in below from the day you picked. Read the transliteration aloud, slowly.

1

Lighting the Lamp दीप प्रज्ज्वलन

Light the diya and incense, and ring the bell gently to mark the start of the puja. If you're keeping an akhand jyoti, top up its ghee first.

शुभं करोति कल्याणम् आरोग्यं धन सम्पदा । शत्रु बुद्धि विनाशाय दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तुते ॥
Shubham Karoti Kalyanam, Arogyam Dhana Sampada, Shatru Buddhi Vinashaya, Deepa Jyotir Namostute.
This lamp brings auspiciousness, wellbeing, health and prosperity, and clears away ill will. I bow to this light.
2

Ganesh Vandana गणेश वंदना

Every puja begins by remembering Ganesh Ji, so that it goes without obstacles. Offer a flower or a little akshata.

वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ । निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥
Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarvakaryeshu Sarvada.
O Lord with the curved trunk and mighty form, radiant as a million suns, remove every obstacle from all my undertakings, always.
3

Purification पवित्रीकरण

Take a little water in your right palm and sprinkle it over yourself, the samagri and the altar.

ॐ अपवित्रः पवित्रो वा सर्वावस्थां गतोऽपि वा । यः स्मरेत् पुण्डरीकाक्षं स बाह्याभ्यन्तरः शुचिः ॥
Om Apavitrah Pavitro Va Sarvavastham Gato'pi Va, Yah Smaret Pundarikaksham Sa Bahyabhyantarah Shuchih.
Pure or impure, in whatever state, whoever remembers the lotus-eyed Lord becomes pure within and without.
4

Sankalp संकल्प

Take water, akshata and a flower in your right palm. Silently or aloud, say: "Today, on day 1 of Navaratri, I, (your name), with my family, worship Maa Shailaputri for the wellbeing of our home." Then let the water fall gently in front of the altar.

5

Durga Dhyan & Avahan दुर्गा ध्यान व आवाहन

With folded hands, picture Maa Durga before you and invite her to the altar and the kalash.

सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके । शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike, Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostu Te.
O Narayani, the auspiciousness in all that is auspicious, consort of Shiva, fulfiller of every aim, giver of refuge, three-eyed Gauri: salutations to you.
6

Today's Devi — Maa Shailaputri

Offer a flower to the Devi of the day and chant her mantra. The simple mantra can be repeated 11 times, or 108 times on a mala.

7

Offerings, Dhoop & Deep पूजन

Offer roli and akshata, red flowers (hibiscus is the Devi's favourite), and the chunari or shringar if you have it. Wave the incense and the diya before her. Chant this softly with each offering:

ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः ॥
Om Dum Durgayai Namah.
Salutations to Durga. "Dum" is her seed syllable.
8

Naivedya — Today's Bhog नैवेद्य

Offer pure ghee (or a sweet made in ghee) along with fruits and a glass of water. Sprinkle a little water around the plate first.

ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः । नैवेद्यं समर्पयामि ॥
Om Dum Durgayai Namah, Naivedyam Samarpayami.
Salutations to Durga. I offer this food to you.
9

Devi Stuti देवी स्तुति

From the Durga Saptashati: chant these together, everyone joining in on "Namastasyai…". If you'd like to extend this part, read the Durga Chalisa or play it from the Songs section.

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shakti Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
To the Devi who dwells in all beings as strength: salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Matri Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
To the Devi who dwells in all beings as the mother: salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु बुद्धिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Buddhi Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
To the Devi who dwells in all beings as wisdom: salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shanti Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
To the Devi who dwells in all beings as peace: salutations to her, again and again.
10

Aarti आरती

Light the camphor on the thali with a flower and a little water alongside. Sing Jai Ambe Gauri while circling the thali clockwise before the Devi. The lyrics are in the Aartis section ↓.

11

Kshama Prarthana & Prasad क्षमा प्रार्थना

With folded hands, ask forgiveness for anything missed or done wrong. Then circle the altar (or turn in place) three times, bow, and share the bhog as prasad.

आवाहनं न जानामि न जानामि विसर्जनम् । पूजां चैव न जानामि क्षमस्व परमेश्वरि ॥
Avahanam Na Janami Na Janami Visarjanam, Pujam Chaiva Na Janami Kshamasva Parameshvari.
I do not know how to invite you, nor how to bid you farewell, nor even how to worship. Forgive me, O Supreme Goddess.
मन्त्रहीनं क्रियाहीनं भक्तिहीनं सुरेश्वरि । यत्पूजितं मया देवि परिपूर्णं तदस्तु मे ॥
Mantrahinam Kriyahinam Bhaktihinam Sureshvari, Yatpujitam Maya Devi Paripurnam Tadastu Me.
Whatever worship I have offered, lacking in mantra, in ritual or in devotion, O Devi, may it be made complete.
Sing Along

Aartis

Jai Ambe Gauri is the main Navaratri aarti. Many families start with Ganesh Ji's aarti and close with Om Jai Jagdish Hare. Tap Lyrics to follow the words.

Jai Ambe Gauri — Durga Aarti
Anuradha Paudwal · the main Navaratri aarti
Open in YouTube ↗
Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali
Narendra Chanchal · a second Devi aarti
Open in YouTube ↗
Jai Ganesh Deva — Ganesh Aarti
Anuradha Paudwal · to begin, if your family starts with Ganesh Ji
Open in YouTube ↗
Om Jai Jagdish Hare
Anuradha Paudwal · the closing aarti
Open in YouTube ↗

After the aarti, pass your hands over the flame and then lightly over your eyes and head, receiving the light. Offer the aarti to the kalash and the jowar too.

Ashtami or Navami

Kanya Puja — Honouring the Devi in Young Girls

Young girls are welcomed as living forms of the nine Devis. Families do this on Ashtami or Navami, whichever is their custom, and often break the Navaratri fast after it.

1

Invite आमंत्रण

Invite nine girls, ideally aged 2 to 10, and one young boy, who joins as Langur (Bhairav). Fewer is perfectly fine. Seat them on a clean mat or asana.

2

Welcome पाद प्रक्षालन

Wash each child's feet with water in a plate and dry them. Apply a roli tilak with akshata, tie mauli on the wrist, and offer a flower or a chunari.

सर्वस्वरूपे सर्वेशे सर्वशक्तिसमन्विते । भयेभ्यस्त्राहि नो देवि दुर्गे देवि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Sarvasvarupe Sarveshe Sarvashakti Samanvite, Bhayebhyastrahi No Devi Durge Devi Namostu Te.
O Devi Durga, present in every form, ruler of all, endowed with every power, protect us from all fears. Salutations to you.
3

Feed भोजन

Serve the prasad: halwa, puri and kala chana, first offered to the Devi. Let them eat at their own pace.

4

Gifts & Blessings दक्षिणा

Give each child a small gift and some dakshina. Touch their feet to receive the Devi's blessings, then see them off warmly.

For the Room

Songs

Well-loved Mata Rani bhajans and chants to play after the aarti.

Bhajans

Chalo Bulawa Aaya Hai
Narendra Chanchal · from Avtaar (1983)
Open in YouTube ↗
Tune Mujhe Bulaya Sherawaliye
Mohammed Rafi & Narendra Chanchal · from Aasha (1980)
Open in YouTube ↗
Pyara Saja Hai Tera Dwar Bhawani
Lakhbir Singh Lakkha
Open in YouTube ↗

Chants & Stotras

Aigiri Nandini — Mahishasura Mardini Stotram
Madhubanti Bagchi & Siddharth Amit Bhavsar
Open in YouTube ↗
Shree Durga Chalisa
Anuradha Paudwal · with on-screen lyrics
Open in YouTube ↗
Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu
Sounds of Isha · calm, for the stuti step or the background
Open in YouTube ↗
Day 10 · Vijayadashami · Tue 20 Oct

Visarjan & Dussehra

On the tenth day, after a short puja and aarti, Maa is bid farewell and the kalash and jowar are released. The victory of good over evil is celebrated.

1

Final Puja & Aarti अंतिम पूजा

Do the daily puja in short form (lamp, Ganesh vandana, offerings and bhog), then sing Jai Ambe Gauri one last time and say the Kshama Prarthana from step 11 above.

2

Visarjan Mantra विसर्जन मंत्र

Offer a few grains of akshata and a flower at the altar as you bid her farewell.

गच्छ गच्छ सुरश्रेष्ठे स्वस्थानं परमेश्वरि । पूजाराधनकाले च पुनरागमनाय च ॥
Gachchha Gachchha Surashreshthe Svasthanam Parameshvari, Pujaradhana Kale Cha Punaragamanaya Cha.
Go now, O Supreme Goddess, best among the gods, to your own abode, and return again when we next worship you.
3

The Kalash कलश

Gently lift and move the kalash slightly to mark the visarjan. Dip the mango leaves in its water and sprinkle it through the home. Break the coconut and share it as prasad. Keep the coin in your purse or locker for the year.

4

The Jowar जौ

Pull a few of the green shoots and offer them to Maa. Family members keep some for luck, tucked behind the ear or kept in a wallet. Release the rest in flowing water, or place it at the foot of a tree or in the garden.

5

Dussehra दशहरा

In the evening, many families offer prayers at a Shami tree and go to watch Ravan Dahan, the burning of Ravan's effigy, celebrating Shri Ram's victory and the triumph of good over evil.