Celebrating Navratri with Puja: A Simple Guide 

Navratri is a sacred festival that honors the Divine Feminine (Shakti) over nine nights, a time for devotion, reflection, and inner growth. You don’t have to be Hindu to embrace the spirit of Navratri and perform a simple puja (ritual) at home. Through puja, meditation, chanting, and offerings, you can invite peace and divine presence into your life.

​

What is Puja?

Puja is a devotional ritual offering to the Divine. Whether simple or elaborate, it involves lighting a lamp, offering flowers or food, and chanting mantras. During Navratri, the pujas are dedicated to different forms of the goddess, invoking her strength, wisdom, and compassion.

​

Basic Steps for Navratri Puja

1. Set up an Altar: Choose a quiet, clean spot in your home to create a small sacred space. You can place a murti (sacred statue) or an image of the goddess Durga (or any goddess that resonates with you). If you don’t have a traditional murti, you can use a symbol, rock, or even a beautiful object that connects you to the Divine. The idea is to create a space that invites peace and reflection.

2. Light a Candle or Lamp: Lighting a candle or oil lamp symbolizes the light of knowledge and divine presence. Offer this light to the goddess as an act of devotion. Incense can also be added to purify the atmosphere, creating a calm, sacred environment. Scents like sandalwood, jasmine, or frankincense are often used in puja.

3. Offer Flowers or Fruit: Fresh flowers or fruit are common offerings in puja, symbolizing beauty, devotion, and nourishment. These simple offerings reflect your love and gratitude to the goddess.

4. Offer Prasadam (Food Offering): After preparing a meal, offer a small portion of it to the goddess before you eat. This offering is called prasadam, and it represents gratitude. After the ritual, the food becomes blessed and is then eaten as a form of divine grace. This can be as simple as offering fruit, milk, or a small portion of your meal.

5. Chant a Mantra: You can chant a simple mantra like "Om Dum Durgaye Namaha," which invokes the blessings of Durga, the goddess of strength. If you’re new to chanting, an audio file of mantras is made available in the participant forum. You can also sit quietly while playing a recording or speak to the goddess in your own words, expressing your heart’s desires or gratitude.

6. Sit and Reflect: After offering your light, flowers, or food, take a few moments to sit in meditation. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and feel the presence of the goddess. Reflect on her qualities—such as strength, wisdom, and compassion—and think about how you can embody them in your own life.

7. Express Gratitude: End your puja by expressing gratitude to the goddess. Thank her for her blessings and for being present in your life. This simple act of gratitude helps to complete the ritual and leaves you feeling connected.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Notes on Puja Protocol

• Sattvic Space: Your altar and space should feel pure and harmonious. Candles, incense, and fresh flowers help create a sattvic (peaceful and pure) atmosphere. Consistently maintaining this space enhances the energy of your practice.

• Timing and Cleanliness: Perform the puja at the same time each day, preferably in the morning or evening. It’s best to shower before puja, as physical cleanliness is considered part of the devotion. A clean space and body reflect your readiness to connect with the Divine.

• Incense: If not allergic, lighting incense is an important part of purifying your environment and creating a peaceful mood.

• Offering Food: After you’ve prepared a meal, offering a portion to the goddess before you eat is an act of gratitude and devotion. You can offer fruit, sweets, or a small amount of your meal, making it a sacred part of your daily life.
   

Connecting with the Divine Feminine

Navratri puja is a beautiful way to invite the qualities of the goddess into your life—strength, wisdom, and love. Whether you chant mantras, meditate, or simply sit in silent reflection, these simple practices open your heart and create a connection with the Divine Feminine. You can personalize this experience, speaking to the goddess in your own words or using mantras that resonate with you.