Shardiya Navratri Kanyan Pujan: Significance and Rituals of Kanyan Pujan!
2024 Kanyan Pujan
Shardiya Navratri is one of the most awaited festivals in India. It has many rituals, all dedicated to worshipping different forms of Maa Durga. On the 9 days of Navratri, nine forms of Maa Durga are worshipped. One of the most important rituals of Navratri is Kanyan Pujan. It is also known as Kanya Puja, Kumarika Puja, and Kanjak Puja. In this blog, we will tell you everything about Kanyan Pujan – what our text says about Kanyan Pujan, its significance, vidhi, muhrat and more!
What Do Our Texts Say About Kanyan Pujan?
Our texts suggests performing Kumari Puja on all nine days of Navratri. On the first day, one girl is worshipped, and then one more girl is added each day. However, people choose to do Kumari Puja on just one day, usually on Ashtami or Navami. The best day to do it can also depend on family traditions.
When is Kanya Pujan in Shardiya Navratri 2024?
In Shardiya Navratri, Maha Ashtami will be observed on October 11, 2024.
As per the Hindu calendar, the Ashtami Tithi of Ashwin Shukla Paksha will begin on October 10, 2024, at 12:31 PM and will end on October 11, 2024, at 12:06 PM. Following this, the Navami Tithi will begin.
Timing for the Auspicious Periods:
- Char (General): 6:20 AM – 7:47 AM
- Labh (Progress): 7:47 AM – 9:14 AM
- Amrit (Best): 9:14 AM – 10:41 AM
In 2024, both Ashtami and Navami will be celebrated on October 11, with the worship of Maa Mahagauri on Ashtami and Maa Siddhidatri on Navami.
How Many Girls Should Be Worshipped on Kanyan Pujan?
As per texts, girls aged two to ten are suitable for Kumari Puja, while girls under one year old should be avoided. The girls aged two to ten represent different forms of Durga. These are as follows
- Girls who are between the age of 1 and 2 years, represent Kumarika
- Girls who are between the age of 2 and 3 years, represent Trimurti
- Girls who are between the age of 3 and 4 years, represent Kalyani
- Girls who are between the age of 4 and 5 years, represent Rohini
- Girls who are between the age of 5 and 6 years, represent Kali
- Girls who are between the age of 6 and 7 years, represent Chandika
- Girls who are between the age of 7 and 8 years, represent Shambhavi
- Girls who are between the age of 8 and 9 years, represent Durga
- Girls who are between the age of 9 and 10 years, represent Bhadra or Subhadra
What is the Significance of Navratri Kanya Pujan?
Navratri Kanya Pujan bestows the blessings of Maa Durga. The act of washing the girls’ feet, feeding them, and offering them new clothes is a symbol of devotion, respect, and a recognition of the divine in the girl child. It also helps one in spiritual fulfillment as it allows them to connect with the divine.
As per Hindu beliefs, inviting and worshipping different numbers of girls will give you different blessings,
- Worshipping 1 girl child brings good fortune to the worshipper.
- Worshipping 2 girl children brings salvation for the worshipper.
- Worshipping 3 girl children brings merit to the worshipper.
- Worshipping 4 girl children brings authority to the worshipper.
- Worshipping 5 girl children brings knowledge to the worshipper.
- Worshipping 6 girl children brings Siddhis for the worshipper.
- Worshipping 7 girl children brings power to the worshipper.
- Worshipping 8 girl children brings wealth to the worshipper.
- Worshipping 9 girl children brings supremacy to the worshipper.
However, an act as pure as worshipping little girls as a form of Maa Durga should be done with the bhava of Nishkam Karma.
How To Perform Navratri Kanyan Pujan?
To perform the Navratri Kanyan Pujan, follow these steps:
- Firstly, invite 9 young girls to your place.
- Make sure the area is clean. You should also decorate the puja area with flowers.
- Make offerings of fruits, sweets, and new clothes to the girls.
- Devotees should wash the feet of the girls, and apply tilak on their foreheads.
- Recite the prayers and mantras dedicated to Maa Durga during the puja. You can about the Durga Mantras here.
- After the puja, distribute prasad to the young girls and seek their blessings.
- In some places, a boy of the same age is also invited in the form of Bhairav (Shiva).
If you have any doubts regarding the vidhi to be followed during Kanya Pujan or want to know about it in detail, you can speak to experienced pundits at NamoAstro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which day is Kanya Puja?
A: Out of the nine days of Navratri, Kanya Pujan is done on either Ashtami (8th Day) or the Navami (9th Day).
Q: How many girls should be invited to Kanya Puja?
A: Generally, people invite 9 girls for Kanya Puja.
Q: Can we do Kanya Pujan with one girl?
A: Yes, you can do Kanyan Pujan with one girl.
