Significance of Nine Nights
Navaratri is divided into 3 parts each dedicated to 3 forms of Goddess Durga. On the first three days the Goddess is invoked as Devi Durga, the restorer of peace and prosperity by slaying the demon, Mahisasur. She is the mighty Goddess who destroys all the impurities, defects and

vices in an individual. The Goddess of power and energy, Durga is also worshipped in her other manifestations; Kumari, Parvati and Kali.

Ritual________________________
On the first day of Navaratri, a small bed of mud is prepared in the puja premises and barley seeds are sown on it. When the shoots are 3 to 5inches long on the 10th day, the seedlings are distributed among the devotees.

The next three days of Navaratri, devotees worship the Lakshmi form of the Goddess. Goddess Lakshmi, the bestower of spiritual wealth and immense prosperity is worshipped from the 4th to 6th day of Navaratri. On the fifth day, it is traditional to display books, light lamps and invoke the Goddess of knowledge and art, Goddess Saraswati.

The final 3 days of Navaratri dedicated to Goddess Sarasawati, the giver of spiritual knowledge. On the 8th day of Navratri, a holy fire is lit to perform yagna. The Goddess is then offered, clarified ghee, rice pudding and sesame seeds as an offering.

Devi Shailaputri
Devi Brahmachaarini
Devi Chandraghanta
Devi Kushmaanda
Skand Devi
Devi Kaatyayini
Devi Kaalratri
Devi Maha Gauri
Devi Sidhidaarti