--> Skip to main content


How to Worship Devi in Hinduism - A Comprehensive Guide

Worshiping Devi, the Divine Mother, is an integral part of Hindu spiritual practice. Devi is the embodiment of Shakti (energy), and by worshiping her, devotees seek her blessings for health, prosperity, protection, and spiritual growth. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to worship Devi, including the necessary items, steps of puja, mantras, prayers, and guidelines on how to conclude the puja.

1. Cleanliness and Purity

Before beginning the puja, cleanliness of the body, mind, and space is essential. This creates a sacred atmosphere for invoking the presence of the Divine.

  • Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath or shower to cleanse yourself before performing the puja. Wearing clean, fresh clothes is necessary.
  • Space Cleanliness: Clean the place of worship thoroughly. If possible, perform the puja in your home temple or a clean, clutter-free space.
  • Mental Purity: Approach the puja with a clear and peaceful mind. Let go of distractions and focus on the devotion to Devi.

2. Appropriate Time for Worship

  • Morning or Evening: Puja can be performed either early in the morning (preferably before 10 AM) or in the evening, around sunset.
  • Festive Days: Special days like Navaratri, Fridays, or full moon days (Purnima) are considered especially auspicious for Devi worship.

3. Clothes to Wear

  • Red Clothes: It is customary to wear red clothes when worshiping Devi, as red symbolizes Shakti, power, and passion, which are attributes of the goddess.
  • Other Colors: If red is unavailable, bright or clean clothes in colors like yellow, white, or saffron can be worn. Avoid wearing black during Devi worship.

4. Puja Items Required

To perform the puja, you will need the following items:

  • Idol or Picture of Devi: You can place a statue or image of the Devi (such as Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, or any form of Shakti).
  • Red Cloth: To drape over the altar or around the idol.
  • Flowers: Fresh flowers, especially red or yellow, such as hibiscus, lotus, or roses.
  • Fruits and Sweets: Bananas, coconuts, and sweets like laddoo, modak, or peda as offerings (prasad).
  • Incense (Agarbatti) and Dhoop: For offering fragrance to Devi.
  • Diya (Oil Lamp): Light a lamp filled with ghee or oil.
  • Kumkum (Vermilion) and Haldi (Turmeric): For applying to the idol and yourself.
  • Betel Leaves and Nuts: Optional but considered auspicious.
  • Camphor: For performing the final aarti.
  • Water (Kalash or Copper Vessel): For purification and offering.

5. Simple Steps of the Puja

Below is a step-by-step guide to performing a basic Devi puja:

Step 1: Preparation

  • Start by purifying yourself and the space, as mentioned earlier.
  • Arrange the altar by placing the Devi idol or image on a red cloth.
  • Light the diya and incense to invoke her presence.

Step 2: Sankalp (Intention)

  • Sit facing East or North.
  • Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Offer your intention (sankalp) to the goddess. State your name and express your devotion, seeking her blessings for yourself and your loved ones.

Step 3: Invocation (Dhyana and Avahanam)

  • Invoke the Devi by reciting mantras or prayers. Common invocation mantras include:

    • Om Dum Durgaye Namah
    • Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Maha Lakshmyai Namah
    • Om Aim Hreem Saraswatyai Namah

    These mantras help connect to the specific form of Devi you are worshiping.

Step 4: Offering of Flowers (Pushpanjali)

  • Offer fresh flowers at the feet of the Devi while chanting her names or mantras.

Step 5: Offering of Water and Other Items

  • Water (Achaman): Offer water to the goddess by sprinkling it lightly.
  • Fruits and Sweets: Offer fruits and sweets as prasad. You can also offer any homemade food items.
  • Kumkum and Haldi: Apply these to the idol or picture.
  • Flowers and Garland: Decorate the Devi with flowers and garlands.

Step 6: Mantras and Prayers

  • Recite any specific prayers or hymns dedicated to Devi. Common ones include:

    • Durga Chalisa
    • Devi Mahatmyam (Durga Saptashati)
    • Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of Goddess Lakshmi)
    • Saraswati Vandana
  • Chant the Devi mantras as many times as you are comfortable, ideally 108 times using a mala (rosary).

Step 7: Aarti (Lamp Offering)

  • Light camphor and wave it in a circular motion in front of the Devi. Chant the Devi Aarti, which is a specific prayer to the goddess.

    You can sing:

    • Jai Ambe Gauri Aarti
    • Om Jai Lakshmi Mata

    End by ringing the bell as you wave the camphor.

6. Prasad to Be Prepared

  • Traditional prasad includes sweets like modaks, laddoos, or kheer (a milk-based rice pudding). You can also prepare fruits like bananas or coconut as a simple offering.
  • If you wish, offer home-cooked vegetarian food as naivedya.

7. How to Conclude the Puja

  • Conclude the puja by thanking Devi for her blessings.
  • Perform a final aarti using camphor and offer the light to all participants in the puja.
  • Offer the prasad (distributed to everyone present) and drink the water from the kalash as it is considered sacred.
  • Seek forgiveness for any mistakes during the puja by chanting the Kshama Prarthana:
    • Om Tat Purushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat

8. Importance and Benefits of Devi Puja

  • Protection: Devi worship is believed to provide protection from negative energies, enemies, and misfortune.
  • Prosperity and Wealth: Worshiping forms like Lakshmi Devi brings prosperity and abundance in life.
  • Wisdom and Knowledge: Saraswati Devi blesses her devotees with wisdom and success in academic and creative fields.
  • Inner Strength and Courage: Durga Devi, the embodiment of strength, bestows courage and removes fears.
  • 9. What to Do with Puja Leftover Items

    • Flowers and Garlands: Offer them in a garden or at the base of a tree. Alternatively, immerse them in a natural water body (like a river or lake).
    • Food Prasad: Consume the prasad with reverence. Share it with others as blessings from the Devi.
    • Ash (Vibhuti): You can apply vibhuti (sacred ash) from burnt camphor on your forehead or distribute it.
    • Water from Kalash: Sprinkle the water in your home to purify and sanctify the space.

    10. Benefits of Devi Worship

    • Spiritual Growth: Connecting with the divine feminine energy enhances one's spiritual journey.
    • Mental Peace: Worshiping the goddess brings tranquility, reduces anxiety, and promotes mental clarity.
    • Health and Well-being: Many believe that Devi's blessings lead to physical and emotional well-being.

    By following these steps, you can perform a meaningful and sincere worship of Devi, aligning with tradition and devotion.