Navratri festival is celebrated five times a year, including Magh Navaratri, Vasant Navratri, Ashad Navratri, Shardiya or Ashwin Navaratri, and Shakambari Navratri. Shardiya Navratri and Vasant Navratri are considered particularly important, while the other two Navratri are known as Gupt Navratri and are meant for spiritual practitioners. According to the Agni Purana, Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri are like the two jaws of Lord Yama, and by worshiping during these Navratri, one can be protected from the disfavor of Yama. Ashwin Navratri, also known as Sharad or Durga Navratri, has the power to protect individuals from negative forces and bestow wealth, prosperity, knowledge, and positive energies.
The Shardiya Navratri Puja in 2022 was observed from September 26th to October 5th. It is considered an auspicious time for tantriks and spiritual practitioners to perform sadhana and resolve materialistic problems while seeking spiritual enlightenment.
During Navratri, devotees show their reverence for Goddess Durga by observing fasts, chanting shlokas and mantras. It is believed that Goddess Durga readily listens to devotees’ prayers and fulfills their wishes during Ashwin Navratri. The worship of Goddess Durga encompasses three forms: the remover of vices, the bestower of wealth and prosperity, and the Goddess of wisdom. Devotees are encouraged to perform extensive Japa of the Navarna Mantra “Aim hreem kleem chaamundaayai vichche” or the mantra of their chosen deity. Sincere spiritual devotees observe fasts on all nine days or at least once during each three-day period, consuming only milk and fruits.
Mahavidhya conducts various Navratri pujas and pathas, including Shri Durga Saptashati Samput Akhand patha, Shrimad-devi Bhagavad patha, and Shri Ramcharitmanas akhand patha or navaha parayana. These pujas are performed to seek blessings from Goddess Durga and Kali for various purposes. The expenses for conducting these pathas are 21,000 INR.
Special pujas are conducted during the last three days of Durga Navratri or Ashwin Navratri. Maha Kali Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijaya Dashami are observed with specific tantric pujas that have unique benefits. These pujas aim to win over enemies, eradicate loans, promote business matters, improve family relations, and bring overall materialistic and spiritual development. The expenses for conducting these special pujas along with the respective pathas are 11,000 INR each.
Mahavidhya also conducts special pujas to address jadu-tona-kiya-karaya problems, graha shanti, dosha nivaran, and other specific puja requirements during Navratri. These pujas are believed to provide immense benefits to individuals.
On Ashwin Navratri, aghor tantrik anusthan is conducted to seek blessings from Ma Maha Kali. Aghor raksha kavach, prepared after the tantrik anusthan, protects individuals from various problems and ill-effects, such as family disputes, financial issues, health deterioration, and black magic. The expenses for the aghor tantrik anusthan during Ashwin Navratri are 25,000 INR.
Navratri puja vidhi at home is considered essential for seeking blessings and good fortune for family members.
