- By Kashish Rai
- Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:24 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ashtami Kanya Puja Shardiya Navratri 2025: Kanjak Puja or Kumari Puja is a significant component of the Navratri festivities, which marks the culmination of the Devi Paksha or Navratri fast upheld by the devotees. It is observed on the Ashtami and Navami tithis of Navratri. During Kanjak Puja or Kanya Puja, little girls are worshipped by the devotees as it is believed that they are the swaroop or manifestation of Devi Durga. Halwa, Poori, Kala Chana and Kheer are lovingly prepared and served to these little girls, and gifts are also offered to them after performing their aarti and worship. This year, Maha Ashtami falls on 30th September 2025; henceforth, the Ashtami Kanjak Puja during Shardiya Navratri will be performed on the same day.
Let us check out additional details regarding the date, shubh muhurat, significance and vidhi to perform Ashtami Kanya Pujan below:
Ashtami Kanya Pujan Shardiya Navratri 2025: Date And Time
- Ashtami Kanya Pujan Shardiya Navratri 2025 Date: 30th September 2025, Tuesday
- Maha Ashtami Tithi Begins: 04:31 PM, 29th September 2025
- Maha Ashtami Tithi Ends: 06:06 PM, 30th September 2025
Ashtami Kanya Pujan Shardiya Navratri 2025: Shubh Muhurat
Below is the list of shubh muhurat timings to perform Maha Ashtami Kanjak Puja during Shardiya Navratri 2025:
- Early Morning Muhurat: 05:01 AM To 06:13 AM
- Mid-Day Muhurat: 10:41 AM To 12:11 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:47 AM To 12:35 AM
Ashtami Kanya Pujan Shardiya Navratri 2025: Significance
During Navratri, families invite nine young girls below 13 to their homes, worshipping them as embodiments of the nine goddesses or manifestations of Goddess Shakti. This tradition, known as Nav Kanya Puja, is highly regarded for pleasing Goddess Durga. The feminine gender represents the primordial energy of creation, making these girls deserving of respect and admiration. The family washes their feet, ties a red mauli on their hands, and applies a tilak on their forehead. They then worship and offer prasadam, including puri, dry black chana, and halwa, seeking blessings.
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Nine little girls are worshipped on the sacred occasion of Ashtami Kanya Puja, assuming them to be the manifestation of Devi Durga. (Image Source: AI Gemini)
The ceremony, also known as Maha Ashtami Kumari Puja, holds great significance in Navratri festivities. Some families invite a boy of the same age as a form of Lord Hanuman or “Laudka”. The coconut kept at the altar during Navratri is cracked open and shared as prasadam among the girls. Performing Kanya Puja is believed to gain Goddess Durga's blessings and acknowledge the feminine power in young girls.
Ashtami Kanya Pujan Shardiya Navratri 2025: Rituals
To perform the Ashtami Kanya Pujan, invite nine young girls to your home or a dedicated sacred spot. Before they arrive, take time to prepare and purify the space. Set up a lovely altar for Devi Durga with her images, decorating it with fresh flowers, incense, and a lamp.
Prepare offerings such as halwa, poori, kala chana for the girls. Additionally, you can also give new clothes or gifts to the young little girls during Kumari Puja. The main part of the rituals involves showing them respect, so wash their feet and apply a tilak to their foreheads with reverence.
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As the puja continues, recite special prayers and mantras dedicated to the Goddess. Take the blessings of Maa Durga and the young girls by touching their feet. Conclude the ceremony by distributing this prasad and gratefully seeking the young girls' blessings.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)