Shardiya Navratri is one of the most appreciated festivals of the Hindu religion. It is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in all her forms. Every year, a large number of Hindus participate in this celebration & engage in several rituals to evoke the blessings of the deity (for protection, prosperity, and strength) and pray for the well-being of humankind. It marks the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Let’s talk more about this festival, its significance, rituals, etc, in detail.
What is Shardiya Navratri?
Simply put, Shardiya Navratri is a nine-night festival in India and the world, in which Hindus worship Goddess Durga. It falls during Ashvin (September or October). Each day of the celebration represents her unique feminine power. So, devotees meditate, keep fasting, and worship to seek blessings.
Shardiya Navratri 2025 Date
Shardiya Navratri 2025 will start from Monday, 22 Sept 2025, to Thursday, 2 October 2025. This year, Goddess Durga will arrive on an elephant and depart on a human. The arrival of goddess Durga on an elephant during Navratri is considered extremely auspicious.
As per the Panchang, on the first day, the pious time for Kalash Sthapana will be between 06:09 AM to 08:06 AM. So, devotees will have enough time for about two hours for Kalash Sthapana.
Shardiya Navratri Story
This festival has a spiritual story with a message- good always wins over evil. The birth of Mahishasura (buffalo demon) and Goddess Durga are the two main highlights of Shardiya Navratri.
As per Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma blessed Mahishasura that no man or god could assassinate him. This empowered him very much. He started to disturb and terrorize the three worlds- heaven, earth, and the underworld. He defeated the gods and captured Indra’s throne in heaven.
So, the gods approached Lord Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. They combined their energies to create a powerful goddess – Durga. Remember, different gods gave divine weapons to her-
As per Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma blessed Mahishasura that no man or god could assassinate him. This empowered him very much. He started to disturb and terrorize the three worlds- heaven, earth, and the underworld. He defeated the gods and captured Indra’s throne in heaven.
So, the gods approached Lord Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. They combined their energies to create a powerful goddess – Durga. Remember, different gods gave divine weapons to her-
- Sword and shield from Kala (god of death)
- Bow and arrows from Vayu (wind) and Surya (Sun)
- Thunderbolt from Indra
- Sudarshan Chakra from Lord Vishnu
- Trident from Lord Shiva
All these weapons made her extremely powerful. Goddess Durga and Mahishasura fought fiercely. Each night, she appeared in a different form. So, collectively, she is known as Navadurga-
- Shailputri (Daughter of the mountain)
- Brahmacharini (A woman with sacred religious knowledge)
- Chandraghanta (Moon-Bell)
- Kushmanda (Creation of the universe)
- Skandamata (Mother of Skanda)
- Katyayani (Daughter of sage Katyayana)
- Kalaratri (Night of Destruction" or "Black Night)
- Mahagauri (Extremely fair)
- Siddhidatri (Bestower of Perfection)
On the 10th day, Mahishasura appeared as a buffalo. Using the trident, Goddess Durga killed him to restore balance and peace in the world.
Symbolism of Shardiya Navratri
Mahishasura- He symbolizes arrogance, ignorance, and ego.
Goddess Durga- She presents divine female power, wisdom, and righteousness.
Goddess Durga- She presents divine female power, wisdom, and righteousness.
The Nine Nights- It manifests ongoing war between good and evil within us.
Vijayadashami- It denotes the triumph of good over evil, truth over lies, and light over darkness.
Vijayadashami- It denotes the triumph of good over evil, truth over lies, and light over darkness.
The Importance of Shardiya Navratri
Shardiya Navratri has deep spiritual and moral lessons for all, even today.
Victory of Good Over Evil
The fierce battle between the Goddess Durga and Mahishasura manifests one important lesson for all. It doesn’t matter how strong injustice, negativity, or ego is; truth always wins. Like Goddess Durga, we can also get rid of demons in ourselves in the form of anger, greed, and arrogance.
The fierce battle between the Goddess Durga and Mahishasura manifests one important lesson for all. It doesn’t matter how strong injustice, negativity, or ego is; truth always wins. Like Goddess Durga, we can also get rid of demons in ourselves in the form of anger, greed, and arrogance.
Power of Divine Feminine
Always remember, energy and strength are not just found in physical power but also in divine force and wisdom. Shardiya Navratri reminds us to respect the feminine energy that protects and sustains the universe.
Always remember, energy and strength are not just found in physical power but also in divine force and wisdom. Shardiya Navratri reminds us to respect the feminine energy that protects and sustains the universe.
Devotion & Discipline
During Shardiya Navratri Puja, a large number of devotees fast, offer prayers to the deity, and engage in rituals. All these cleanse our soul, mind, and body, helping us to lead a devotional and healthy lifestyle.
During Shardiya Navratri Puja, a large number of devotees fast, offer prayers to the deity, and engage in rituals. All these cleanse our soul, mind, and body, helping us to lead a devotional and healthy lifestyle.
Positivity & New Beginnings
Shardiya Navratri celebration symbolizes a fresh start, as it takes place in autumn- a period of seasonal transition. A large number of people consider it a pious time to learn new spiritual things, start a new work, and bring positive changes into their lives.
Shardiya Navratri celebration symbolizes a fresh start, as it takes place in autumn- a period of seasonal transition. A large number of people consider it a pious time to learn new spiritual things, start a new work, and bring positive changes into their lives.
Navratri Rituals for A Spiritually Fulfilling Celebration
Undoubtedly, Shardiya Navratri Puja is the perfect time for devotion & spiritual awakening. By participating in certain rituals, you can celebrate the festival in a meaningful way and receive the divine blessings of Goddess Durga.
Participate In Kalash Sthapana
On the first day of Navratri, devotees install a Kalash (a sacred pot filled with water and mango leaves, and a coconut on its top) in their homes or in temples to invoke Goddess Durga. Remember, Kalash is an indicator of the presence of Maa Durga and symbolizes her divine energy.
On the first day of Navratri, devotees install a Kalash (a sacred pot filled with water and mango leaves, and a coconut on its top) in their homes or in temples to invoke Goddess Durga. Remember, Kalash is an indicator of the presence of Maa Durga and symbolizes her divine energy.
Keep Fasting If You Can
During Shardiya Navratri Puja, a large number of people keep a complete fast. On the other hand, some individuals eat only sattvic food, milk, and fruits. If you can, observe fast- partially or fully. It will detoxify the body, help control desires, and allow you to focus on prayers or other rituals. It also helps you maintain discipline and patience during the celebration.
During Shardiya Navratri Puja, a large number of people keep a complete fast. On the other hand, some individuals eat only sattvic food, milk, and fruits. If you can, observe fast- partially or fully. It will detoxify the body, help control desires, and allow you to focus on prayers or other rituals. It also helps you maintain discipline and patience during the celebration.
Daily Worship of the Nine Forms of Durga
People worship nine forms of Goddess Durga during Shardiya Navratri Puja. They chant Durga Saptashati, offer flowers, incense, and pious food to the deity, and perform aarti. It lets them have the unique blessings of each goddess and have wisdom, strength, courage, and spiritual fulfillment.
People worship nine forms of Goddess Durga during Shardiya Navratri Puja. They chant Durga Saptashati, offer flowers, incense, and pious food to the deity, and perform aarti. It lets them have the unique blessings of each goddess and have wisdom, strength, courage, and spiritual fulfillment.
Attend Durga Visarjan
On the 10th day, people organize processions with Durga idols, in which many devotees participate. Eventually, idols are immersed in a nearby river or lake. By doing so, they give a farewell to Maa Durga, going back to her celestial home.
On the 10th day, people organize processions with Durga idols, in which many devotees participate. Eventually, idols are immersed in a nearby river or lake. By doing so, they give a farewell to Maa Durga, going back to her celestial home.
Gift Statues And Paintings
If you can, gift statues and paintings (available on Cottage9) to a temple, a religious body, or any beloved individual during Navratri. It is construed as a form of service and donation. Moreover, it reflects your devotion towards Maa Durga and other deities. It will help you get divine blessings and good karma. Shop for any number of paintings and statues from us. We will always process your order faster and ensure its swift delivery at the specified address.
If you can, gift statues and paintings (available on Cottage9) to a temple, a religious body, or any beloved individual during Navratri. It is construed as a form of service and donation. Moreover, it reflects your devotion towards Maa Durga and other deities. It will help you get divine blessings and good karma. Shop for any number of paintings and statues from us. We will always process your order faster and ensure its swift delivery at the specified address.
Conclusion
Shardiya Navratri 2025 is approaching fast for all of us. It will serve as a golden opportunity for people to reconnect with their spiritual roots, get blessings from the deity, and display their devotion through worship and other religious acts. So, celebrate this festival with great devotion and unity to bring peace, prosperity, and happiness for all. Happy Shardiya Navratri to all.
