Devi Durga Puja is an auspicious Anusthaan of great cultural and spiritual importance. We aim to explore its various aspects and significance, providing a comprehensive guide that will help you better understand and appreciate the essence of this divine ritual. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the magnificence and sanctity of the Puja!
Meaning of “Durga”
Devi Durga is a Hindu goddess who is worshipped as the embodiment of divine power and strength. The name “Durga” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Durg,” meaning a fort or protective fortress, and “Dur” means “prison,” while “Ga” means “go or approach.” She is believed to oversee the material universe, sending arrogant miscreants to prison, which represents a material planet full of miseries. As per Shaktism, Durga was born from the collective energies of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to defeat the demon Mahisasura, who was a nuisance to the Gods and living beings. She is considered the very essence of creation, preservation, and annihilation.
Significance of Devi Durga in Hinduism
The Durga Saptashati describes Devi as the supreme power and creative energy of the Supreme Absolute, and it is considered one of the most important Vedic texts of the Shaktism (goddess) tradition within Hinduism. She is worshipped as Mahakali, the destroyer of evil forces; Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity and Mahasaraswati, the goddess of knowledge and learning. Devi Durga protects her devotees from harm and negativity. It also mentions that the worship of Devi Durga during the Navaratri festival is a way of seeking her blessings and guidance for a successful and prosperous life.
Devi Durga Pujas at home
Some of the recommended practices include taking a bath and wearing clean clothes before starting the puja-:
- Offering flowers, fruits, and other items to the goddess, reciting the Durga Saptashati with devotion, and performing aarti (a ritual of waving a lighted lamp) at the end of the puja.
- It is also recommended that the puja be performed during the Navaratri festival, which is a nine-day celebration of the goddess and is highly auspicious.
- Also, auspicious days like Ashtami, Navami, Chaturdashi, Maagh Amavasya, Jyeshta Amavasya, Chaitra and Kartik Purnima are good for performing the Puja.
- It is preferred to perform the Homa during the daytime and finish the rituals before sunset.
What is Durga Saptashati
The Durga Saptashati is a Hindu scripture that is recited in the form of a prayer during the worship of Goddess Durga. Durga Saptashati is also known as Devi Mahatmya, and it describes the story of the goddess slaying the demon Mahishasura. Durga Saptashati consists of 700 verses that are organized into 13 chapters. These chapters are further divided into three parts: Prathama Charitra (first part), Madhyama Charitra (middle part), and Uttara Charitra (final part). Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the goddess and her powers.
Significance of Saptashati Paath
Sampurna Saptashati Paath is an exclusive and extremely powerful ritual that invokes the Saptashati mantras. This Puja is a rare, unique and elaborate ritual and performing it brings in immense merits and the blessing of Devi Jagdamba. Therefore one overcomes immense hardships that may seem insurmountable and overcome them easily. It rids one from debts and protects one from all kinds of misfortunes and obstacles. It grants the devotee success, authority, power, fortune and health.
The Sampurna Saptashati Paath’s powerful energy vibrations destroy everything evil that is around us and within us. It not only strengthens us materially but also spiritually as it helps in awakening the dormant Kundalini Shakti and elevating it from the Muladhara to the Sahasrara Chakra. Devi Jagatdhatri not only blesses and bestows Bhoga but also Moksha which is the ultimate aim of the devotee.
Significance of Chandi Puja
The nine days of Navratri are also auspicious for performing Chandi Puja. According to Ramayana Lord Rama started worshipping the Navarupas of Maa Durga in the month of Ashwin on the seashore. Chandi Puja was the most special in this. Maryada Purushottam Shriram had worshipped Shakti continuously for 9 days with the aspiration of getting victory over Lanka. He then acquired the power to slay Ravana on the tenth day.
5 Most Powerful Mantras of Devi Durga
Navarna Mantra
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे
Navarna Mantra is a very powerful mantra because in this mantra lies the powers of three goddesses Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali. It is described in Durga Saptashati that by worshipping these three goddesses, Mother Durga herself becomes happy. So when the mother is pleased in all forms ie knowledge, wealth, power and the form of the mother, then the seeker gets benefits in all these areas of life. The Navakshari mantra of Mata is as follows.
Durga Mantra
Durga Mantra
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके। शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तुते।।
The Durga mantra, known for its profound potency, is chanted during various festivities, ceremonies, and occasions dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. It acknowledges the divinity of the Goddess as the epitome of auspiciousness and the source of blessings for the world.
Mahakali Mantra
ओम जयंती मंगला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी। दुर्गा क्षमा शिवा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोस्तुते।।
This Powerful Mantra is Dedicated to Goddess Kali. According to religious beliefs, Maa Kalaratri is the seventh goddess of Navratri i.e. Maa Kalaratri is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri. By worshipping Maa Kalratri, the devotees get victory over all their enemies.
Maa Durga-Sarv-Baadha-Mukti Mantra
सर्वाबाधाविनिर्मुक्तो धन धान्य सुतान्वित।
मनुष्यो मत्प्रसादेन भविष्यती न संशय।।
The Durga Sarv Baadha Mukti Mantra is considered a powerful tool to overcome obstacles and delays that can often be perceived as bad luck. This mantra is believed to offer protection against misfortunes and is particularly useful for those who are facing difficulties in having a child. By chanting this mantra, it is believed that one can find relief from various troubles and achieve desired outcomes.
Devi Stuti Mantra
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु क्षान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु बुद्धिरूपेण संस्थिता
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः
Reciting this Mantra can enhance one’s inner strength and promote the cultivation of positive, affectionate connections. The practice of chanting this Mantra can serve as a barrier against pessimistic thoughts and eliminate ignorance.
The Durga mantra, known for its profound potency, is chanted during various festivities, ceremonies, and occasions dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. It acknowledges the divinity of the Goddess as the epitome of auspiciousness and the source of blessings for the world.
Mahakali Mantra
ओम जयंती मंगला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी। दुर्गा क्षमा शिवा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोस्तुते।।
This Powerful Mantra is Dedicated to Goddess Kali. According to religious beliefs, Maa Kalaratri is the seventh goddess of Navratri that is Maa Kalaratri is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri. By worshipping Maa Kalratri, the devotees get victory over all their enemies.
Maa Durga-Sarv-Baadha-Mukti Mantra
सर्वाबाधाविनिर्मुक्तो धन धान्य सुतान्वित
मनुष्यो मत्प्रसादेन भविष्यती न संशय
The Durga Sarv Baadha Mukti Mantra is considered a powerful tool to overcome obstacles and delays that can often be perceived as bad luck. This mantra is believed to offer protection against misfortunes and is particularly useful for those who are facing difficulties in having a child. By chanting this mantra, it is believed that one can find relief from various troubles and achieve desired outcomes.
Devi Stuti Mantra
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु क्षान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु बुद्धिरूपेण संस्थिता
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः
Reciting this Mantra can enhance one’s inner strength and promote the cultivation of positive, affectionate connections.
Rudraksha related to Goddess Durga
Goddess Durga’s blessings came by wearing 9 Mukhi Rudraksha. it is believed to be blessed by Devi Durga, and associated with her nine forms. The Rudraksha is said to bring peace, prosperity, and success to the wearer, while also providing protection from negative energies, helping to overcome obstacles, and enhancing spiritual growth.
Devi Durga Maha Puja
Rudralife is organizing Devi Durga Maha Puja with Sampurna Saptashati Path on 2nd May, 2023 at 12 : 40 PM (IST), Amrut Muhurat. This puja will be conducted by 5 Vedic pandits.
Benefits of Devi Durga Maha Puja:
- It brings immense merits and the blessing of Devi Jagdamba.
- She confers strength, courage, victory over adversaries and protection from malefic energies.
- For success, authority, power, fortune and health. For bestowing Bhoga and Moksha.
- This Puja also helps tone down the malefic effects of Planet Ketu, the year 2023 is the year of Ketu and having the blessings of Devi Durga is highly auspicious.
Puja Description: Swasti Vaachan, Sankalp, Kalash Pujan, Gauri and Ganesh Pujan, Navgrah Pujan, Rudra Pujan, Pradhan Devi Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati Shodashopchar Pujan, Mahabhishek, Sampurna Saptashati Path, Mahamangal Aarti and Pushpanjali, Visarjan, Ashirvachan.
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