Comprehensive Guide to Worship on the Seventh Day of Navratri
The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri, one of the fiercest forms of Goddess Durga. Worshiping her on this day is believed to remove all negative energies and bring peace and prosperity. Below is a detailed guide on how to worship on this day using eco-friendly, traditional puja items, simple steps, cleanliness, and the importance of the rituals.
Cleanliness and Preparation
Clean the House and Puja Space:
- Clean your home thoroughly, especially the space where you will conduct the puja.
- Use natural cleaning products like neem water, turmeric water, or eco-friendly herbal cleansers to purify the area.
- Decorate the puja space with fresh flowers (organic and biodegradable) and banana leaves for a traditional touch.
Personal Cleanliness:
- Take a bath early in the morning, wear fresh, preferably cotton or natural fabric clothes.
- Keep the mind calm and pure by avoiding negative thoughts or distractions.
Time for Puja
The puja should ideally be performed in the morning after sunrise, but it can also be done during the evening. Choose a time that allows you to perform the rituals peacefully and without interruption. Brahma Muhurta (early morning) is considered the most auspicious time, but you can also refer to local Navratri Panchang for exact timings.
Puja Items Required (Eco-friendly)
Ensure that all puja materials are eco-friendly and biodegradable. You can use:
- Clay or metal idol or picture of Goddess Kalaratri
- Fresh flowers like marigold, hibiscus, or lotus (organic)
- Fresh leaves of mango, banana, or tulsi
- Eco-friendly incense sticks made from natural herbs
- Diya (lamp) made from clay with cotton wicks and organic ghee or sesame oil
- Haldi (turmeric), Kumkum (vermilion), Chandan (sandalwood)
- Coconut with water
- Camphor (kapur) in small amounts for Aarti (ensure it's natural)
- Fruits and nuts for offerings (organic if possible)
- Jaggery and rice grains for Kalash (pot)
- Earthen or metal Kalash filled with clean water and covered with coconut and mango leaves
- A bowl of milk, honey, and yogurt for the Panchamrit offering.
Simple Steps of the Puja
Set Up the Puja Altar:
- Place the idol or picture of Goddess Kalaratri on a clean platform or altar.
- Light the diya and place it on the altar. You can also place a Kalash filled with water, betel leaves, and a coconut, symbolizing the presence of the Goddess.
Invoke the Goddess:
- Begin by chanting “Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Vichche” while offering fresh flowers and lighting the eco-friendly incense sticks.
- Sprinkle some Ganga jal or clean water to purify the space and yourself.
Offerings to the Goddess:
- Offer fresh flowers, organic fruits, and prasad (prepared separately, details below) to the Goddess.
- Place a small bowl of Panchamrit (mixture of milk, yogurt, honey, sugar, and ghee) in front of the idol.
- You can also offer small amounts of jaggery, coconut pieces, and fruits like pomegranate or banana.
Chanting of Mantras and Prayers:
- Recite Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmyam (specific chapters dedicated to Kalaratri).
- Alternatively, you can chant the following simple mantra:
- “Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah”
- Repeat the mantra 108 times using a Tulsi mala (rosary) for enhanced focus.
Perform Aarti:
- Light camphor or ghee diya and perform the aarti by moving the flame in a circular motion in front of the Goddess while chanting “Jai Ambe Gauri” or any other Durga aarti.
- Ring a bell or clap while doing the aarti to create a positive and auspicious vibration.
Offer Prasad:
- Once the aarti is done, offer the prasad (details below) to the Goddess and then distribute it to family members and guests.
Prasad to Be Prepared
On the seventh day, it is auspicious to prepare simple and eco-friendly prasad, such as:
Jaggery and Roasted Gram (Chana):
Offer a mixture of roasted black gram and jaggery, symbolizing strength and nourishment.Coconut and Puffed Rice:
Prepare a simple mixture of puffed rice (murmura) with grated coconut, lightly sweetened with jaggery.Halwa, Puri, and Chana (without excess oil):
A popular offering in Navratri, this prasad consists of whole wheat flour halwa, puri, and black chana.Fruits:
A plate of fresh, seasonal fruits (such as pomegranates, apples, bananas) can also be offered as prasad.
Ensure that all food is prepared using minimal oil and organic ingredients for a healthier, eco-conscious offering.
Concluding the Puja
Offer Flowers and Rice (Akshat):
At the end of the puja, offer more fresh flowers and Akshat (rice grains) to the Goddess.Prarthana (Prayer):
Thank the Goddess for her blessings and ask for protection from negative energies.Immersion of Kalash Water (if any):
The water in the Kalash should be used to water a plant or tree after the puja. Avoid pouring it into drains or other waste systems.Donation:
It is considered auspicious to donate eco-friendly items like grains, clothes, or organic fruits to the needy after completing the puja.
Importance of the Seventh Day Worship
- Kalaratri symbolizes the end of darkness and ignorance. She is the destroyer of evil forces and negativity.
- Worshiping her brings protection from evil forces and helps in overcoming obstacles in life.
- The seventh day is a turning point towards spiritual awakening and inner strength.
Benefits of Performing the Puja
Protection from Negative Energies:
Worshiping Kalaratri helps remove negativity, evil influences, and fear from the devotee's life.Inner Strength and Courage:
The puja boosts confidence, willpower, and mental fortitude to face life's challenges.Spiritual Growth:
The seventh day puja is particularly important for spiritual seekers as it leads to awakening and divine guidance.
What to Do with Puja Leftover Items (Eco-friendly)
Flowers and Leaves:
Flowers and leaves used in the puja can be composted or placed near plants, trees, or in a garden. This allows them to return to the earth naturally.Incense Sticks and Ash:
The ash from eco-friendly incense sticks can be sprinkled on plants or in the garden as it enriches the soil.Puja Water:
Any leftover water used during the puja can be poured at the base of a tree or plant to nourish it.Coconut and Fruits:
The coconut offered during the puja can be consumed as prasad. Any uneaten fruits can be donated to animals or birds.Cloth or Decorations:
Reuse the fabric or decorations used for the altar during future pujas, or donate clean, unused items to temples or those in need.
By following this eco-friendly, traditional approach to worship on the seventh day of Navratri, you can honor Goddess Kalaratri while contributing to a sustainable environment. This practice not only ensures spiritual purity but also aligns with ecological responsibility.