KundliDarpan
Maa Durga Pooja
Everything you need for Maa Durga's pooja and Navratri, in one list. Tick items as you gather them — your list is saved on this device.
Before you begin
- Bathe and wear clean clothes — red or yellow are traditional for Devi pooja.
- Clean the pooja place. Set the chowki so that you sit facing east (or north).
- Spread the red cloth on the chowki and place Maa Durga's idol or picture on it.
- Keep all samagri within reach before you begin, so you don't get up in between.
- Sit on your aasan with a calm mind; keep a lota of clean water and a spoon (achamani) beside you.
Pooja vidhi, step by step
- 1Pavitrikaran (purification)
Take a little water in your left palm, dip a flower or kusha in it with the right hand, and sprinkle it on yourself and the pooja items while reciting:
Mantraॐ अपवित्रः पवित्रो वा सर्वावस्थां गतोऽपि वा।यः स्मरेत् पुण्डरीकाक्षं स बाह्याभ्यन्तरः शुचिः॥ - 2Achaman (sipping water)
Take three sips of water from the right palm, one with each name, then wash the hands with the fourth:
Mantraॐ केशवाय नमः। ॐ नारायणाय नमः। ॐ माधवाय नमः।ॐ हृषीकेशाय नमः (हाथ धोएँ) - 3Aasan shuddhi (purifying the seat)
Sprinkle a few drops of water on your aasan and pray to Mother Earth:
Mantraॐ पृथ्वि त्वया धृता लोका देवि त्वं विष्णुना धृता।त्वं च धारय मां देवि पवित्रं कुरु चासनम्॥ - 4Lighting the diya
Light the ghee diya (the Akhand Jyoti, if you keep one through Navratri) to the right of Maa, and offer a flower to it:
Mantraशुभं करोति कल्याणम् आरोग्यं धनसम्पदः।शत्रुबुद्धिविनाशाय दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तु ते॥ - 5Sankalp (resolve)
Take water, akshat, a flower and a coin in the right hand. Say the date, place, your name and gotra, and the purpose of the pooja (in your own words is fine), then let the water fall in front of Maa.
Fill the blanks with the month, paksha, tithi, your gotra and name (see today's Panchang on this site).
Mantraॐ विष्णुर्विष्णुर्विष्णुः। अद्य ...... मासे ...... पक्षे ...... तिथौ...... गोत्रोत्पन्नः ...... नामाहंश्रीदुर्गादेव्याः प्रीत्यर्थं यथाशक्ति पूजनं करिष्ये॥ - 6Ganesh pujan
Every pooja begins with Shri Ganesh. Offer roli, akshat, a flower and a sweet to Ganesh ji (idol, picture, or a supari with moli tied on it as his symbol):
Mantraवक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ।निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥ॐ गं गणपतये नमः। - 7Kalash sthapana (Ghatasthapana)
In Navratri this is done on the first day (Pratipada) at the auspicious time — check the Panchang.
Spread soil in the wide clay pot, sow jau in it and sprinkle water.
Draw a swastik on the kalash with roli and tie moli around its neck. Fill it with water and a little Gangajal; put in a coin, supari, akshat and durva.
Place 5 mango leaves in the mouth of the kalash, cover it with the lid filled with rice, and set the coconut wrapped in red cloth (tied with moli) on top. Place the kalash on the jau pot or beside Maa.
Offer roli, akshat and a flower to the kalash and invoke Varun Dev:
Mantraकलशस्य मुखे विष्णुः कण्ठे रुद्रः समाश्रितः।मूले त्वस्य स्थितो ब्रह्मा मध्ये मातृगणाः स्मृताः॥ॐ वरुणाय नमः। - 8Dhyan (meditating on Maa)
Fold your hands, close your eyes, and bring Maa Durga's form to mind — seated on the lion, with her weapons, blessing her devotees:
Mantraसर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके।शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥ - 9Avahan (inviting Maa)
Take akshat and a flower in folded hands, invite Maa to be present in the idol/picture, and offer them at her feet:
Mantraॐ श्रीदुर्गादेव्यै नमः। आवाहयामि, स्थापयामि। - 10Shodashopachar (sixteen offerings)
Offer each item below in turn, saying "ॐ श्रीदुर्गादेव्यै नमः, [offering] समर्पयामि" each time:
Aasan (a flower as her seat) → Padya (water at her feet) → Arghya (water with roli, akshat, flower) → Achaman (water) → Snan (panchamrit, then clean water; for a picture, sprinkle with a flower)
Vastra (the red chunari) → Shringar (bangles, bindi, sindoor, kajal, mehendi, alta, comb, mirror…) → Gandh (chandan and roli, then sindoor) → Akshat → Pushp and mala (red flowers)
Dhoop → Deep → Naivedya (bhog — fruits, sweets; then offer water) → Tambool (paan with supari, laung, elaichi) → Dakshina (a coin) → Pradakshina and namaskar
Mantraॐ श्रीदुर्गादेव्यै नमः, [उपचार] समर्पयामि।(उदाहरण: ॐ श्रीदुर्गादेव्यै नमः, पुष्पं समर्पयामि।) - 11Path and jaap
Read the Durga Saptashati (or, if short of time, the Durga Chalisa / Argala-Kavach-Keelak) with devotion.
Chant a mantra of Maa on a mala — one round is 108. Many households chant the short mantra below; the Navarna mantra is traditionally taken from a guru.
Mantraॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः॥ - 12Aarti
Perform Maa's aarti with a ghee diya or camphor — see the "Aarti" tab for how.
- 13Pushpanjali and pradakshina
Take flowers in folded hands, offer them to Maa, and go round the pooja place (or turn round where you stand) with folded hands:
Mantraया देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता।नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥ - 14Kshama prarthana (asking forgiveness)
With folded hands, ask Maa to forgive any mistake in the pooja:
Mantraआवाहनं न जानामि न जानामि विसर्जनम्।पूजां चैव न जानामि क्षमस्व परमेश्वरि॥मन्त्रहीनं क्रियाहीनं भक्तिहीनं सुरेश्वरि।यत्पूजितं मया देवि परिपूर्णं तदस्तु मे॥ - 15Prasad
Share the bhog as prasad with the family, then take it yourself.
Navratri special
Akhand Jyoti: If you light an Akhand Jyoti at Ghatasthapana, keep it burning for all nine days — top up the ghee and trim the wick carefully, and never leave the house empty with it burning.
Daily pooja: Kalash sthapana is done once, on Pratipada. On the following days do the rest of the vidhi (from Dhyan onwards) morning and evening, and water the jau lightly every day.
Kanya Pujan (Ashtami / Navami): Invite nine young girls (commonly aged 2–10) and, by custom, one boy as Langur/Bhairav. Wash their feet, apply tilak, tie moli, serve halwa-puri-chana, give a gift or dakshina, and touch their feet for blessings.
Visarjan (Dashami): After the last pooja, ask Maa's leave with the kshama prarthana, gently move the kalash, and immerse the jaware in flowing water or keep them respectfully — many keep a few blades as a blessing.
This is the common household vidhi. The order and some mantras differ between regions and families; the mantras are given in their traditional form, and it is good to check them once against a reliable pustak (e.g. Gita Press) or with your family pandit. Pooja done with a sincere heart is complete even without every step.
How to do the aarti
- Prepare the aarti thali: a ghee diya (or camphor), roli, akshat, flowers and a small bell.
- Stand before Maa. Ring the bell with the left hand and move the thali clockwise with the right while singing the aarti.
- A common way: four times at Maa's feet, twice at the navel, once at the face, then seven times over the whole form.
- After the aarti, sprinkle a little water around the thali, then show it to everyone present, who take the aarti with both hands over the flame and touch their eyes and head.
Aarti — जय अम्बे गौरी
जय अम्बे गौरी, मैया जय श्यामा गौरी।
तुमको निशदिन ध्यावत, हरि ब्रह्मा शिवरी॥
मांग सिंदूर विराजत, टीको मृगमद को।
उज्ज्वल से दोउ नैना, चन्द्रवदन नीको॥
कनक समान कलेवर, रक्ताम्बर राजै।
रक्तपुष्प गल माला, कंठन पर साजै॥
केहरि वाहन राजत, खड्ग कृपाण धारी।
सुर-नर-मुनिजन सेवत, तिनके दुखहारी॥
कानन कुण्डल शोभित, नासाग्रे मोती।
कोटिक चन्द्र दिवाकर, राजत सम ज्योति॥
शुम्भ निशुम्भ बिदारे, महिषासुर घाती।
धूम्र विलोचन नैना, निशदिन मदमाती॥
चण्ड मुण्ड संहारे, शोणित बीज हरे।
मधु कैटभ दोउ मारे, सुर भयहीन करे॥
ब्रह्माणी रुद्राणी, तुम कमला रानी।
आगम निगम बखानी, तुम शिव पटरानी॥
चौंसठ योगिनी मंगल, गावत नृत्य करत।
भैरव तुम अंग राखत, तव आज्ञा करत॥
तुम ही जग की माता, तुम ही हो भरतारी।
भक्तन की दुख हरता, सुख संपत्ति कारी॥
भुजा चार अति शोभित, वर मुद्रा धारी।
मनवांछित फल पावत, सेवत नर नारी॥
कंचन थाल विराजत, अगर कपूर बाती।
श्री मालकेतु में राजत, कोटि रतन ज्योति॥
श्री अम्बे जी की आरती, जो कोई नर गावे।
कहत शिवानन्द स्वामी, सुख संपत्ति पावे॥
In Navratri, Maa Durga is worshipped in nine forms (Navadurga), one on each day. Each day has its form, mantra, bhog and — by popular custom — a colour to wear.
- 1Shailaputri — Daughter of the Mountain (Himalaya)
Form: Rides Nandi the bull; a trident in the right hand and a lotus in the left. A crescent moon on her forehead.
Mantraवन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥Bhog: Pure ghee (or something made of it) · Prayed to for: Health, strength and a steady mind; the root (Muladhara) chakra
- 2Brahmacharini — The one who practises tapasya (austerity)
Form: Walks on foot; a rosary (japa mala) in the right hand and a kamandal in the left. Dressed in white.
Mantraदधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमालाकमण्डलू।देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा॥Bhog: Sugar and fruits (or panchamrit) · Prayed to for: Devotion, patience and success in study or tapasya; long life
- 3Chandraghanta — Bears a bell-shaped moon on her forehead
Form: Rides a lion; ten arms holding weapons, ready for battle; golden complexion; a half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead.
Mantraपिण्डजप्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥Bhog: Milk and sweets made of milk (kheer) · Prayed to for: Courage and freedom from fear; peace in the home
- 4Kushmanda — Creator of the universe with her gentle smile
Form: Rides a lion; eight arms (Ashtabhuja) holding kamandal, bow, arrow, lotus, nectar pot, discus, mace and a rosary.
Mantraसुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥Bhog: Malpua · Prayed to for: Good health, fame and prosperity; removes sorrow
- 5Skandamata — Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya)
Form: Seated on a lotus, with child Skanda on her lap; four arms — two hold lotuses, one holds Skanda, one in blessing.
Mantraसिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माञ्चितकरद्वया।शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥Bhog: Bananas · Prayed to for: Blessings for children and family; wisdom
- 6Katyayani — Born as the daughter of sage Katyayana
Form: Rides a lion; four arms — a sword and a lotus in the left hands, the right hands in blessing and protection.
Mantraचन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना।कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद् देवी दानवघातिनी॥Bhog: Honey · Prayed to for: Marriage and a good life partner; removal of obstacles
- 7Kalaratri — The dark night that destroys evil
Form: Rides a donkey; dark complexion, dishevelled hair, fiery breath; a sword and an iron hook in the left hands, the right hands in blessing and protection. Fierce but always kind to devotees — hence also "Shubhankari".
Mantraएकवेणी जपाकर्णपूरा नग्ना खरास्थिता।लम्बोष्ठी कर्णिकाकर्णी तैलाभ्यक्तशरीरिणी॥Bhog: Jaggery (gud) · Prayed to for: Protection from fear, enemies and negative forces
- 8Mahagauri — The extremely fair one
Form: Rides a bull; fair complexion, white clothes and ornaments; four arms — a trident and a damaru, the other hands in blessing and protection.
Mantraश्वेते वृषे समारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः।महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेवप्रमोददा॥Bhog: Coconut · Prayed to for: Purity, peace and fulfilment of wishes; Kanya Pujan is commonly done on this day (Ashtami)
- 9Siddhidatri — Giver of all siddhis (attainments)
Form: Seated on a lotus (also shown on a lion); four arms holding a discus, mace, conch and lotus. Worshipped by gods, sages and siddhas alike.
Mantraसिद्धगन्धर्वयक्षाद्यैरसुरैरमरैरपि।सेव्यमाना सदा भूयात् सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी॥Bhog: Sesame (til) and halwa-puri-chana · Prayed to for: All siddhis, knowledge and completion of the vrat; Kanya Pujan on Navami
The nine forms, their mantras (from the Devi Kavach) and bhog are traditional. The colour of the day is a modern custom that follows the weekday: this list matches the widely used Panchang tables. Dates are for New Delhi (sunrise-based) and can differ by a day in some regions.
Kanya Pujan (Kumari Puja)
On Ashtami or Navami, young girls are worshipped as living forms of Maa Durga. This is considered the completion of the Navratri vrat.
When and how many
- Kanya Pujan is done on Maha Ashtami or Maha Navami of Navratri (both Chaitra and Sharadiya). In most North Indian homes it is Ashtami; many families do it on Navami — follow your family custom.
- It is done after the morning pooja and the havan (if any), and only then is the Navratri vrat (fast) traditionally opened.
- Traditionally nine girls (nine forms of the Devi) and one boy, worshipped as Langur / Batuk Bhairav, the Devi's guard. If nine are not available, even two are considered enough — one girl at the least.
- Ages 2 to 10. Girls below 2 are considered too young to be worshipped; above 10, the Kumari form is considered complete.
Age-wise forms of the Kumari
| Age | Form | Worship grants |
| 2 yrs | Kumarika | Removes poverty and sorrow |
| 3 yrs | Trimurti | Wealth and a happy family |
| 4 yrs | Kalyani | Well-being; success in study and work |
| 5 yrs | Rohini | Freedom from disease |
| 6 yrs | Kalika | Victory and knowledge |
| 7 yrs | Chandika | Prosperity and wealth |
| 8 yrs | Shambhavi | Fame, and victory in disputes |
| 9 yrs | Durga | Destruction of enemies; success in difficult tasks |
| 10 yrs | Subhadra | All wishes fulfilled |
Samagri for Kanya Pujan
- Clean seats (aasan) for the kanyas and the langur
- A thali / parat of clean water and a towel for washing their feet
- Roli, akshat, moli (kalava)
- Red chunari for each kanya (and a small red cloth for the langur)
- Flowers and a small garland
- Prasad: halwa, puri and kale chane (black chickpeas); a kheer or fruit in some families
- A plate and glass of water for each child
- Gifts or dakshina: a coin, bangles, hair clips, sweets, a pen or notebook, etc.
- A diya and the aarti thali
Vidhi, step by step
- 1Invite a day before
Invite the kanyas (and the langur) a day in advance, with respect — traditionally by going to their home. On the day, welcome them at the door with a smile.
- 2Welcome and seating
Seat them on the aasans, all facing east or north; the langur is seated with them, usually at one end.
- 3Pad prakshalan (washing the feet)
Wash each child's feet in the thali with clean water, dry them with the towel, and touch the feet in reverence — this is the heart of the ritual: the child is worshipped as the Devi herself.
- 4Tilak, moli and chunari
Apply a roli tilak with akshat on each forehead, tie moli on the right wrist, put a flower or garland, and place the red chunari on each kanya. Tilak and moli for the langur too.
- 5Avahan and pooja
With folded hands invoke the Devi in the kanyas with the mantra below; then offer a flower to each, and do a short aarti of all of them together with the diya.
- 6Bhojan (feeding)
Serve halwa, puri and chane with love; serve the langur too. Let them eat as much as they wish — do not hurry them. The family eats only after the kanyas have eaten.
- 7Dakshina and gifts
Give each child a gift or dakshina in their hands, along with some prasad to take home.
- 8Ashirvad and vidai
Touch their feet, ask for blessings, and see them off at the door with the same respect with which you welcomed them.
Mantras
Keep in mind
- Treat the children as guests of honour, not as a ritual to finish — patience and warmth matter more than the exact mantra.
- Keep the food fresh, sattvik and not too spicy; check for any allergy with the parents.
- If a girl of a particular age is not available, any age from 2 to 10 is fine — the count and the reverence matter, not the exact ages.
- Do not send them off empty-handed, and do not let anyone eat before they have.
This is the common household practice; the day (Ashtami / Navami), the number of kanyas and the prasad vary by region and family. The age-wise names are the classical Kumari list found in Panchangs.
Pooja samagri list
Idol & seat (0/5)
Kalash sthapana (0/9)
Sowing jau (jaware) (0/3)
Pooja items (0/20)
Flowers & garlands (0/3)
Shringar for Maa (0/11)
Bhog & prasad (0/6)
Other (0/5)
This is the commonly used list; exact items vary by region and family tradition — follow your own custom or your family priest where they differ.
Common questions
Which colour to wear on which Navratri day?
The colour follows the weekday of each day — e.g. a Navratri starting on Sunday begins with orange. The 'Navratri' tab on this page lists all nine colours with this year's dates.
When to do Kanya Pujan — Ashtami or Navami?
Both days are auspicious; most homes do it on Ashtami or Navami, some on any day from Saptami to Navami. Nine girls aged 2–10 and one boy (langur) are worshipped.
What is needed for Durga pooja samagri?
Essentials: idol/picture, red chunri, kalash, coconut, barley, akhand jyoti lamp, roli-akshat, red flowers, solah shringar, fruits and sweets. The full 62-item checklist is in the 'Samagri' tab and can be shared on WhatsApp.
What is the Ghatasthapana muhurat?
Ghatasthapana is done on Pratipada in the morning in a shubh choghadiya or in Abhijit muhurat (around 11:45–12:30), avoiding Chitra nakshatra and Vaidhriti yoga. See the Full Panchang page for the exact time that day.