Durga Ashtami & Kanya Pujan Vidhi: Step-by-Step Puja Guide

Durga Ashtami & Kanya Pujan Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

By Subhalakshmi's Sanatan World

Durga Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami, is one of the most powerful and sacred nine days of Navratri. It falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Navratri festival and is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri and Maa Kali, one of the nine moforms of Goddess Durga. 

             Goddess Durga mount on the Lion and                   holding Shastras

Do you want to know in detail about the nine forms of Goddess Durga in Navratri, then read this article, "What is Navadurga meaning? Why Goddess Durga is worshipped in the Nine forms."

On this auspicious day, devotees perform special puja, observe fast, and conduct the sacred ritual of Kanya Pujan to seek blessings of Goddess Durga.

In this detailed guide, you will learn the complete Durga Ashtami puja vidhi, Kanya Pujan steps, required samagri, and spiritual significance.

What is Durga Ashtami?

Durga Ashtami is the eighth day of Navratri when devotees worship the fierce and powerful form of Goddess Durga. It symbolizes the destruction of negativity and victory of divine energy.

Just like Durga Ashtami symbolize the triumph of divine power over negativity, Hindu festivals such as Holi celebrates the victory of righteousness over evil through the story of Prahlad and Holika. 

Many devotees complete their Navratri fast on this day or the next day (Navami).

                      Diya lighting on the aarti thali                           during Durga Aarti

When is Durga Ashtami Celebrated?

Durga Ashtami is observed twice a year:

During Chaitra Navratri (March–April)

During Sharad Navratri (September–October)

The exact date depends on the Hindu lunar calendar (Ashtami Tithi).

Durga Ashtami Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step)

                Navratri Puja at home

Follow these steps to perform Durga Ashtami puja properly:

Step 1: Early Morning Preparation

Wake up before sunrise.

Take a bath and wear clean traditional clothes.

Clean the puja area properly.

Step 2: Goddess Invocation

Light a diya and incense sticks.

Offer red flowers to Maa Durga.

Apply kumkum and akshat.

Step 3: Offer Bhog

Offer halwa, puri, and chana as prasad.

You can also offer fruits and sweets.

Step 4: Recite Mantras

Chant Durga Saptashati or Durga Chalisa.

Perform aarti with devotion.

Step 5: Perform Havan (Optional)

Many devotees perform a small havan on Ashtami or Navami.

Kanya Pujan Vidhi (Complete Ritual Guide)

Kanya Pujan is the most important ritual performed on Durga Ashtami or Navami.

Young girls (usually 2–10 years old) are worshipped as living forms of Maa Durga.

Why is Kanya Puja Important?

                       Kanya pujan ritual illustration

It represents:

*Respect for feminine energy

*Blessings of Navdurga

*Prosperity and protection

*Fulfillment of wishes 

Kanya Pujan Samagri List

*Halwa

*Puri

*Black chana sabji

*Red chunri

*Flowers

*Kumkum & akshat

*Coconut

*Dakshina (money or gifts)

Step-by-Step Kanya Pujan Vidhi

                    Kanya Pujan Samagri illustration

Invite the Kanyas

Invite 7, 9, or 11 young girls to your home.

Wash Their Feet

Wash their feet respectfully as a symbol of devotion.

Apply Tilak

Apply kumkum tilak on their forehead.

Offer Food

Serve them halwa, puri, and chana with devotion.

Offer Gifts & Dakshina

Offer small gifts, bangles, hair clips, small purse, stationery or money.

Take Blessings

Touch their feet and seek blessings. 

Spiritual Significance of Durga Ashtami

Durga Ashtami symbolizes:

*Destruction of evil

*Protection from negative forces

*Inner strength and courage

*Divine feminine energy awakening

Performing Kanya Pujan is believed to remove obstacles and bring happiness in the household. 

Important Do’s & Don’ts

✅ Do’s

*Maintain purity and cleanliness.

*Perform puja with full devotion.

*Feed Kanyas with respect.

❌ Don’ts

*Do not insult or disrespect girls.

*Avoid anger and negative thoughts.

*Do not waste food offered as prasad.

                       Kanya pujan bhog illustration

Benefits of Performing Durga Ashtami Puja

*Peace and prosperity

*Removal of financial problems

*Protection from negative energies

*Blessings of Maa Durga

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can we perform Kanya Pujan on Navami instead of Ashtami?

Yes, Kanya Pujan can be performed on either Ashtami or Navami.

Q2. How many girls should be invited for Kanya Pujan?

Usually 7, 9, or 11 girls are invited, but even one kanya can be worshipped with devotion.

Q3. What food is offered in Kanya Pujan?

Halwa, puri, and black chana are traditionally offered. Along with this, you can also feed your favorite vegetables, fruits or nuts.