Introduction

Sharad Navratri is a nine-day festival celebrating Goddess Durga, the embodiment of divine feminine energy (Shakti). While fasting, prayers, and cultural programs are part of the festival, the eighth (Ashtami) and ninth (Navami) days hold special significance for Kanya Puja.

During this ritual, young girls are worshipped and offered food, gifts, and respect. They are considered living manifestations of Goddess Durga. But why are they specifically worshipped and fed on these days?

This practice is deeply rooted in Puranic stories, spiritual principles, and cultural traditions.

The Concept of Kanya Puja

• Kanya Puja literally means worship of young girls.
• Girls between ages 2–8 are chosen as representations of the Goddess in her purest form.
• The ritual involves washing their feet, performing aarti, offering flowers, and serving traditional meals such as puri, kala chana, and halwa.
• Gifts like clothes, bangles, or money along with fruits, prasad are also given to the girls as blessings.

Symbolism of Ashtami and Navami

• Ashtami (8th day): Dedicated to Maha Gauri or Kalaratri, representing purity, forgiveness, and divine power.
• Navami (9th day): Dedicated to Siddhidatri, the Goddess who grants success and spiritual accomplishments.

By performing Kanya Puja on these days, devotees align with cosmic energies that:

• Enhance spiritual growth.
• Strengthen moral and ethical conduct.
• Invite prosperity and protection into the home.

Puranic Significance

1. Devi Mahatmya (Markandeya Purana)

The Devi Mahatmya describes nine forms of Goddess Durga that appeared to destroy evil forces such as Mahishasura, Shumbha, and Nishumbha:

1. Shailaputri
2. Brahmacharini
3. Chandraghanta
4. Kushmanda
5. Skandamata
6. Katyayani
7. Kaalratri
8. Mahagauri
9. Siddhidatri

According to the Markandeya Purana, the Goddess took the form of an adolescent girl to defeat demons who could not recognize her divine power.

2. Story of Devi Katyayani

In the Skanda Purana, Katyayani Puja was performed to seek blessings from Goddess Katyayani, an adolescent form of Shakti who destroyed evil forces.

3. Devi Annapurna and the Tradition of Feeding

The Padma Purana and Skanda Purana mention Goddess Annapurna, the provider of nourishment. Feeding young girls is symbolically feeding the Goddess herself.

4. Mahabharata Reference

Before the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas performed Kanya Puja as advised by Krishna to seek Goddess Durga’s blessings for victory and protection.

5. Worshipping Divine Feminine Energy

The Skanda Purana and Devi Bhagavata Purana emphasize that each girl represents one of the nine forms of Durga. Worshipping them invokes Shakti’s protective energy.

“Whoever serves young girls with devotion, it is as though they have offered food and prayers to the Goddess herself.” – Devi Bhagavata Purana (Paraphrased)

6. The Story of King Shantanu’s Descendants

King Shantanu’s family performed Kanya Puja during Ashtami to ensure blessings for future generations and prosperity.

7. Removal of Negative Karma

The Devi Bhagavata Purana states that sincere Kanya Puja can help remove negative karma, resolve ancestral debts, and strengthen spiritual bonds.

Spiritual Significance

• Purity: Young girls represent innocence and untainted divine energy.
• Symbol of Shakti: Each girl embodies one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
• Act of Gratitude: Serving food and gifts expresses reverence and devotion.
• Blessings of Prosperity: Kanya Puja brings happiness, protection, and abundance.

Ritual of Kanya Puja

1. Invite 7, 9, or 11 young girls.
2. Wash and wipe their feet with water and offer flowers.
3. Alta can be applied on the feet of the girls.
4. Apply alta on their feet and vermillion (tika) on their forehead.
5. Perform aarti with a diya (lamp).
6. Serve puri, chana, suji halwa, and seasonal fruits.
7. Offer gifts like bangles, stationery, clothes, or money.
8. Some households also chant Navratri mantras and sing devotional songs.

Recommended Gifts for Kanya Pujan

Looking for thoughtful gifts to offer during Kanya Puja? Here are some adorable and festive options:

• Cute gift set for Kanya Pujan – includes bangles, bindis, and hair accessories
• Colorful chunaris for the girls – vibrant and traditional

Conclusion

Kanya Puja on Ashtami and Navami is more than a ritual—it’s a sacred act of honouring the divine feminine in her purest form. Rooted in ancient scriptures and spiritual wisdom, this tradition reinforces values of purity, gratitude, and cosmic alignment. By feeding and worshipping young girls, devotees invite blessings of prosperity, protection, and spiritual elevation into their lives.

As you celebrate Sharad Navratri, may your home be filled with joy, devotion, and divine grace.