The ninth day of Navratri, also known as Maha Navami, is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Siddhidatri, the form of Durga who bestows Siddhis (spiritual powers) on her devotees. On this day, the puja is focused on seeking her blessings for prosperity, peace, and spiritual growth. Following an eco-friendly and traditional approach to worship not only honors the divine but also helps in preserving nature. Below is a detailed guide for performing the Navami Puja using eco-friendly methods.
1. Preparation and Cleanliness
- Time: The puja should be performed in the early morning, preferably after taking a bath and cleaning the puja space.
- Personal Cleanliness: Bathe and wear fresh, clean clothes. Traditionally, women wear red or yellow, and men wear white or saffron.
- Space Cleansing: Clean the altar and puja room thoroughly. Sweep the area and sprinkle a few drops of Ganga jal (holy water from the Ganges) around the altar to purify it. Ensure all puja items are arranged neatly.
- Use of Natural Items: Instead of using chemical cleaners, clean the space with eco-friendly products such as water mixed with cow dung, turmeric, and neem leaves.
2. Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required
- Puja Altar/Chowki: Made of wood or natural materials.
- Murti or Photo of Goddess Siddhidatri: Place a clean, eco-friendly idol of clay or a picture of the Goddess on the altar.
- Earthen Diya (Oil Lamp): Use earthen diyas with ghee or sesame oil for lighting.
- Natural Incense (Dhoop/Agarbatti): Use incense made from organic or natural ingredients, such as sandalwood or jasmine.
- Flowers: Use fresh flowers like marigold, lotus, rose, and hibiscus, which are biodegradable.
- Puja Thali: Made of brass or copper, containing:
- A bell, for invoking the deities.
- Kumkum, turmeric, sandalwood paste (eco-friendly and organic).
- Fresh water in a copper or brass kalash (water vessel).
- Rice grains (unpolished) mixed with turmeric.
- Fresh, seasonal fruits like bananas, guava, and pomegranates.
- A mix of five different eco-friendly leaves, such as mango or banana leaves.
- Coconut with water: Wrapped in a red cloth, symbolizing purity.
- Nava Durga Kalash: (Optional) You can also install a Kalash symbolizing Goddess Durga.
3. Simple Steps of Navami Puja
Dhyan (Meditation): Begin the puja with a few moments of meditation. Sit in front of the altar and close your eyes. Focus on the image of Goddess Siddhidatri, visualizing her blessings upon you and your family.
Sankalp (Intention): Take a small amount of water and rice in your hand, and make a resolution (sankalp) for the puja. You can say:
- "I dedicate this puja to Goddess Siddhidatri and pray for her blessings of spiritual fulfillment, wisdom, and happiness for myself and my family."
Kalash Sthapana: (If using a Kalash) Place a water-filled copper pot (kalash) in front of the Goddess, symbolizing her divine presence. Put five mango or betel leaves around the opening of the kalash and place a coconut on top.
Invocation of Goddess Siddhidatri:
- Chant the mantra to invoke Goddess Siddhidatri:
Om Devi Siddhidatriyai Namah - Offer flowers, rice grains, and sandalwood paste to the image of the Goddess.
- Chant the mantra to invoke Goddess Siddhidatri:
Lighting the Lamp and Incense:
- Light the earthen lamp and incense sticks, and wave them before the deity, moving your hand in a circular motion while chanting:
Om Jai Ambe Gauri, Maiya Jai Shyama Gauri Tumko Nish Din Dhyavat, Hari Brahma Shivari
- Light the earthen lamp and incense sticks, and wave them before the deity, moving your hand in a circular motion while chanting:
Offering of Naivedya (Prasad):
- Offer fruits, eco-friendly sweets like homemade coconut laddus, and kheer (rice pudding). You can prepare these using natural ingredients such as organic rice, cow milk, and jaggery. Offer with reverence and love.
Reciting the Siddhidatri Mantras:
- Recite or listen to the Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmya.
- Chant the Siddhidatri mantra 108 times:
Siddha Gandharva Yakshadyair Asurair Amarair Api | Sevyamana Sada Bhuyat Siddhida Siddhidayini ||
Aarti (Song of Praise):
- Perform the aarti by waving the aarti thali in front of the Goddess while chanting:
Om Jai Ambe Gauri, Maiya Jai Shyama Gauri Tumko Nish Din Dhyavat, Hari Brahma Shivari
- Perform the aarti by waving the aarti thali in front of the Goddess while chanting:
Kanya Puja (Optional): On Navami, it is traditional to invite young girls (representing the nine forms of Durga) for Kanya Puja. Wash their feet, offer them food, and give them gifts. Choose biodegradable gifts like cloth bags, organic food items, or eco-friendly toys.
4. Prasad to be Prepared
- Kheer (Rice Pudding): Prepared with organic milk, rice, and jaggery.
- Puri with Chana: A traditional offering of fried bread with a chickpea curry.
- Halwa: A sweet made with semolina, organic ghee, and jaggery.
- Coconut Laddu: Made with grated coconut and jaggery.
5. Conclusion of the Puja
- Shanti Path (Peace Prayers): End the puja with a peace prayer for universal well-being:
Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu, Ma Kashchit Dukha Bhag Bhavet. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti. - Seeking Blessings: Bow before the idol of the Goddess and seek her blessings.
- Distribute Prasad: After the puja, distribute the prasad to all family members and guests.
6. What to Do with the Puja Leftover Items
- Biodegradable Disposal: Ensure all leftover flowers, leaves, and other organic materials are composted or buried in soil, as they are biodegradable.
- Reuse of Items: Eco-friendly puja items like earthen lamps can be reused in future pujas. Leftover water from the kalash can be used to water plants or sprinkled around the house for purification.
- Coconut: If you offered a coconut, break it and distribute the pieces as prasad among family and friends.
- Cloth and Threads: Any red cloth or threads used in the puja can be tied around plants or trees as a mark of respect.
7. Importance and Benefits of Maha Navami Puja
- Spiritual Fulfillment: Worshipping Goddess Siddhidatri brings divine wisdom and spiritual fulfillment. She is believed to bestow eight supernatural powers (Siddhis), and her blessings can lead to the accomplishment of your goals.
- Removal of Obstacles: The puja removes obstacles from your life, granting you strength and clarity.
- Environmental Harmony: Performing an eco-friendly puja helps in preserving nature, promoting sustainable worship practices.
- Peace and Prosperity: Regular observance of this puja is said to bring peace, prosperity, and harmony to the household.
By following this eco-friendly approach to Navami Puja, you honor both the divine and the environment, ensuring that your spiritual practices are sustainable and earth-conscious.