Kanya Puja

Participate in the auspicious ceremony on Saturday, October 5th, 2024 at 5:30pm

Registration: https://gmoco.org/kpform

Which ceremonies will be performed at the Festival?

Invocation of the Mother Goddess (માતાજી નું આવાહ્ન)

The puja for the invocation of the Mother Goddess (માતાજી નું આવાહ્ન) during Navratri is a ritual to invite the divine feminine energy into one's home and heart. In Hinduism, the Goddess, also known as Shakti, represents power, protection, and the source of life. This invocation marks the beginning of Navratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to honoring the various forms of the Goddess.

The ritual involves a formal invitation, where devotees chant prayers, perform rituals, and offer symbolic items like flowers, incense, and food to the Goddess. It’s believed that through this invocation, the divine presence of the Mother Goddess is invited to reside in the space, bringing blessings, protection, and guidance throughout the festival.

For Hindus, this invocation is a way of aligning with the nurturing, protective, and transformative powers of the divine feminine. It emphasizes the importance of seeking the Goddess's blessings to overcome obstacles, achieve balance, and live in harmony with the natural and spiritual world during the festive period.

Ceremonial Installation of Garba Pot (ગરબાની સ્થાપના)

In the context of Navratri, Garba ni Sthapna refers to the ceremonial installation or establishment of a Garba pot, which symbolizes the Goddess and the divine feminine energy (Shakti). The pot, often called a "Garbi" or "Garbha," is filled with water and sometimes sprouted grains, representing fertility, prosperity, and life. A light or lamp is placed inside the pot, symbolizing the presence of the Goddess and the eternal flame of knowledge and power.

During the nine nights of Navratri, devotees worship this pot and dance around it, as it signifies the womb of the universe, nurturing life and creation. This tradition connects the worship of the Goddess with the celebration of life, nature, and the divine feminine.

Ceremonial Worship of Javara/Sprouted Grains (જવારાનું પૂજન)

The ceremonial worship of Javara (sprouted grains) symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and the cycle of life. Javara are grains, such as wheat or barley, that are sprouted and grown in a small pot or tray at the start of the festival. These sprouted grains represent growth, renewal, and the nurturing power of nature.

The act of growing and worshiping the Javara during Navratri signifies the connection between the divine feminine (Shakti) and nature’s ability to sustain life. It’s a way of honoring the Goddess as the source of creation and abundance. At the end of Navratri, the fully sprouted grains are offered to the Goddess, signifying gratitude for the blessings of life, fertility, and prosperity.

This practice reflects the deep spiritual relationship between humans and nature, with an emphasis on growth, renewal, and the cyclical nature of existence.

Kanya Puja

Kanya Puja is a significant ritual during Navratri, acknowledging the divine feminine power within young girls. According to legend, the Goddess Durga assumed the form of a Kanya (young girl) to defeat the demon Kalasur, freeing the world from his tyranny. This story highlights the strength and purity of the feminine energy, even in its youthful form.

During Kanya Puja, young girls are invited to symbolize the nine forms of the Goddess, representing different aspects of power, compassion, and wisdom. The girls are worshipped, offered food, gifts, and blessings, as it is believed that honoring them brings the presence of the Goddess into one’s home. This ritual serves as a reminder of the sacredness and strength of the feminine energy in all its forms, from childhood to womanhood.

In essence, Kanya Puja during Navratri celebrates the Goddess's power and invites her protection and blessings by recognizing her divine presence in the innocence and strength of young girls.