In 2028, Ashtami and Navami tithi fall on the same day (26 September), in such years, confirm the timing of the havan and Kanya Pujan with a local panchang. This same Navami tithi is also observed as Ayudha Puja in South India.
Significance of Maha Navami
Maha Navami is the ninth and final day of Shardiya Navratri, on which Maa Siddhidatri, the ninth and last form of Durga, is worshipped. It is believed that Maa Siddhidatri grants all forms of siddhi (spiritual attainment), and it was by her grace that half of Lord Shiva's body became the goddess, giving rise to the Ardhanarishvara form.
On this day, the concluding purnahuti (final oblation) of the nine-day Durga Puja havan is performed, closing out the entire Navratri worship with offerings into the sacred fire. Devotees who did not perform Kanya Pujan on Ashtami complete it on this day instead.
In South India, Maha Navami is observed as 'Ayudha Puja', in which one's tools, vehicles, books, and instruments are worshipped, in the belief that the goddess's shakti resides in every instrument of one's work. The following day, Dussehra closes the Navratri festival with Lord Rama's victory over Ravana.
How Maha Navami Is Celebrated
In the morning, after bathing, Maa Siddhidatri is worshipped, and the purnahuti closing the nine days of worship is offered into the havan fire. The havan includes offerings of navgraha samidha, jaggery, sesame, and ghee into the fire.
In homes where Kanya Pujan is held on Navami instead of Ashtami, nine young girls and one boy are served a meal, given clothes and dakshina, and the fast is broken with the proper ritual.
As part of Ayudha Puja in South India, tools, vehicles, and machinery at home and at the workplace are cleaned, decorated with flowers and turmeric, and worshipped. On this same day, many pandals also give the Durga idol its final adornment, ahead of the immersion the next day.
Maha Navami Puja Vidhi
Bathe in the morning and worship Maa Siddhidatri. Offer navgraha samidha, jaggery, sesame, and ghee into the havan fire to complete the purnahuti. Then worship nine young girls and one boy, offer them food and dakshina, and break the fast. Optionally, also perform Ayudha Puja for your tools and vehicles.
About Maha Navami
Maha Navami is the concluding day of Shardiya Navratri, marked by the worship of Maa Siddhidatri, the closing havan-purnahuti, Kanya Pujan, and South India's Ayudha Puja. This page covers Navami's significance, the havan vidhi, Kanya Pujan, and the Ayudha Puja tradition.
See the separate pages for Dussehra, observed the next day, and Navratri's other days. The information on this page is presented with easy-to-read sizing and print support.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Maha Navami observed?
Maha Navami is observed on the ninth day of Shardiya Navratri, on Ashwin Shukla Navami tithi.
What is Ayudha Puja?
Ayudha Puja is a South Indian tradition observed on Maha Navami, in which one's tools, vehicles, and instruments are worshipped to invoke the goddess's shakti within them.
What is Purnahuti?
Purnahuti is the final and most important offering of the havan performed through Navratri, made on Maha Navami, marking the conclusion of the worship.
Should Kanya Pujan be done on Ashtami or Navami?
This depends on family tradition and regional custom, some perform Kanya Pujan on Ashtami, others on Navami, and both are considered valid.