Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comShardiya Navratri
Shardiya Navratri is the nine-day, nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of Maa Durga's nine forms, observed from Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Navami.
Ghatasthapana's auspicious muhurat is fixed only on the morning of Pratipada tithi, timed to the Abhijit Muhurat, so confirm the exact time with a local panchang. The same nine days are observed as Durga Puja in eastern India, and with Garba-Dandiya nights in Gujarat.
Significance of Shardiya Navratri
Shardiya Navratri is observed in the Ashwin month at the start of autumn, which is why it is called 'Shardiya' (autumnal). It is believed that over these nine days, Maa Durga slayed the demon Mahishasura and freed the world from his tyranny. The festival symbolizes the victory of truth over falsehood and light over darkness, and is the most widely celebrated of the year's four Navratris.
Across the nine days, Maa Durga's nine forms, Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri, are worshipped in sequence. Each form represents a distinct power and virtue, and devotees meditate on and worship that specific form each day.
Dussehra, which falls right after Shardiya Navratri ends, also commemorates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, which is why Ramlila performances are staged in many places across these nine days. In eastern India, the same period is celebrated as Durga Puja in grand pandals, concluding with the immersion of the goddess's idol.
Navratri's Nine Forms
Maa Shailputri
Day 1Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Kleem Shailaputryai Namah
Bhog: Pure cow's ghee · Health, stability, and longevity
Maa Brahmacharini
Day 2Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Kleem Brahmacharinyai Namah
Bhog: Sugar or sugar candy · The strength of penance and self-restraint
Maa Chandraghanta
Day 3Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chandraghantayai Namah
Bhog: Milk and milk-based dishes · Courage, valour, and freedom from fear
Maa Kushmanda
Day 4Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Devyai Namah
Bhog: Malpua · Wisdom, sound judgement, and good health
Maa Skandamata
Day 5Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Kleem Skandamatayai Namah
Bhog: Banana · Knowledge, children's wellbeing, and liberation
Maa Katyayani
Day 6Mantra: Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah
Bhog: Honey · Removal of obstacles in marriage
Maa Kalaratri
Day 7Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Kleem Kalaratryai Namah
Bhog: Jaggery · Protection from fear and negative forces
Maa Mahagauri
Day 8Mantra: Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah
Bhog: Coconut · Happiness, prosperity, and fulfilled wishes
Maa Siddhidatri
Day 9Mantra: Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah
Bhog: Sesame seeds · The attainment of siddhis and complete knowledge
How Shardiya Navratri Is Celebrated
On the first day, Ghatasthapana (kalash sthapana) is performed, barley seeds are sown in an earthen pot, and a water-filled kalash topped with mango leaves and a coconut is set up to invoke Maa Durga. A continuous lamp (akhand jyoti) is lit at home or in a temple and kept burning through all nine days.
Each day, the corresponding form of the goddess is worshipped, along with a recitation of Durga Saptashati and the aarti. Many devotees observe a fast for all nine days, while others fast only on the first and last day. On Ashtami or Navami, Kanya Pujan is performed, young girls are honoured as forms of the goddess and served a meal.
In Gujarat, these nights are marked with Garba and Dandiya Raas. In West Bengal, grand pandals are decorated for Durga Puja. In many cities of North India, Ramlila is staged through the nine days, culminating in the burning of Ravana's effigy on the ninth or tenth day.
Shardiya Navratri Puja Vidhi
On Pratipada tithi, bathe in the morning, cleanse the puja space, and sow barley seeds in an earthen pot. Fill a kalash with water, place mango leaves and a coconut on it, invoke Maa Durga, and light the akhand jyoti. Each day, meditate on that day's form, recite Durga Saptashati or the Durga Chalisa, and perform the evening aarti. Conclude with Kanya Pujan and a havan on Ashtami or Navami.
About Shardiya Navratri
Shardiya Navratri is the nine-day festival of worship dedicated to Maa Durga's nine forms, running from Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Navami tithi. This page covers Navratri's significance, Ghatasthapana, the nine Navdurga forms, Kanya Pujan, and regional traditions such as Garba-Dandiya and Durga Puja, along with the puja vidhi for observing it at home.
Detailed pages are also available for Navratri's key individual days, such as Ashtami, Navami, and Dussehra. The information on this page is presented with easy-to-read sizing and print support.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Shardiya Navratri observed?
Shardiya Navratri is observed every year from Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Navami tithi, over nine days, usually falling in September–October.
What are the nine forms of Navdurga?
The nine forms of Navdurga are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri, each worshipped in turn on one day.
What is Kanya Pujan and when is it performed?
In Kanya Pujan, young girls are honoured as forms of the goddess, their feet are washed, a tilak applied, and a meal served to them. It is usually performed on Ashtami or Navami tithi.
What is the difference between Shardiya and Chaitra Navratri?
Chaitra Navratri falls in spring, in the Chaitra month, and concludes with Ram Navami, while Shardiya Navratri falls in autumn, in the Ashwin month, and concludes with Dussehra. Both worship the same nine forms of Maa Durga.
Is fasting for all nine days necessary?
No, this depends on one's faith and capacity. Many devotees fast for all nine days, while many others fast only on the first and last day.