Bhubaneswar, Oct 5: Navratri, the festival dedicated to honoring Navdurga, encompasses a rich tapestry of religious rituals and offerings. Each of the nine forms of Navdurga receives a specific Prasad, reflecting their unique characteristics and attributes.
Here's a list of the Prasadam offerings for each form of Navdurga:
Day 1 - Desi Ghee
On the inaugural day of Navratri, Goddess Shailputri, the daughter of the mountain, is venerated. This avatar embodies the powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Offer Desi Ghee as Prasad to seek the blessings of Maa Shailputri.
Day 2 - Sugar
The second day is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini, an embodiment of perseverance and penance. Worship her unmarried form with the sweet Prasad of Sugar, embracing her virtues.
Day 3 - Kheer
Goddess Chandraghanta, the married form of Parvati, is revered on the third day. She adorns her forehead with half Chandra (moon) and symbolizes qualities like courage and protection. Offer Kheer as Prasad to Goddess Chandraghanta.
Day 4 - Malpua
On the fourth day, Goddess Kushmanda, who dwells within the Sun, is celebrated. Her radiant glow is likened to that of the Sun. Offer Malpua as Prasad to receive her blessings of dispelling darkness and bestowing wealth and health.
Day 5 - Banana
Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), is honored on the fifth day. Present Bananas as Prasad to Devi Skandamata, who grants prosperity and power to her devotees.
Day 6 - Honey
The sixth day pays homage to Goddess Katyayani, who assumed a fierce form to vanquish the demon Mahishasura. Offer Honey as Prasad to learn how to channel anger positively and harness ferocity effectively.
Day 7 - Jaggery
On the seventh day, Goddess Kalaratri, the fiercest form of Parvati, is revered. She is known for her role in defeating demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. Offer Jaggery (Gur) as Prasad to tap into her powerful energy.
Day 8 - Coconut
Goddess Mahagauri, blessed with extreme beauty and fair complexion, is worshipped on the eighth day. Present Coconut as Prasad to seek her blessings, which include the removal of sins and worldly gains.
Day 9 - Sesame Seeds
The ninth day is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, who emerged from the left half of Lord Shiva as Adi-Parashakti. Offer Sesame Seeds as Prasad to Devi Siddhidatri during Navratri to attain various Siddhis, symbolizing the supreme Goddess of Power.
May these offerings connect you with the divine energies of Navdurga during the auspicious Navratri festival.
