Kanya Puja (Worship of Young Girls) – History, Significance & Quotes

What is Kanya Puja?

Kanya Puja, also known as Kanjak Puja or Kumari Puja, is an important ritual performed on Ashtami (8th day) or Navami (9th day) of Navratri. It involves worshiping young girls, typically between the ages of 2 to 10 years, as they are believed to be the manifestations of Goddess Durga's divine energy (Shakti).

This ritual marks the culmination of Navratri, signifying the completion of fasting and devotion, and seeking blessings for prosperity, strength, and purity.

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History and Mythological Significance of Kanya Puja

1. The Legend of Goddess Durga and Mahishasura

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga took different forms to fight and ultimately defeat the demon Mahishasura. To honor the divine feminine energy, Kanya Puja is performed, as young girls represent the Navadurga (nine forms of Durga).

2. Worship in Ancient Scriptures

• The Devi Bhagavata Purana and Durga Saptashati mention that Kanya Puja is equivalent to worshiping Goddess Durga herself.

• Sage Vashishta, Vishwamitra, and other rishis performed this ritual, believing that young girls embody purity and divinity.

• In some traditions, Adi Shankaracharya also promoted the worship of Kumaris (young girls) to emphasize the power of the feminine divine.

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Significance of Kanya Puja

✔ Symbol of Purity & Divine Energy – Young girls are believed to be free from worldly desires and ego, making them the purest form of Shakti (Goddess Durga's energy).

✔ Completion of Navratri Fasting – It is believed that Navratri fasting remains incomplete without offering bhog (food) and gifts to young girls.

✔ Blessings for Prosperity & Success – Worshiping Kanya and a young boy (Bhairav) brings wealth, happiness, and strength into one's life.

✔ Recognition of Feminine Power – It reinforces respect and empowerment for women and girls in society.

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Step-by-Step Rituals of Kanya Puja

1. Selection of Kanyas (Young Girls)

• Usually, 9 girls (representing Navadurga) are invited, but at least 2 girls can be worshiped.

• In some traditions, a boy (representing Bhairav) is also included in the puja.

2. Rituals of Worship

✔ Feet Washing (Padya Puja) – The host washes the feet of the young girls as a mark of reverence.

✔ Tilak & Aarti – A kumkum tilak is applied to their foreheads, and an aarti is performed to honor them as Devi’s embodiment.

✔ Offering Bhog (Sacred Meal) – The girls are seated and served a special meal, which includes:

• Puri (fried bread)

• Chana (black chickpeas)

• Sooji Halwa (sweet semolina dish)

✔ Gift Offerings – After the meal, the girls are given new clothes, bangles, red dupatta (chunari), fruits, sweets, and money as a token of gratitude.

✔ Blessings from Kanyas – After the puja, the host touches their feet, seeking their blessings for prosperity and happiness.

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Quotes on Kanya Puja

Spiritual & Devotional Quotes

1. "In every young girl, there lies the divine power of Goddess Durga. Worship and respect them, for they are the future and the strength of our world."

2. "Kanya Puja reminds us that the highest form of divinity is found in the purest souls – the little goddesses among us."

3. "The energy of the Goddess resides in every woman and child; honor them with love and devotion this Navratri."

4. "May the blessings of Kanya Puja fill your life with happiness, prosperity, and the divine grace of Maa Durga."

5. "Serving and worshiping young girls is like serving the Goddess herself – a reminder of the sacred feminine energy."

Powerful Mantras for Kanya Puja

✔ Kanya Puja Invocation Mantra:
"Om Kumari Kanyake Devi, Bhaktim Dehi Me Namah" (ॐ कुमारी कन्यके देवी भक्तिं देहि मे नमः)
(O Divine Young Goddess, bless us with devotion and purity.)

✔ Durga Blessing Mantra:
"Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike | Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute" (सर्वमंगल मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थ साधिके। शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरी नारायणी नमोऽस्तुते॥)

✔ Mantra for Seeking Blessings from Kanya Devi:
"Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Kanya Rupena Samsthita | Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah" (या देवी सर्वभूतेषु कन्या रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥)"

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Conclusion

Kanya Puja is not just a ritual but a reminder of the power and divinity of women and young girls. It teaches respect, gratitude, and devotion towards the feminine divine. By honoring Kanyas, we invoke the blessings of Maa Durga, ensuring prosperity, happiness, and spiritual upliftment in our lives.

May this Navratri bring the divine blessings of Maa Durga into your home! Jai Mata Di!