Procedure for Ashadha Navratri Pooja
On July 05, 2024
Ashadha Navratri is a Gupt Navratri and a lesser-known festival observed in the month of Ashadha (June-July) during the Shukla Paksha (Waxing Phase of the Moon). It is observed for nine days and nights and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. This period is replete with Poojas and prayers. A comprehensive guide tells you how to perform Pooja for the benevolent Goddess, the pooja items, rules, and benefits.
Auspicious Time for Performing Pooja
The most auspicious time to perform the Ashadha Gupt Navratri Pooja is during the Brahma Muhurta (4:00 am–6:00 am) or the evening hours after sunset.
Preparation
Clean the Pooja area thoroughly and ensure it is sanctified. Get up early and take a holy bath, preferably water mixed with the sacred Ganga Jal (Ganges Water).
Organising Pooja Items
After cleansing the Pooja area, arrange the items required for the Pooja, which include the following.
Kalash (Sacred Pot)- The Kalash is the sacred pot used in the Pooja. It can be made of copper, silver, bronze, or brass. It is said to contain the Amrit (Nectar of Life). The Kalash is decorated with mango leaves, coconut, flowers, and a holy thread during Poojas. The Kalash represents immortality and is kept facing north-eastern direction.
Mango Leaves- Mango leaves represent Goddess Lakshmi. They ward off negative energy and attract abundance, peace and harmony. They are believed to be auspicious and symbolise purity, fertility and divinity. They are placed on the Kalash to complete the Purnakumbha ceremony.
Coconut- Called the Sriphal, it is the most promising fruit. It can attract the frequencies of five deities- Shiva, Durga Devi, Ganesha, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna, and transmit them accordingly. Coconuts can attract positive energy and can grant relief from the distress of negative energy. It can remove Drishti (Evil Eye).
Flowers (Marigold, Lotus)- Specific flowers like the lotus and marigold are used in the Pooja. Flowers are a symbol of purity and devotion. Marigold flowers signify auspiciousness and good luck and can bless with courage and self-confidence. Lotus flowers are known for their purity and positive energy. They transmit positive vibes.
Fruits (5 Types)- Fruits are offered in Pooja as a symbol of devotion and gratitude. They are considered pure.
Incense Sticks (Agarbatti)- Incense sticks create a fragrant aroma. They are believed to purify the air and create a Divine atmosphere, inviting the presence of the deity.
Camphor (Karpoor)- Camphor is burned as an offering to the deity. It symbolises the burning of the ego and other impurities within oneself, allowing the soul to become pure.
Ghee Lamps- The Ghee lamps lit during the Navratri Pooja for nine days and nights symbolise Akhand Jyoti (Uninterrupted Flame). Ghee lamps are lit continuously in reverence of Mata Durga. They represent peace and positivity and purify the air. They are a manifestation of 'Tej' (Absolute Fire Principle) and guide us away from darkness towards light. The flames signify that we imbibe the qualities of unconditional love, compassion, contentment and generosity of the Divine Mother or Shakti.
Sweets & Prasad- Sweets are offered to the deity in the Pooja and later distributed as Prasad. They symbolise the sweetness of pure devotion and the deity's blessings. Prasad is a sacred food offering made to the deity first and then distributed. It is believed to carry the deity's blessings.
Red & Yellow Cloths- Red and yellow cloths are offered to the Goddess. Red represents fearlessness, vigour, energy, and devotion. Even the Chunri (Chunni) offered to Mata Durga is red. Yellow represents positive energy, cheerfulness, and luminosity.
Rice (Akshata)- Rice is offered during the Pooja and signifies abundance, fertility and prosperity. It can attract the frequencies of five deities- Ganesha, Durga Devi, Shiva, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna, and activate and transmit them with the help of the absolute earth and water elements. When rice (Akshata) is offered to the deity, benevolent energies and vibrations develop in the rice (Akshata).
Turmeric- Turmeric is offered to the deity in the Pooja and contains the frequencies of the earth and the deity. It can enhance the Sattva component and give the ability to tolerate distress. It is made into a paste and applied to the deity's forehead, signifying blessings and auspiciousness.
Kumkum (Vermilion)- Kumkum or vermilion is offered to the deity during Pooja and contains the frequencies of the earth element and that of the deity. It is made into a paste and applied to the deity's forehead as a mark of auspiciousness and blessings.
Sandalwood Paste (Chandan)- Sandalwood paste is offered in Pooja. It is applied as a paste to the deity's idol or picture. It can cool the mind, increase focus, and purify the body.
Holy Water (Ganga Jal)- Holy water is often infused from the Ganga water or Tulsi leaves, which is used for sprinkling during Pooja. It is believed to be purifying and spiritually cleansing.
Arranging the Pooja
Prepare the Kalash (Sacred Pot) by filling it with water. Tie the mango leaves around the neck of the Kalash and place the coconut inverted atop the Kalash. Keep the offerings of sacred cloths, turmeric, vermilion, fruits, sweets and Prasad in front of the deity.
Decorating the idol
Place the idol or the picture of Goddess Durga in the centre of the Pooja arrangement. Apply the turmeric and vermilion to the deity. Place a garland on the deity.
The Pooja Thali
Prepare the Pooja Thali (a brass or silver plate) and place all the items required to offer the deity, including rice, flowers, water, and incense. The Thali symbolises the Universe and the completeness of the Pooja.
Invocation
Light the ghee lamps and incense sticks and purify the space with the deity's positive vibrations and energies. Chant the sacred mantras and read the Durga Saptashati and other holy hymns to invoke the Goddess for her Divine blessings.
Offerings
Offer the flowers while chanting mantras to the Goddess. Offer the fruits, too, while reciting the prayers. Then perform the Aarti (Light & Sound Ceremony) to the deity with devotion and ring the Ghanta (Bell) before and after the Pooja to ward off evil spirits and attract positive energy. It also helps the mind to stay focused during the ritual.
Offer the Prasad and sweets to the deity first before distributing them as Prasad.
Conclusion
Offer gratitude and thanks to the deity for her blessings. As it is considered auspicious, distribute the Prasad and sweets among devotees and family members.
Benefits of Ashasha Navratri Pooja
The Ashadha Navratri Pooja has numerous benefits, as performing this sacred Pooja invokes the powerful Cosmic energies and benevolence of Mata Durga.
- Worshiping Goddess Durga or Shakti Upasana can bestow an abundance of wealth and foodgrains
- The Goddess offers her powerful protection against negative energies and evil influences, including evil eye, witch-craft and black magic
- Removes bad luck and misfortune
- The Pooja enhances the spiritual consciousness and offers peace of mind
- Performing the Pooja with devotion brings good health, wealth and prosperity
- The Goddess answers the sincere prayers of devotees and fulfils their desires
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