Are you going to worship the Goddess for the first time this Durga Puja? Then you should know the essential rules and rituals that must be followed. Just like Lakshmi or Saraswati Puja, you can also worship Goddess Durga at home. It doesn’t require too much trouble—just a few important rituals and some devotion.
Initial Preparation
Place the idol or image of the Goddess on a clean throne or
low seat (piri) covered with new cloth. You must also place an image of Lord
Shiva beside Her.
Direction for installation:
According to the scriptures, the idol should face north or northeast, so that the worshipper faces the same direction. This brings peace and prosperity to the household.According to Vastu Shastra:
The northeast corner (the Ishan Kona) is considered the most sacred place for worship. Placing the ghat (sacred vessel) there removes vastu dosha (negative energy).Placing the Ghot (Sacred Pot)
The Goddess is believed to reside in the ghot. During offerings to the nine planets (Navagraha), you should use atap or Govindabhog rice.
Five Types of Fruits and Offerings
You must offer coconut, naru, moya, sweets, etc. The puja is considered incomplete without five types of whole, juicy fruits.
Lamp and Incense
Keeping an ever-burning lamp (akhanda pradip) in the southeast corner removes fire-related vastu dosha. The fragrance of burning camphor and incense purifies the atmosphere.
Decorating the Goddess
Adorn the Goddess with shankha-pola (conch-shell and red bangles), vermilion (sindoor), alta (red dye), and a new sari—just like a new bride entering the home.
Door Decoration
Hang garlands made of mango or ashoka leaves on the doorway to keep away negative energies. Replace them immediately when they dry.
Conch and Bell Sounds
During the puja, blowing the conch (shankha) and ringing bells sanctify the surroundings and are believed to dispel vastu dosha.
Kumari Puja
On Ashtami or Navami, worshiping a young girl (kumari) as the living embodiment of the Goddess and offering her food brings prosperity and abundance to the home.
Lighting Lamps Regularly
Lighting a pure ghee lamp daily in the shrine increases positive energy and reduces mental stress.
The Final Day – Visarjan
On Dashami, after the Sindoor Khela (vermillion play) and Devi Boron (farewell ritual), offer water, fruits, and food to bid the Goddess farewell. It is believed that although She departs, Her blessings remain in the home.