Maha Navami

Mahanavami is the 9nth day of Durga Navaratri Festival. Maha Navami starts with Mahasnan and Shodashopachar Puja. Maha Navami celebrated in the month of  Ashwiyuja sukla paksha Navami. This is the most important Hindu festival in India. Maha Navami is celebrated on Tuesday, 23rd October, 2012.

It is believed that Goddess Durga is adored as Mahishasura Mardini on Maha Navami. It is called as Maha Navami, On this day Mahishasura was killed by Goddess Durga and got the name Mahishasura Mardini. On this day Navami Homa is performed by the people and it is the important  ritual during Durga Puja. The best time to perform Homa is at the end of Navami Puja.

The rituals associated with Navratri Maha Navami different  from region to region. In South India, Maha Navami is celebrated as Ayudha Puja. All books, utensils and tools are kept for puja.

Maha Navami rituals are the final rituals associated with Durga Puja. The next day is Durga Murti immersed in to river. A major bhog is held on the day and Prasad is offered to Goddess Durga. Food items prepared on the day is shared by devotees.

In some places, animal sacrifice is held on the day. But it is still held in rural regions and famous Durga Mata and Kali MataTemple.

In some places in India, worshipping of girls is done called Kanya Puja. On Maha Navami Goddess Durga is worshipped as Aparajita Devi which means the one that can never by defeated. Also Sugar cane stalks are offered to Goddess Aparajita Devi on Maha Navami.