After one of the most distressful and struggling phases of coronavirus for mankind, there is a certainly a big sigh of relief for the people of India as the auspicious time of Sharad Navratri is finally approaching in the calendars. They can finally bid adieu to the sadden feelings in their hearts and indulge in the joyful festivities all over again with the commencement of the festive month of October. The time has come when you can seek the blessings of Goddess Durga and her nine avatars and pray for a brighter and safer future for mankind.
From now on, a festive and cheerful extravaganza is about to begin with the commencement of the 9-day festival of Sharad Navartri on 17th October 2020. Soon the whole nation will get engulfed in its festivities with the celebrations of Durga Puja and dandiya nights in every nook and corner of the country.
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Significance of Sharad Navratri
Just like Chaitra Navratri, Sharad Navratri is also a Hindu festival which celebrates the feminine power and spirit of the nine different avatars of Goddess Durga. Also known as the Maha Navratri, the festival is celebrated on Shukla Paksha of the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin (September-October) with the observance of Durga Puja all over India. The festival of Sharad Navratri is devoted to the nine forms of Goddess Shakti – Durga, Bhadrakali, Jagadamba, Annapurna, Sarvamangala, Bhairavi, Chandika, Lalita, Bhavani, and Mookambika. According to the mythological legends, it is believed that during this time, Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura and the tenth day of this festival is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra on which Lord Rama killed Ravana and saved Sita.
Just like Chaitra Navratri, Sharad Navratri is also a Hindu festival which celebrates the feminine power and spirit of the nine different avatars of Goddess Durga. Also known as the Maha Navratri, the festival is celebrated on Shukla Paksha of the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin (September-October) with the observance of Durga Puja all over India. The festival of Sharad Navratri is devoted to the nine forms of Goddess Shakti – Durga, Bhadrakali, Jagadamba, Annapurna, Sarvamangala, Bhairavi, Chandika, Lalita, Bhavani, and Mookambika. According to the mythological legends, it is believed that during this time, Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura and the tenth day of this festival is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra on which Lord Rama killed Ravana and saved Sita.
Let us know the significance of the each day of Sharad Navratri –
Maa Shailputri Puja – The first incarnation of Maa Durga, Maa Shailputri signifies the planet Moon. Offering prayers to her can eliminate any harmful effects of omens.
Maa Brahmacharini Puja – Maa Brahmacharini dominates the planet Mars and removes all negative effects if worshipped with a pure heart and soul.
Maa Chandraghanta Puja – Maa Chandraghata rules the planet Venus and offers strength and bravery.
Maa Kushmanda Puja – Maa Kushmanda dominates the planet Sun and removes any bad effects in the coming future.
Maa Skandamata Puja – Maa Skand Mata signifies the planet Mercury and is very concerned towards her devotee.
Maa Katyayani Puja – Jupiter planet is dominated by Maa Katyayani. She offers courage and aptitude to her worshippers.
Maa Kaalratri Puja – Goddess Kaalratri rules the Saturn planet and symbolises courage.
Maa Mahagauri Puja – Goddess Mahagauri is the ultimate ruler of planet Rahu and eliminates harmful effects.
Maa Siddhidatri Puja – Goddess Siddhidatri rules the planet Ketu and provides wisdom and knowledge.
Dates of Sharad Navratri 2020
| Date | Day | Goddess Worshipped | Colors of Navratri |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Oct 2020 | Prathama | Maa Shailputri | Yellow |
| 18 Oct 2020 | Dwitiya | Maa Brahmacharini | Green |
| 19 Oct 2020 | Tritiya | Maa Chandraghanta | Grey |
| 20 Oct 2020 | Chaturthi | Maa Kushmanda | Orange |
| 21 Oct 2020 | Panchami | Maa Skandamata | White |
| 22 Oct 2020 | Shashti | Maa Katyayani | Red |
| 23 Oct 2020 | Saptami | Maa Kalaratri | Royal Blue |
| 24 Oct 2020 | Ashtami | Maa MahaGauri | Pink |
| 25 Oct 2020 | Navami | Maa Siddhidatri | Purple |
2020 Shardiya Navratri Ghatasthapana Muhurat
| Date for Kalash Sthatpana | Saturday, 17 October 2020 |
| Ghatasthapana timings | 06:23 am to 10:12 am |
| Abhijit Muhurat for Ghatasthapana | 11:43 am to 12:29 pm |
| Pratipada Tithi Begins | 01:00 am on 17 October 2020 |
| Pratipada Tithi Ends | 09:08 pm on 17 October 2020 |
Puja Samagri for Sharad Navratri Puja
To perform the Puja of Sharad Navratri in an auspicious and right manner, there are many list of Puja ingredients which are required. Every element of this list is significant in their own way and together constitutes the crux of the Puja ceremony.
Here are the list of Puja samagri items which are required:
- An earthen kalash for Ghatasthapana
- An earthen pot for sowing barley seeds
- A picture or idol of Goddess Durga
- Chunri or a red colored cloth
- Fresh mango leaves
- Rice
- Roli or kumkum powder
- Moli
- Gangajal
- Sandalwood
- Coconut
- Barley seeds
- Supari
- Betel leaves
- Cloves or Laung
- Cardamom or Elaichi
- Coins
- Sringaar items such as kajal, bangles, sindoor, and mehendi
Sharad Navratri 2020 Puja Vidhi
- Get up early in the morning and take a bath.
- Place together all the Puja ingredients.
- Prepare a Puja thali for Navratri puja.
- Place the Goddess Durga statue on the red colored cloth on the temple altar.
- Put some mud in the earthen pot and sow barley seeds. Sprinkle water on it. This has to be repeated every day until the last day of Navratri.
- Perform the ceremony of Ghatasthapana during the auspicious timings. Pour Gangajal in the kalash and place mango leaves on top. Tie the sacred thread of Moli around the neck of the kalash and place the coconut on it with red chunri wrapped around it. Keep this kalash either on the barley seeds claypot or near it.
- Offer flowers, incense sticks, camphor, scent and cooked dishes to the deities.
- Chant mantras of Maa Durga during the nine days of Navratri to seek her blessings.
- Invite nine young girls to your home and perform their Puja by washing their feet and serving them delicious food.
- Offer your prayers to the Goddess Durga on the last day of the Navratri by offering them flowers and rice and remove the kalash from the temple altar.
Have a great time celebrating Navratri with your loved ones. Be safe and maintain social distancing!!!
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