How Is Kanya Pujan Performed On Chaitra Navratri Ashtami-Navami? Know The Complete Details Here

Chaitra Navratri 2025: Chaitra Navratri is a grand festival of Shakti Sadhana and devotion to the Goddess. The Kanya Pujan performed on the Ashtami tithi of Navratri is considered the essence of worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga. According to religious beliefs, on this day, nine young girls are revered, fed, and honored as embodiments of the nine divine forms of the Goddess. However, did you know that even a small mistake during this ritual can prevent you from receiving its spiritual merit? Therefore, it is important to follow the correct procedure, rules, and auspicious timing for Kanya Pujan with full devotion and accuracy.

ALSO READ: Chaitra Navratri Day 8 — Know Puja Vidhi, Fasting Rules, And All About Worshipping Goddess Mahagauri

Significance Of Kanya Pujan In The Scriptures

According to the Devi Bhagavata Purana and the Markandeya Purana, worshipping nine young girls as the nine forms of Goddess Durga is considered the highest form of devotion. The Manusmriti states that serving girls as embodiments of the Goddess brings wealth, prosperity, and peace to the household.

Auspicious Timing For Kanya Pujan

Kanya Pujan is traditionally performed on the Ashtami or Navami tithi. According to the Panchang, in 2025, it can be done on April 5 during the following timings:

  • Morning: 7:41 AM to 9:15 AM
  • Afternoon: 12:24 PM to 1:58 PM

On Ram Navami, the Abhijit Muhurat is considered the most auspicious time for Kanya Pujan. Therefore, the ideal time for performing the ritual is between 7:40 AM and 12:50 PM. If performing the puja in the morning is not possible, it can also be conducted in the evening during an appropriate time.

Essential Items Required For Kanya Pujan

 

  • Kalash and water
  • Roli, kumkum, turmeric, and akshat 
  • Flowers, garlands, and betel leaves
  • Diya and incense sticks
  • Ganga water and pure water
  • Sweets and fruits
  • Vermilion (sindoor) and bangles
  • Traditional meal including puri, chana, and halwa

Girls For The Kanya Pujan Ritual

  • Worshipping girls between the ages of 2 to 10 is considered highly auspicious.
  • Ideally, 9 girls should be worshipped, but you can also perform the puja with 2, 5, or 7 girls.
  • If no girl is available, worshipping a cow is considered a suitable alternative.
  • Invite one young boy (representing Langoor or Bhairav), as it is considered essential for the ritual.

Pujan Vidhi

  • Arrange the puja at a clean and sacred place in your home.
  • Invite the girls respectfully, ensuring they wear clean clothes.
  • Wash their feet with Gangajal or clean water and offer a clean cloth to wipe them.

Kanya Pujan

  • Apply a tilak to each girl, offer akshat and flowers.
  • Adorn them with garlands and seek their blessings by touching their feet.
  • Then, offer them sweets or fruits as prasad.
  • You may also gift them bangles and red-coloured clothes.

Offering Bhog: Traditionally, prepare halwa, black chickpeas, and puris as prasad. First, offer the meal to Goddess Durga, and then serve it to the girls. Do not eat until the girls have finished their meal.

Dakshina And Farewell: After the meal, offer dakshina (money or gifts) to the girls. Bend down to seek their blessings and bid them farewell with respect. It is considered auspicious to gift them a coconut and some sweets while seeing them off.

What Not To Do During Kanya Pujan

  • Do not force any girl to participate; if they are uncomfortable, do not insist.
  • Avoid performing the puja in an unclean environment or wearing unclean clothes.
  • Refrain from anger or using harsh language during the puja.
  • Do not discriminate among the girls; treat and respect each one equally.

Benefits Of Kanya Pujan

Kanya Pujan is believed to bring the divine blessings of Goddess Durga. By performing this sacred ritual with devotion, households experience increased prosperity, happiness, and wealth. It is also said to enhance fertility and bring joy through children. Additionally, Kanya Pujan helps in pacifying various doshas such as Pitru Dosha and Graha Dosha, thereby bringing peace and harmony into one's life.

[Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on beliefs, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]

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