Samagri (Materials Needed)
मिट्टी का पात्र (कलश स्थापना हेतु) जौ, शुद्ध मिट्टी कलश, आम के पत्ते, नारियल दुर्गा जी की मूर्ति/चित्र लाल चुनरी, लाल फूल (विशेषकर गुड़हल) अखंड ज्योति हेतु दीपक व घी रोली, चावल, कुमकुम, सिंदूर दुर्गा सप्तशती अथवा दुर्गा चालीसा मिठाई, फल, नारियल का भोग धूप, अगरबत्ती, कपूर
Earthen pot (for Kalash Sthapana) Barley seeds, pure soil Kalash, mango leaves, coconut Durga idol/picture Red chunari, red flowers (especially hibiscus) Diya and ghee for Akhand Jyoti Roli, rice, kumkum, sindoor Durga Saptashati or Durga Chalisa Sweets, fruits, coconut as bhog Dhoop, incense, camphor
Step-by-Step Vidhi
1. On Pratipada (Day 1), sow barley seeds in a mud pot (Ghatasthapana/Jwara) and install the Kalash beside it. 2. Light an Akhand Jyoti (continuous lamp) that burns for all nine days if observing that vow. 3. Each day, worship one of the nine forms of Durga (Navadurga) — Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri — offering flowers, roli and naivedya specific to that form. 4. Recite the Durga Chalisa or a chapter of Durga Saptashati daily. 5. On Ashtami or Navami, perform Kanya Puja — wash the feet of nine young girls (representing the Devi), offer them food, gifts and respect. 6. On Vijayadashami, perform a farewell puja to the Devi and immerse the Kalash water/idol.
Auspicious Timing & Mantras
Performed over the nine nights of Chaitra or Sharad Navratri, ideally beginning at sunrise on Pratipada. Chant "Om Dum Durgayai Namah" and the Durga Saptashati for maximum benefit. Believed to invoke protection, strength and the removal of negative energies.