The first day of Navratra is called Ghatasthapana, which literally means pot establishing. On this day the kalash, (holy water vessel) symbolising Goddess Durga often with her image embossed on the side is placed in the prayer room. The kalash is filled with holy water and covered with cowdung on to which….

Navaratri is celebrated four times a year. They are Ashada Navaratri, the Sharada Navaratri, the Maha Navaratri and the Vasantha Navaratri. Of these, the Sharada Navaratri of the month of Ashwin and the Vasantha Navaratri of the Chaitra are very important. If you refer to the Agni Purana, then it is said that the Asvin and Chaitra are like the two jaws of Lord Yama. If one wants to escape the mouth of Yama, then one should celebrate Navaratri on these two occassions. A similar analogy is presented in the Devi Bhagavatam.

Step-wise direction to perform Durga Puja - Excluding Kalash-puja or Ghatsthapana :: First perform ‘Atma Puja’ for self-purification. This is done by the chanting of the following mantras-”OM APAVITRAH PAVITRO VA SARVAVASTHAM GATOAPI VA, YAH SMRAIT PUNDARIKA AKSHAM SA VAHY ABHYANTARAH SHUCHIH.” Explanation: Whoever contemplates upon Vishnu gets automatically purified, both mentally and physically….

बाला त्रिपुरा मन्त्र - ऐं क्लीं सौः । यह मन्त्र तीन लाख जपने से सिद्ध होता है । इससे जीवन में पूर्ण समृद्धि, सफलता और अक्षय कीर्ति प्राप्त होती है। मूल रुप से यह तांत्रिक मन्त्र कहा गया है।…Durgaashtakshar or Tripur Bhairvi Gayatri Mantra is recommended for “Grihasth” people…

What Lord Shiva Himself narrated the importance of Siddha Kunjika Stotra to Maa Paravati. शिवजी बोले – देवी ! सुनो। मैं उत्तम कुंजिकास्तोत्रका उपदेश करुँगा , जिस मन्त्र के प्रभाव से देवीका जप ( पाठ ) सफ़ल होता है ||१||..