Kanya Pujan, also known as Kanjak Pujan, holds immense significance during Navratri. According to religious beliefs, Navratri fasting is considered incomplete without performing Kanya Pujan. This sacred ritual is believed to bestow the blessings of Goddess Durga upon the devotees. Traditionally, 7, 9, or 11 young girls (Kanya) are invited, worshipped, and served a special meal as a part of this auspicious ceremony. Additionally, gifts and monetary offerings (Dakshina) are given as a mark of reverence and devotion.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Kanya Pujan
1. Welcoming and Worshipping the Kanya
- Wash the feet of the invited Kanya with clean water and seat them respectfully.
- Apply kumkum (vermilion) and akshat (rice grains) on their foreheads as a sacred tilak.
- Drape them with a dupatta or chunari, signifying the presence of the Goddess, and commence the ritual with devotion.
2. Offering Traditional Bhog (Sacred Meal)
- Serve halwa (sweet dish), puri (fried bread), and black gram (chana) as bhog.
- Present coconuts as a token of respect and blessing.
- Ensure that the meal offered is purely sattvic (vegetarian and prepared with purity).
3. Giving Gifts and Dakshina
- Offer traditional adornments like bangles, bindis, and sindoor as gifts.
- Educational supplies such as notebooks, pencils, or school bags can also be presented.
- After the meal, provide monetary offerings (Dakshina) to seek divine blessings.
4. Respectfully Bidding Farewell to the Girls
- Never let the invited girls leave empty-handed; always offer gifts or prasad.
- Before their departure, touch their feet and seek their blessings.
- Bid them farewell with chants and prayers to Goddess Durga.
- It is advised not to clean the house immediately after the departure of the girls, as it is considered inauspicious.
Spiritual and Religious Significance of Kanya Pujan
Kanya Pujan is an essential tradition of Navratri, where young girls are worshipped as embodiments of Goddess Durga. This sacred ritual is believed to bring prosperity, peace, and happiness to one’s home while eliminating obstacles and negative influences. Devotees who perform Kanya Pujan with complete faith and devotion receive divine grace and fulfillment of their desires, making their Navratri fasting truly rewarding.
