Comprehensive Guide for Worship on the First Day of Navratri
The first day of Navratri marks the beginning of a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms. Each day of Navratri has its own significance, and the first day is associated with Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains and the first form of the Goddess. Here is a detailed guide on how to perform the puja on the first day of Navratri, incorporating eco-friendly practices and traditional methods.
1. Importance of Cleanliness
- Spiritual Cleansing: Before starting the puja, it is important to cleanse both the body and the environment. Take a bath and wear clean clothes, preferably made of natural fibers like cotton or silk.
- Cleaning the Puja Area: The place where the puja will be conducted should be thoroughly cleaned using eco-friendly products like cow dung, turmeric, or neem water. Cleaning the space is symbolic of removing negativity and preparing for the arrival of the divine energy.
- Arranging the Puja Items: Ensure the puja items are arranged in a clean and organized manner. Use biodegradable or reusable containers for the items instead of plastic.
2. Time to Perform the Puja
The best time to perform the Navratri puja is during the Brahma Muhurta, which is approximately one and a half hours before sunrise. If this time is not feasible, any time during the day after sunrise is auspicious.
3. Items Required for the Puja (Eco-Friendly Options)
- Kalash (Sacred Pot) – Copper or earthen pot filled with clean water.
- Coconut – With water, placed on top of the Kalash.
- Mango or Ashoka Leaves – To place around the Kalash.
- Incense Sticks – Made from natural ingredients like sandalwood.
- Camphor – Used during the aarti.
- Diya (Lamp) – Made of clay or brass, filled with sesame oil or ghee.
- Flowers – Fresh flowers such as marigolds, jasmine, or roses, all organic and locally sourced.
- Chandan (Sandalwood Paste) – Pure sandalwood paste or powder.
- Haldi (Turmeric) and Kumkum (Vermilion) – Organic and natural powders.
- Rice Grains – Akshat, unbroken grains of rice.
- Prasad (Offerings) – Offer eco-friendly food items like fruits, dry fruits, or homemade sweets such as ladoos made from jaggery or whole grains.
- Cloth for the Goddess – A clean, new piece of fabric to adorn the deity (cotton or silk).
4. Simple Steps to Perform the Puja
Kalash Sthapana: Begin by placing the Kalash in the center of your puja area. Fill the pot with water, place a coconut on top, and surround it with mango or Ashoka leaves. This symbolizes the presence of Goddess Durga in your home.
Invoke the Deity (Avahan):
- Light the diya and incense sticks.
- Close your eyes, join your palms, and meditate upon the form of Goddess Shailaputri. Recite a simple mantra like: “Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah”.
- Offer flowers, turmeric, kumkum, and rice to the Kalash and the idol/photo of Goddess Shailaputri.
Offering Prasad:
- Offer fresh fruits and the prasad prepared with devotion. You can prepare eco-friendly sweets like jaggery-based ladoos or use seasonal fruits as prasad.
- Avoid single-use plastics while preparing or storing prasad.
Chanting the Mantra: Recite mantras dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri. A common chant is: “Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita,
Namastasye Namastasye Namastasye Namo Namah”.Aarti: Perform aarti using a ghee lamp or sesame oil diya. Move the diya in a circular motion in front of the Goddess’s image or idol while singing an aarti song.
- The popular aarti is “Jai Ambe Gauri” or “Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali”.
- After the aarti, pass the diya around to family members to receive blessings.
Meditation and Conclusion: Sit quietly for a few moments after the aarti, meditate upon the form of the Goddess, and ask for strength and blessings. Conclude the puja with folded hands, thanking the Goddess for her protection and guidance.
5. Preparation of Prasad
For the first day, it is traditional to offer food made from whole grains and organic ingredients:
- Kheer (Rice pudding made with jaggery and milk).
- Whole grain laddoos (made from wheat, ghee, and jaggery).
- Seasonal fruits such as bananas, apples, or pomegranates.
- Dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins.
All ingredients should be eco-friendly, free from chemical processing, and as natural as possible.
6. Mantras and Prayers
Reciting mantras invokes the blessings of the Goddess. Common mantras for the first day of Navratri include:
- Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah
- Om Dum Durgayei Namah
Additionally, chanting the Durga Chalisa or the Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati) is auspicious.
7. How to Conclude the Puja
- After the aarti and meditation, sprinkle holy water (from the Kalash) around the puja area and on yourself.
- Offer the prasad to family members and share it with neighbors or visitors, keeping the environment in mind by using reusable or biodegradable plates.
- Bow down before the Goddess and seek her blessings.
8. What to Do with Leftover Puja Items (Eco-Friendly Practices)
- Flowers and Leaves: These can be collected and composted or used in gardening.
- Water from Kalash: The water can be sprinkled in your garden or on plants.
- Ash (Vibhuti) from the incense or diya can be used as fertilizer for plants.
- Coconut and Fruits: These can be consumed as prasad or shared with family and friends.
- Diya and Incense Holders: If they are made from clay or brass, clean and reuse them for future pujas. Always aim for reusability to minimize waste.
Avoid immersing items in water bodies to prevent pollution. Eco-friendly disposal practices, like composting, ensure the puja is in harmony with nature.
9. Benefits of Worship on the First Day of Navratri
- Spiritual Growth: Worshiping Goddess Shailaputri brings mental peace and spiritual growth, fostering a connection with the divine.
- Blessings of Strength: The first form of Goddess Durga bestows strength, determination, and resilience upon devotees.
- Positive Energy: The puja invokes positive energy and eliminates negative vibrations from the household.
- Environmental Awareness: By practicing eco-friendly rituals, you contribute to the protection of the environment while maintaining spiritual traditions.
By observing these simple, eco-friendly practices and performing the Navratri puja with devotion, you can ensure a spiritually fulfilling and environmentally conscious celebration.