Sharadiya Navratri starting 22nd Sept 2025.

Navratri is all about the shift/Changes in seasons, which is why we get a total of four Navratris in a year. Out of these, the Sharadiya Navratri in the month of Ashwin (September-October) is the big one.

 Twice in a year, the sun lines up right over the equator, making day and night pretty much equal. That’s what we call the equinox. The spring equinox (March) kicks off the spring season, and the autumn equinox (Sept-Oct ) brings in the fall vibes.

These two equinoxes are when the seasons shift hard. It messes with your body, mind, and nature in a big way. That’s why the ancient sages were like, “ this is the time to cleanse your soul, fast, chant, meditate, and worship the Mother , so your body and mind stay chill and balanced for the new season.”

In the Devi Bhagavat Purana, the Goddess herself says: "In the autumn season, my grand worship (special puja) should be done with proper rituals and full devotion."

Whoever observes the awesome Navratri of Ashwin Shukla Paksha with full faith gets all their wishes granted.

Key stuff for regular folks during Navratri:

1. Set up the Kalash (sacred pot).

2. Set up Ma’s Chowki (altar).

3. Do the puja, full-on 16-step worship, and light the lamp.

4. Chant the Durga Saptashati.

5. Fast or observe vows.

6. Perform a havan (fire ritual).

7. Worship young girls (Kumari Puja).

8. Feed Brahmins.

9. Ask for forgiveness (just in case!).

Maa Durga can be worshipped by chanting Durga Saptsati under guidance of a learned Guru/Kulpurohit. The Durga Saptashati is a part of the Markandeya Purana. It has 13 chapters with 700 verses that tell stories about the Goddess. These stories are divided into three main parts:

• Part 1 (Chapter 1): Praising Goddess Mahakali.  

• Part 2 (Chapters 2-4): Praising Goddess Mahalakshmi.  

• Part 3 (Chapters 5-13): Praising Goddess Mahasaraswati.

There are different ways to recite the Durga Saptashati, like the basic method, weekly recitation, Sampoot Path, Sardha Navachandi, or Shatachandi. The weekly recitation is the easiest, and you can do it at home.Before starting on the first day, chant the Nirvana Mantra108 times. Every day, begin with the Argala, Durga Kavach, Keelak Stotra, 108 names of the Goddess, and the prayer for fulfilling wishes. At the end of each day’s recitation, say the forgiveness prayer.Weekly Recitation Schedule:

The Following method is very easy -

• Day 1: Chapter 1.  

• Day 2: Chapters 2 and 3.  

• Day 3: Chapter 4.  

• Day 4: Chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8.  

• Day 5: Chapters 9 and 10.  

• Day 6: Chapter 11.  

• Day 7: Chapters 12 and 13.

  
  

  On the eighth day (Ashtami), perform a havan (fire ritual).

Vriddhi Path (Special Recitation):

There’s a tougher method called Vriddhi Path, but it takes less time and is very powerful. It’s a three-day ritual:  

• Saptami (Day 7): Recite twice.  

• Ashtami (Day 8): Recite three times.  

• Navami (Day 9): Recite four times.

  
  

  This makes nine recitations in three days. It’s great for special situations.

Important Rules for Recitation:  

• Keep everything clean: your body, mind, the place, your seat, and your mouth/tongue.  

• Don’t hold the Saptashati book in your hands while reciting -place it on a stand.  

• Don’t recite silently in your head; say it out loud clearly, but not too loud.  

• Don’t say words like “Iti,” “Adhyay,” or “Vadh” at the end of chapters.

To ensure the successful recitation of the Saptashati and to overcome obstacles, it is important to avoid errors in its performance, as neglecting this can lead to faults. The six essential components that must be observed are:

1. Kavach

2. Argala

3. Keelak

4. Pradhanik Rahasya

5. Vaikritik Rahasya

6. Moorti Rahasya (Root Secret)

Disclaimer:- It is highly recommended to first learn and chant the Durga Saptashati under the guidance of a knowledgeable scholar/Guru before practicing its recitation independently. While this article serves as a general guide, it does not endorse creating your own techniques. Therefore, it is strongly advised to receive proper training and become a worthy recipient (patra) for the recitation. Failing to do so may invite the unforeseen wrath of the Goddess. Thank you