Durga Mahanavmi: History, significance and muhurt

Mahanavmi marks the ninth day of the auspicious Navratri festival. The day is usually celebrated a day after Durga Ashtami. This year, Durga Mahanavmi falls on Thursday, October 14, 2021. The ninth day of Sharad Navratri, Mahanavmi is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidhatri.

Mahanavmi puja is considered to hold a great value as worshipping and fasting on this day is equivalent to the observances on all nine days of Sharad Navratri. Devotees, especially in Northern India, invite young girls to feat on Godeess’ offering. This is called Kanya Puja as in Hindu Mythology, young girls are considered forms of Goddess Durga.

History of Durga Mahanavmi

As per Hindu Mythology, Goddess Durga, who fought a 9-day long battle with the Buffalo demon, Mahishasur defeated and slew him with her Trishul on Mahanavmi. This signifies the victory of good over evil and is also a sign of woman empowerment.

It is said  Goddess Durga made the final attack on the Buffalo demon and succeeded in killing him the next morning which is celebrated as Vijayadashmi or Dussehra. This is why Goddess Durga is worshipped as Mahisasuramardini on this day in various parts of the country

Mahisasuramardini translates into ‘the slayer of Mahishasur’.

In Southern India, the Mahanavmi is celebrated as Ayudh Puja or Shastra Puja and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. Devotees worship all the instruments of knowledge and wisdom like books, musical instruments and vehicles on this day. 

Navratri 2021: Know the history and significance of Mahagauri

Significance of Mahanavmi

On Maha Navami, the goddess Siddhidhatri is known to bless her devotees with many siddhis (fulfilment or perfection) and is depicted with four arms, holding Gada, Chakra, Shankh and lotus flower. She rides a lion. It is said that Lord Shiva obtained all his siddhis with the blessings of Siddhidatri.

Puja Muhurat and Vidhi

The Mahanavami puja muhurat begins at 8:07 pm on October 13 and will go on till 6.52 pm on October 14.