Significance of Kanya Kumari Puja

Worship of the Almighty as Divine Mother is an age-old tradition in India and countries that practices Hinduism and a refined part of the culture. It has been in existence since prehistoric times, but geographically it is limited to Asian countries in general and India in particular, in the current century. The history of ancient civilizations of Indus, Greece, Rome, Babylon and Egypt bears evidences to the worship of Divine Mother in different forms – nature, art, learning, culture and enlightenment.
Kanya Puja is one of the most essential aspects of Navratri. It is performed on a single day, that is, either Ashtami or MahaNavami day in reverence to Maa Durga. This puja honours the nine forms of Durga – Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Kanya puja, ‘Kumari’ puja or ‘Kanjak’ puja is performed with small but symbolic rituals. Nine girls between the age of two and ten year old are invited. They are supposed to represent the nine manifestations of Maa Durga.
The same rituals are performed to worship the Kumari (young unmarried girl) and the same offerings are made to her as those during the worship of Goddess Durga. She is purified and sanctified through chanting of holy mantras. A spectacular arati is performed. Monks and devotees offer flowers at her obedience. The devoted hearts invoke her blessings through prayers.
Before starting the rituals, women take a bath early morning and perform puja to Maa Durga with vermillion, flowers, diya and incense sticks along with chanting of mantras from Durga Saptashati. However, as per ancient belief, five or seven or nine girls can be invited.
The house is cleaned and decorated to welcome the girls. The kanyakumaris’ feet are washed and tilak or kumkum is put on their forehead. They are made to sit in a row on a pedestal or an elevated platform. Food is served to them. The meal mainly comprises chana, puri and halwa, prepared in ghee.
Women devotees touch their feet with respect and give them gifts. There is also a practice of giving clothes or money before sending them off.
Performing this puja also requires that the girls are healthy and not afflicted with any disease.
As one of the most significant rituals observed during Navratri, Kanya Puja is observed to get the blessings of Maa Durga. As the nine manifestations of the Goddess each represent a special power, women perform this puja to attain the ideals of Moksha (liberation), Karma (deeds), Dharma (virtuous) and Arth (prosperity).
It is believed that the goddess, pleased with the successful completion of the puja, grants the devotee peace, wisdom, fame, prosperity and power. The devotees also gain relief from poverty and ailments, while also gaining control over sense perceptions and enemies.
One of the legends is associated with the killing of Kalasura by Mahakali, while the other is associated with the penance done by Ma Durga, Ma Saraswati and Ma Lakshmi to gain extraordinary powers to kill demon god Mahishasura. By performing Kanya Puja, the devotees honour Maa Shakti and her glorious capabilities and power.